Sirpur is a city located in the state of Chhattisgarh in India. Chhattisgarh was formerly a part of Madhya Pradesh before it came to be recognized as a separate state in Indian subcontinent. The tourists on Chhattisgarh city tours must visit the city of Sirpur. This city was once known by the name of Shirpur. The distance of Sirpur from the state capital Raipur is only 50 km. Sirpur city lies on the Kawardha-Kanker road. Sirpur has long historical lineage. Sirpur is an ancient city of India and mention of this city is found in the ancient records of 5th and 8th century. This city of Chhattisgarh is an important tourist spot as it was a Buddhist center in the ancient times. In ancient India Sirpur happened to be the capital city of the rulers of the South of Somvanshi and Sarbhapuriya dynasties. During 635 AD, the Chinese scholar and traveler Hiuen Tsang visited this city of Chhattisgarh. Other than a city of historical importance, there are a number of Hindu temples that are visited by the tourists on a Chhattisgarh city tours.

Sirpur is famous for the first temple in India to be built with bricks- the Laxman Mandir. It also is home to several other structures of great archaeological importance. With the recent discovery of a Haritika statue in Sirpur and a temple complex, said to be much bigger than the Nalanda site in Bihar, has just added to the charm of visiting Shirpur.

The 1300 year old Laxman Mandir, considered to be built in the 6th century A.D., is situated on the banks of the River Mahanadi in Sirpur of Mahasamund district in Chhattisgarh. The temple was built by Shaivaite King Mahashivagupts, who also played host to the famous Chinese traveller Hieun Tsang. Sirpur or Shreepur waas once the capital of Dakshin Kosala (as Chhattisgarh was then known) and it used to be quite a happening place.

Situated seventy seven kms from Raipur, the Laxman Temple is one of the finest brick temples in India. At the top of the entrance, The Sheshnaag sits tall acting as an umbrella to Lord Shiva. The temple has ornamental carvings of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu and Krishna's ras-leela. The sides of the temple have numerous erotic carvings. This 'Panchrath' type temple has Mandap(shelter), Antraal(passage) and the Garbha Grih (the main house). In the exterior walls and pillers the religious segments of a temple namely - Vatayan, Chitya Gawaksha, Bharwahakgana, Aja, Kirtimukh and Karna Amalak are engraved n the pillers.

Places of Interest:
Anand Prabhu Kuti Vihar, Archaeological Museum, Gandheshwar Temple Laxman Temple, Swastik Vihar

Reach:
By Air: Raipur is nearest Airport.

By Rail: Mahasamund (29 km) is the nearest railhead from Sirpur.

By Road: Sirpur is located on the National Highway No. 6 and so easily accessible by road from Raipur and Sambalpur.

Best Time to Visit:
The best time to travel to Chhattisgarh / Sirpur is between the months of October to March.