Chhattisgarh Tourism Board organised a special heritage tour for a 17-member international delegation.

Visit to major archaeological sites including Laxman Temple, Anand Prabhu Kuti Vihar, Swastika Vihar, Tivardev Mahavihara

Initiative to give new identity to Sirpur in global academic and tourism dialogue

Raipur, September 2026/ In a significant initiative towards getting Chhattisgarh's rich historical, cultural and archaeological heritage recognised globally, the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board organised a special heritage tour for a 17-member international delegation from Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan. The Japanese delegation, hosted by NIT Raipur from 12 to 14 September 2026 for the purpose of academic and research collaboration, visited the ancient historical city of Sirpur on 14 September and got to know closely the heritage of Chhattisgarh, which shows a wonderful synthesis of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain culture.

As the primary hospitality and event partner, the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board arranged a special heritage tour of Sirpur for the international guests. Expert local guides were hired to introduce the delegation to Sirpur's historical background, architecture, archaeological significance, and religious-cultural diversity. Special hospitality and dining arrangements were also made to accommodate the Japanese guests' culinary preferences.

Sirpur – A Wonderful Confluence of History, Religion and Architecture

Situated on the banks of the Mahanadi River, Sirpur was known as Shripur in ancient times and held an important position as the capital of Dakshina Kosala. Archaeological excavations in present-day Sirpur have revealed a vast array of Buddhist monasteries, Hindu temples, Jain remains, and other ancient structures. Numerous archaeological remains related to Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain traditions are present here.

The Japanese delegation visited the major heritage sites of this historic city, gaining an understanding of its architectural traditions and ancient cultural life. For them, this visit was not merely a tourist activity, but a vibrant experience of academic, cultural, and heritage dialogue between India and Japan.

Laxman Temple – Amazing architectural art carved in bricks

The main attraction of the delegation's visit was the Lakshmana Temple. Dating back to around the seventh century, this temple is considered one of the finest ancient brick temples in India. The temple's architecture, ornamentation, and intricate brickwork showcase the architectural art of Sirpur. The temple complex also houses numerous statues and relics of archaeological significance. The delegation members observed the temple's structure, architectural features, including the sanctum sanctorum, antarala, and mandapa, and learned about the temple's historical and cultural context from a local guide.

Anand Prabhu Kuti Vihar told about the Buddhist splendor of Sirpur

The delegation then visited the Ananda Prabhu Kuti Vihara, one of Sirpur's major Buddhist archaeological sites. The Vihara's architecture features rooms arranged around a central courtyard and beautifully carved architectural elements. The Buddha statue and artifacts related to Padmapani Avalokiteshvara add to its Buddhist heritage. Available archaeological records indicate that the monastery once housed a 14-room monastery complex.

Japanese students and researchers learned about ancient Buddhist teachings, monastic life, and architectural traditions here. This site was particularly significant for them, as Buddhist philosophy and art have a profound influence on Japan's own cultural tradition.