India Mint Stamp
Lokith Philately
Permanent Pictorial cancellation of Chhattisgarh
Permanent Pictorial cancellation of Chhattisgarh
Permanent Pictorial Cancellation inaugural day covers
Permanent Pictorial Cancellation inaugural day covers
Date of issue: 22.01.2025
Date of issue: 22.01.2025
Pin code: 493445
Pin code: 493445
Status: Available
Status: Available
PO Name: Sirpur
PO Name: Sirpur
Description: Laxman Temple made of Red Bricks and 1,500 years old, is located in the Sirpur Mahasamund district of Chhattisgarh. This temple is the most unique among the ancient temples discovered in the country it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This district is a treasure trove of history and archaeology, which is a confluence of three religions: Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Among the discoveries, the Laxman Temple is particularly important and it was built in the Nagara architectural style. It was once the capital of South Kaushal, historically known as Sripur. The temple was built between 625 and 650 AD and was hidden under the forest until its discovery in 1872. When Sirpur was ruled by Somvanshi King Harshgupta, who was married to Princess Vasata Devi, who followed the Vaishnav sect. After the death of King Harshgupta, Queen Vasata Devi built this temple in his memory and it became a symbol of love here. Its ancient name was Shripur, which reflects its historical significance.
Description: Laxman Temple made of Red Bricks and 1,500 years old, is located in the Sirpur Mahasamund district of Chhattisgarh. This temple is the most unique among the ancient temples discovered in the country it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This district is a treasure trove of history and archaeology, which is a confluence of three religions: Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Among the discoveries, the Laxman Temple is particularly important and it was built in the Nagara architectural style. It was once the capital of South Kaushal, historically known as Sripur. The temple was built between 625 and 650 AD and was hidden under the forest until its discovery in 1872. When Sirpur was ruled by Somvanshi King Harshgupta, who was married to Princess Vasata Devi, who followed the Vaishnav sect. After the death of King Harshgupta, Queen Vasata Devi built this temple in his memory and it became a symbol of love here. Its ancient name was Shripur, which reflects its historical significance.
In front of the temple, there is a mandapam supported by 16 pillars, followed by a gap before the sanctum sanctorum. The doors of the temple have carvings of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu, while the sanctum sanctorum houses an idol of Lord Lakshmana as Sheshnag. The doors have depictions of various incarnations of Lord Vishnu, including Matsya, Varaha, Narasimha and Vamana. Despite being primarily dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the presence of the idol of Sheshnag holds special significance. The temple has withstood disasters such as earthquakes in the 11th, 12th and 14th centuries and the devastating floods of the Mahanadi River. The Lakshmana temple has survived intact, which is a testimony to its unique construction.
In front of the temple, there is a mandapam supported by 16 pillars, followed by a gap before the sanctum sanctorum. The doors of the temple have carvings of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu, while the sanctum sanctorum houses an idol of Lord Lakshmana as Sheshnag. The doors have depictions of various incarnations of Lord Vishnu, including Matsya, Varaha, Narasimha and Vamana. Despite being primarily dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the presence of the idol of Sheshnag holds special significance. The temple has withstood disasters such as earthquakes in the 11th, 12th and 14th centuries and the devastating floods of the Mahanadi River. The Lakshmana temple has survived intact, which is a testimony to its unique construction.
Made of bricks, the temple exhibits advanced construction technology; there are no gaps between the bricks, which were joined using a special paste made of urad dal, acacia gum, lime, jaggery and wild herbs. Carving the bricks is a significant challenge. The bricks have intricate designs of elephants, lions, animals and birds. 21 Shiva temples, 10 Buddhist Viharas, 5 Vishnu temples and one Jain Vihara have been found in the area of 10 km around it. A large market and 51 ancient ponds have also been found in the excavation. To preserve these, three museums have been built in the Laxman temple complex, in which statues and artefacts from the 6th to the 9th century have been displayed.
Made of bricks, the temple exhibits advanced construction technology; there are no gaps between the bricks, which were joined using a special paste made of urad dal, acacia gum, lime, jaggery and wild herbs. Carving the bricks is a significant challenge. The bricks have intricate designs of elephants, lions, animals and birds. 21 Shiva temples, 10 Buddhist Viharas, 5 Vishnu temples and one Jain Vihara have been found in the area of 10 km around it. A large market and 51 ancient ponds have also been found in the excavation. To preserve these, three museums have been built in the Laxman temple complex, in which statues and artefacts from the 6th to the 9th century have been displayed.