#Temple Lakshmana Temple Sirpur Mahasamund
Lakshmana (Laxman) Temple in Sirpur is the first bricks temple in India. Sirpur also known as Shripur (It means "city of auspiciousness, abundance, Lakshmi") is a village in Mahasamund district in Chhattisgarh and is about to 78 km away from capital Raipur and 35 km from Mahasamund city on the banks of the river Mahanadi. In 1872 by Alexander Cunningham, a colonial British India official. His report on a Laxman (Lakshmana) temple at Sirpur brought it to international attention.
Sirpur was once the centre of power of South Kosalas during the rule of Sarabhapuriyas and Panduvamsis during 6th – 8th century AD. The archaeological remains in and around Sirpur consists of both Hindu and Buddhist monuments in the form of temples and monasteries.
Among them, the most well preserved magnificent temple is the east facing Lakshmana temple built by Vasata, the mother of Mahasivagupta Balarjuna in 7th century AD. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this brick temple stands on a high massive platform accessible by steps in the north and the south. The plan of the temple consists of a garbagriha, antarala and a mandapa.
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The mandapa now in ruins was originally upheld by stone pillars in rows. The exquisitely carved doorframe depicts figures of Seshasayi Vishnu along with his other incarnations. This temple is one among the best examples of brick temples of ancient India.
About Lakshmana Temple
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| A view of River Mahanadi from a Shiva temple in Sirpur. (wikipedia) |
Except for the sanctum and the tower, much is in ruins. The sanctum stone frame outside is a 22x22 feet square, inside it is about 10x10 feet square. The sanctum walls are plain like typical Hindu temples. The original statue of sanctum is missing. The site management has installed several small statues for visitors from what was found in the ruins pile.
Entrance Fee:
For Indians: Citizens of India and visitors of SAARC (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Maldives and Afghanistan) and BIMSTEC Countries (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar) - Rs. 15 per head.
For Others: Rs. 200/- per head
How to Reach Lakshmana Temple Sirpur
By Road: Sirpur city is in Mahasamund District in Chhattisgarh. From capital Raipur it is about 78 km away and from Mahasamund main city it is about 35 km away. City bus and taxis are available.
By Train: Nearest railway station is Raipur. From Raipur railway station city bus and auto are available.
By Flight: Nearest airport is Swami vivekanand Airport, Raipur which is well connected to all domestic flights.
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