Tuesday, June 23, 2020

Lakshmana Temple, Sirpur, Chattisgarh

Lakshmana Temple, Sirpur, Chattisgarh
Lakshmana Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in Sirpur Village in Mahasamund District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. This Temple belongs to the mature phase of Gupta architecture can be assigned to the 7th century CE. This Temple is considered as one of best brick-built Temple in India. The Temple is under protection of Archaeological Survey of India.


History
The foundation inscription about the temple construction was found in the debris of this temple and is kept now in Raipur Museum. It is the largest inscription found at Sirpur. The inscription mentions that Vasata, the mother of Maha Shivagupta Balarjuna and the daughter of Suryavarman, the king of Magadha constructed this Temple in memory of her husband after his death.


For brief details, please refer below link;
The Temple
This Temple is considered as one of best brick-built Temple in India. This Temple is well maintained and enclosed within a compound. The Temple stands on a platform facing east. The platform measures about 77 feet long, 39 feet broad and 6 feet high. The platform is built in stone however the temple is entirely made in brick. The temple is Pancharatha on plan. The temple consists of sanctum, antarala and mandapa.


The mandapa is completely in ruins except its pillar bases. The Mandapa is enclosed by two side walls and has remnants of two rows of pillars, eight in each row with corresponding pilaster on side wall. The Sanctum and the (Shikara) tower over the sanctum is intact. Only the top portion of Shikara was lost.


The Sanctum is square in shape. The idol housed in the sanctum is missing. The door frame in stone at the entrance to the sanctum is an example of outstanding architecture.  The temple is dedicated to Vishnu as his avatars are found on door jambs. The lintel contains an image of Lord Vishnu in Ananda Sayana posture along with his consorts, Sridevi and Bhoodevi and a panel on Krishna from Bhagavata Purana.


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.

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