Lakshmana Temple, Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh, Mahasamund , Raipur

Located in Sirpur, Chhattisgarh, the Laxman Temple is an ancient and famous temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple was built by Queen Vasata, the mother of Mahasivagupta Balarjuna in 650 AD. Discovered by Lord Cunningham in 1872, the Laxman Temple is considered as one of the finest brick temples of India with a stone doorframe.

Legend

According to the legends, Queen Vasata, the mother of king Mahasivgupta Balarjuna, built the temple in the memory of her husband Harshgupta in 650 AD. According to the epigraphical data found from the debris of mandapa, the widow of the Somavanshi king Harsha Gupta Vasata originally dedicated the temple to Lord Vishnu. The present name of the temple originates from a small black statue of Lakshman found seated on a snake-hood within the temple.

Architecture

Laxman temple is considered as one of the finest brick temples of India. The temple has a beautiful beautiful Sheshnaag serving as an umbrella to Lord Vishnu at the entrance. The temple is famous for its unique Symmetry, precise construction and exquisite carvings. Exquisite carving work on pillars depicting religious segments like Vatayan, Chitya Gawaksha, Bharwahakgna, Aja, Kirtimukha and Kama Amalak breathe life into the exterior walls of the temple. The brick temple stands on a high massive platform accessible by steps in the north and the south. The plan of the temple consists of a garbagriha, antarala and a mandapa. The mandapa now in ruins was originally upheld by stone pillars in rows. The mandapa of the temple has eight Pillars arranged in two rows of four each. Six of the pillars are beautifully adorned while two -the ones closest to the garbhagriha have elaborate inscriptions on them.

Picture courtesy : wikipedia

Darsan Info

Morning 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Lakshmana temple also forms the backdrop of the famous Sirpur Music and Dance Festival which takes place every year in the month of January.
Citizens of India and visitors of SAARC (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Maldives and Afghanistan) and BIMSTEC Countries (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar) - Rs. 15 per head.
Others:
Indian Rs. 200/- per head

Darsan Dresscode

No dress code

Culture

Chhattisgarh boasts of a rich cultural heritage amidst crusty cuisine, vivacious dances, great religions, melodious music, lively people, amiable languages, sparkling fairs & festivals, and marvelous arts & crafts. Its unique approach towards dance, cuisine, and music, make it different from others.