Teevardev
Vihara, Sirpur, Chattisgarh
Teevardev Vihara is a Buddhist
Monastery located in Sirpur Village in Mahasamund District in the Indian state
of Chhattisgarh. The
Vihara is considered as the biggest monastery in Dakshin Kosala region. The
Vihara is situated about 1 Km from Lakshmana Temple. 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
As per
the foundation inscription, the monastery was built by Somavanshi King
Teevardev in 7th – 8th Century CE. It remained in use during
reign of his nephew Harshagupta and grandson Maha Shivagupta Balarjuna.
The Vihara was exposed during excavation in the year 2003,
For
brief details, please refer below link;
The Vihara
This is
a west facing vihara. It consists of sanctum, pillared Mandapam and Ardha
mandapam. The pillared mandapa has corridors on all sides with a small tank at
the centre meant for ablution. The Sanctum houses a large idol of Buddha in
Bhumisparsha Mudra on a decorated pedestal. The idol of Buddha is flanked by
two female devotees, one on either side. The doorway in the Vihara is worth
mentioning.
It
depicts scenes of Buddha's life and Panchatantra stories (friendship
of crocodile and monkey, the snake catching frog, fighting bison, honey bees,
birds, erotic couple and animal figures). All these scenes are profusely carved
in the doorway. Small cells with opening to the corridor are provided on the
northern and southern sides possibly tor the residential purpose.
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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