Considered one of the youngest states, Chattisgarh’s history dates back to the prehistoric times. Enriched cultural heritage and natural beauty of the colourful tribes, their customs and traditions, of history almost unspoiled by modernity, have made Chhattisgarh a real splendour to visit. With a bounty of treasures, like amazing waterfalls, undulating mountains, pre-historic ruins, tribal arts et al, Chhattisgarh is waiting to be discovered.
RAIPUR
Raipur is the ideal spot from where one can proceed to explore the entire state. Begin with the 16th century Dudhadhari Math and Temple dedicated to Lord Rama with scenes painted from the Ramayana; Vivekananda Sarovar, earlier known as lake ‘Burha Talab’ with a huge effigy of Swami Vivekananda; Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum, established in 1875 with five galleries and is
home to ancient coins, artefacts, weapons etc.; Purani Basti, a part of old Raipur and its five century old Kali Temple; and Purkhauti Muktangan, site of an art pilgrimage on the National Highway no.43.
RAJIM
Also known as the ‘Prayag of Chhattisgarh’, Rajim is positioned on the confluence of the Mahanadi and Pairi rivers. Just 45 km from Raipur, Rajim is famous for a group of temples dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva. Every February this place holds the ‘Rajim Kumbh’, drawing thousands of saints and pilgrims to its holy |
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bank. The Rajivlochan temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu is perhaps the best temple in Rajim. The original temple dated back to 600 AD. Beautiful architecture can be seen in Gaja-Laxmi, Shiva, Vishnu, Baraha- |
A tribal beauty |
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and Narisingha-Avtar on the doorway and the walls of the temin ple. The Old Kuleshawar Mahadev temple and Daneshwar Mahadev temple are also significant spots of this locality.
SIRPUR
Located on the right bank of Mahanadi, Sirpur was known as Shripura in olden times. In fact it was the capital of Dakshin Koshala. The glory of Sirpur can be realised through the writings of famous Chinese traveller Hiuen-Tsang, who visited Sirpur in 635 AD. The magnificent part is that Sirpur has archaeological remains associated with Shaiva, Vaishnava, Buddhist and Jain faiths. Excavations at Sirpur have yielded extensive ruins of ancient structures. Among the various temples and Buddhist monasteries, the most notable are the Laxman temple, Gandheshwara temple, Ananda Prabhu Kutir
Vihara and Swasti Vihara. However, the best temple so far is the Laxman temple which was established in the 7th century and is surely one of the finest brick temples in India. |
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