Sirpur Archaeological Site

28.11.2025

Sirpur Archaeological Site

Context

Chhattisgarh is preparing Sirpur in Mahasamund district for a UNESCO nomination by introducing digital interpretation centres, improved pathways, eco-friendly mobility, and thematic clusters to enhance accessibility and heritage tourism.

Site Overview

Sirpur (ancient Śripura), on the Mahanadi near Raipur, was a major centre of Dakṣina Kosala (5th–12th century CE) under the Panduvanshi and Somavamshi rulers. Known for its multi-religious character, it houses Hindu temples, Buddhist viharas, Jain sites, palatial remains, markets, stupas, granaries, and water systems. Excavations since the 1880s have revealed:

• 22 Shiva temples
   
• 5 Vishnu temples
   
• 10 Buddhist viharas
   
• 3 Jain viharas
   indicating a thriving commercial and well-planned urban centre.
   

Architectural Highlights

Lakshmana Temple (7th century CE)

• Early brick temple on a stone platform.
   
• Elegant shikhara, rich Vishnu imagery, and ornate brickwork.
   

Surang Tila Complex (7th century CE)

• Elevated Panchayatana structure on a 9 m terrace with 37 steps.
   
• Four Shiva shrines, Ganesha temple, and a 32-pillared mandapa with signs of seismic activity.
   

Tivaradeva Buddha Vihara (8th century CE)

• Large monastery featuring a monolithic Avalokiteshvara.
   
• Inscriptions show Buddhist–Hindu interaction.
   

Baleshwar & Gandheshwar Temples

• Carved pillars, female figures, reused fragments, and a marble lingam.
   
• Reflect layered worship traditions.
   

Urban Planning Features

• 6th-century markets, residential blocks, and ghats along the Mahanadi.
   
• Integrated sacred, civic, and commercial zones.
   

Development Plans

Sirpur will be structured into four clusters—Buddhist, Hindu, Civic–Administrative, and Riverine. Planned upgrades include battery vehicles, paved paths, interpretation centres, trilingual signage, QR systems, guided circuits, cultural events, and expanded ASI-managed zones for surveys and better site management.

Significance

• Showcases coexistence of Shaiva, Vaishnava, Buddhist, and Jain traditions.
   
• Highlights transitions in early brick architecture, religious art, and urban design.
   
• Illuminates Dakṣina Kosala’s political history, trade, and monastic networks.
   
• UNESCO status could enhance tourism, livelihoods, and long-term conservation.
   

Conclusion

Sirpur’s multi-religious heritage, refined architecture, and planned urban landscape mark it as a major early-medieval site. Strengthened conservation and visitor facilities significantly improve its prospects for global recognition and sustainable heritage development.