Mahasamund

One of the most panoramic destinations of the Indian state of Chhattisgarh, Mahasamund I located in the state’s central-eastern portion. The districts of Chhattisgarh named Raigarh and Raipur and the districts of Orissa named Nawapara and Bargah border Mahasamund. The principal attractions of Mahasamund are the luxurious dense forests, the varied wildlife that dwells in these forests and the renowned archaic locations of significant historic importance. 

Some of the famous tourist destinations in and around Mahasamund are Sirpur, Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary, numerous Buddhist temples and Buddhist Vihar, the renowned Laxman Temple, the Gandheshwar Temple, the Anandprabhu Kudi Vihar, Swastika Vihar and the Archaeological Museum with a vast assortment of arts and crafts items. 

                                  PLACES TO SEE IN MAHASAMUND

Sirpur: This place named Sirpur is situated on the bed of the river named Mahanadi. One can observe the numerous structures of great architecture and cultural specimens. ‘Shripur’ is the name of this place by which it was called in the time period of the Somavanshiya rulers. This place served as the capital of the South Kosal.

Laxman Temple: The temple of Laxman is considered to be one of the most excellent temples of India. The style of architecture of the temple is known as the ‘Panchrath’ type of temple. The structure of the temple contains a Mandap which means a shelter, Antraal which means passage and the Garbha Grih which stands for the main house. The entry point of the temple is spectacularly beautiful. At the entry point, one can observe the Sheshnaag acting as an umbrella to Lord Shiva. 

Anand Prabhu Kudi Vihar: The Buddha Vihars have made this place quite renowned. Bhikshu Anand Prabhu built the famous structure. He was a disciple of Lord Buddha. There are 14 numbers of rooms in the Vihar. The Vihar contains a huge statue of Buddha having an altitude of 6 feet.

Swastik Vihar: This structure is another specimen connected to Buddhism. It is located close to the ‘Anand Prabhu Kudi Vihar’. This place serves as a location for the Buddh Bhiksus to meditate and to carry out their studies.

Gandheswar Temple: This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, has been constructed on the bed of the river named Mahanadi. The main features of the temple are the archaic remnants of the historic period. Some of the rare and unique statues present in the grounds of the temple are the statues of Buddha, which almost meets the ground, the Natraj, Shiv, Varah, Garud Narayan and Mahisasur Mardini. 

Musuem: The grounds of the Laxman Temple contain the museum constructed by the Archaeological Survey of India. Several unique statues and other architectural structures linked to Shaiva, Vaishnava, Buddha and Jain are kept in the museum.

Sweth Ganga of Bhamhini: The village named Bhamhini is located at a distance of 10 Kms from Mahasamund, in its west direction. From this flagstone pit, there is a spring which takes origin and then runs into the river. An ancient Lord Shiva temple is located neighboring this spring. During the time period of full moon of the month of Maghi and also during the celebrations of Mahashivratri, this place hosts a mela. During the time of ‘Bolbum Kawariya’, as named by the disciples, people come here in groups. This takes place during the month of Sravan. During this time, following a bath, the people collect two pots of water from the spring and carry these pots of water to the village named Sirpur. This carried water is then sprinkled on the Gandheshwar Mahadeva Temple’s Shivlinga. 

Khallarimatha Temple: On top of the hill-forest of the village named Khallari, the temple of Khallarimatha Temple is located. This village is set at a distance of 25 Kms from Mahasamund, in its south direction. On the full moon day of the month of Chaitra, this place hosts a fair every year. The presence of the imprints of the foot of Bhim on the side of the hill leads people to believe that the Pandavas had visited this place during the time of the Mahabharata.

Ghaudhara (Daldali): The place named Daldali is situated at a distance of 10 Kms from Mahasamund, in its east direction. An ancient temple of Shiva and Godhara is present in this location. From the godhara, there is an endless flow of water. An enchanting forest encircles the northeastern side of the village. A fair called the Poush Mela is hosted here during the time of the full moon.

Chandi Temple of Guchapali: At a distance of 40 Kms from Mahasamund, in its south direction, the village named Guchhapali is located. The village contains a temple, which houses an enormous statue of Devi Chandi. During the celebrations of Navarathri in the month of Chaitra, this place hosts a mela. 

                                     HOW TO REACH MAHASAMUND

By Air: The closest air terminal is the airport in Raipur, which is located at a distance of 55 Kms from Mahasamund. 

By Rail: Mahasamund has got its own railway station. 

By Road: Mahasamund is located on the NH 217. It is thus linked to other major cities of Chhattisgarh. One can travel to this place via state run buses, private taxis and cars.