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Sirpur
- Lakshmana Mandir
This
is yet another ancient temple said to belong to seventh century
built by the kings of Sarabhapura, with Sirpur as their capital.
Later Buddhism held its away over this region and many temples were
built to propagate their religion. Excavations reveal the
predominance of Buddhist influence and it was testified by Huan-Tsang,
who visited and recorded his observations in the seventh century.
Among the extant brick temples, the most important one is dedicated
to Lord Mahavishnu, but it is popular as Lakshmana temple. It was
built by Vasantha, the queen mother of Mahasiva Gupta in the seventh
century. The excellent sculptural artistry peeping at the viewers
from every frame elevates them and joins their hands in veneration.
The lintels adorned with the Seshasayi Vishnu figures and the panels
rich with awe-some sculptural pieces draw admiration of art-critics
and brought undying fame to the builders. The magnificent temple
bears striking resemblance to the Rajivlochana temple at Rajim in
both aesthetic embellishments and workmanship. Though in ruins, it
casts an irresistible attraction on theists and artists. Its
location on the river Mahanadi is another plus point it has to its
credit and the cause for perennial attraction.
It
lies in Sirpur in the Raipur district of Madhya Pradesh, accessible
by bus from Raipur.
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