Sirpur, Archaeological village in Mahasamund district, India
Sirpur is an ancient village on the Mahanadi River bank with temple ruins, monasteries, and excavation sites scattered across the landscape. The structures date from different periods and reveal how this location hosted religious communities over many centuries.
The village served as the capital of the Panduvanshi dynasty from the 5th to 12th century and became a major center for Buddhist and Hindu learning. This period of prominence left behind layers of structures that make it archaeologically significant today.
Temples here show how Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain communities worshiped in the same place over the centuries. You can see this religious blend reflected in the different building styles and decorative elements scattered throughout.
The village is accessible via National Highway 53 from Raipur and can be explored on foot with or without a local guide. The best time to visit is between October and March when the weather is suitable for walking and exploring the ruins.
The Chinese traveler Xuanzang visited in the 7th century and documented the religious schools and monasteries in his writings. His accounts remain among the earliest written records describing the place.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
