The Buddhsit monastery at Sirpur, which dates back to the 8th century CE, is one of the largest and most important Buddhist monasteries in India, perhaps even more important than that of Nalanda. The site comprises the remains of 100 Buddha Viharas, 4 Jain Vihara, 200 mounds and more than 100 Shiva temples. Besides, a unique nine-room area was also excavated, which has eight ladders leading to the rooms.

Built by Mahashivgupt Balarjun, the monastery also consists of a Buddhist female monk, believed to be that of Haritika, who used to abduct and kill infants. It is said that the Buddha stole her child to make her feel the pain of other mothers. The incidence changed her and she became a Buddhist monk. The statue of Haritika also reflects the popularity of female cult in early India.


Sirpur
Sirpur, situated at a distance of 78 kilometers from Raipur in Chattisgarh, is an important historical Buddhist site of India. An important centre of Buddhism during 6th to 10th century BCE, the place was also visited by the famous Chinese traveller Huien Tsang in the 7th century CE, who also described the city in his accounts as a pillar of Buddhsim in the central region. The modern Sirpur, which contains the remains of the ancient and medieval Buddhist era, is one of the most treasured places for the Buddhists and historians.


Other Attractions

• Lakshman Temple : Built by Vatasa, the mother of King Balarjuna, the Lakshman temple is dedicated to the Hindu lord Vishnu. The temple, rich in magnificent medieval Indian architecture, is still a place of worship for the Hindus.
  
  
• Hirapur Museum : The Hirapur museum, which is located at the back of the Lakshmana temple, contains a rare collection of statues representing the culture of various religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism.

Sirpur is situated at a distance of 78 kilometers from Raipur, the capital city of Chhatisgarh. To reach the place by air, one can take a domestic flight to Raipur, from where the distance to Sirpur can either be covered by rail or road. The nearest rail head is at Mahasamund, 29 kilometers away. National Highway number 6 connects Raipur to Sirpur, and a good network of buses connect these two places while on way to Sambalpur.


The best time to visit Sirpur is from October to February.