About Sirpur (Chhattisgarh) in , Raipur

Sirpur is a historical town in Mahasamund district in the state of Chhattisgarh 78 km away from Raipur and 35 km from Mahasamund city on the banks of the river Mahanadi. The town of Sirpur (aka Shirpur) has been mentioned in ancient epigraphic records, dating back to the 5th to the 8th centuries A.D. The city was once the capital of the Sarbhapuriya and Somvanshi Kings of Dakshin (south) Kosala state. It was an important centre of Buddhist from the 6th the 10th century A.D. and was visited by Hieun Tsang, the 7th Century Chinese Pilgrimist and Scholar. The beauty of this magical place has beckoned the presence of the Dalai Lama too in March 2013.It is believed that a devastating earthquake buried the ancient town under mud and debris in the 12th century.The 7th century Laxman Temple which is constructed by maharani vasta devi (wife of harsh gupt and mother of maha shivgupt balarjun during the kingdom of mahashivgupta balarjun) which is (dedicated to lord Vishnu) is considered as one of the finest brick temples of India with a stone doorframe. First discovered in 1872 by Lord Cunningham, the temple is famous for its interesting carvings. Recent excavations have uncovered 12 Buddh Viharas, 1 Jain Vihara, monolithic statues of Buddha and Mahavira, 22 Shiv temples and 5 Vishnu temples, an Ayurveda treatment centre, underground granary market and a sixth century ‘Ayurvedic snaan kund’ (ancient spa).Other famous attractions of Sirpur are the Gandheshwar Temple and the Buddha Vihara. Sirpur is also famous for paper industry.

Get Directions