Ananda Prabhu Vihara, Sirpur,
Chattisgarh
Ananda Prabhu Vihara is a Buddhist Monastery located in Sirpur
Village in Mahasamund District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The Vihara had a temple and
14 room monastery. This Vihara has been declared of national importance under
the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958. Sirpur
is a pilgrimage site for the followers of Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism.
History
Ananda
Prabhu Kuti Vihara was built by Buddhist Monk Anand Prabhu (also called as Ananda
Prabha in few inscriptions), under the patronage of Hindu King Maha Sivagupta
Balarjuna. This vihara was excavated during 1953-55 excavation carried out by M
G Dixit. There is a foundation inscription dated to 7th – 8th
Century CE found during excavations. The inscription clearly states that the
monastery was built by Buddhist Monk Anand Prabhu during the reign of King Maha
Sivagupta Balarjuna.
For brief details, please refer below link;
The Vihara
The
Vihara had a temple and 14 room monastery. Dvarapalas carved on stone pillars
can be found at the main entrance. The temple consists of Ardha Mandapa, a
pillared mandapa and Sanctum. The sanctum houses a colossal image of Buddha
(6.5 ft. height). He is accompanied with Padampani, shown carrying a lotus
stalk in one hand and showing abhaya mudra in his other hand. He is depicted in
Bhumisparsha Mudra (posture of touching the earth).
Connectivity
Sirpur
is located at about 37 Kms from Mahasamund, 38 Kms from Mahasamund Railway
Station, 45 Kms from Arang, 74 Kms from Raipur Airport and 82 Kms from Raipur. Sirpur Village
is situated on the banks of the river Mahanadi
in Mahasamund District in the state of
Chhattisgarh. Sirpur is accessible from Raipur by a four-lane National Highway 53.
Regular bus services connect Raipur and Sirpur. The nearest railway station is
Mahasamund Railway Station. The nearest airport is the Swami Vivekananda
airport at Raipur with
daily flights to major cities in India.
Location
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