Ananda Prabhu Vihara, Sirpur, Chattisgarh

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 7^th – 8^th 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;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/06/sirpur-group-of-monuments-history.html

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