Bhilai to Sirpur on bike: Chapter 13: Anand Prabhu Kuti Vihar, Swastik Vihar and excavated Shiva temple
This is an ancient Buddha Vihar constructed by bricks. It was discovered from an excavation done in 1955. It was constructed by Bhikshu Anand Prabhu in seventh century AD in the reign of Mahashivgupt Balarjun, the Somvanshi King of Sirpur. Hence it was named as Anand Prabhu Kuti Vihar. In the ancient times Bhikshu’s used to live and learn about Buddhism over here. The Vihar had 14 rooms and at the main entrance adored the Dwarapal carved in stone pillars on either side. A six feet tall statue of Buddha touching the earth is installed inside the vihar. This Vihar shows the combination of both a temple and a garden and it is a good example of the art of Somvanshis of Dakshina Kosala. This Vihar was double story building surrounded with thin- wide (about 5 feet wide) brick walls. Here are the photos of Anand Prabhu Kuti Vihar:
- Anand Prabhu Kuti Vihar:
- Sculpture:
- Sculpture:
- Anand Prabhu Kuti Vihar:
Next, we saw the excavated Padmapani vihar:
Next, was the Swastik Vihar. Situated very close to Anand Prabhu Kudi Vihar, Swastik Vihar is also an ancient Buddha Vihar constructed by bricks. It was constructed in seventh century AD in the reign of Mahashivgupt Balarjun, the Somvanshi King of Sirpur. Because of its structure similar to the auspicious Swastik it was named as Swastik Vihar. It is believed to have been used by Buddhist monks for meditation and study.
Then, we saw the excavated Shiva temple:
It was getting dark and after a cup of tea we returned to Bhilai.
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vishal:
Sirpur is situated on the right bank of Mahanadi river and about 85 km. from Raipur town in Chattisgarh . The Buddhist settlement of Sirpur was proved with the excavation of one of the two monasteries that is particularly rich in large sized sculptures. The monastery was oblong on plan. It has usual quadrangular monastic plan of a paved courtyard with a pillared veranda all around openings into the cells at back. The monastery was built during the reign of the Mahasivagupta Balarjuna (7th century AD), it continued to be in use for at least two centuries more. Edging the eastern wall of the monastery and connected with it by a door, is an annexe accommodating most probably the kitchen, refractory, bath, store room and hall. A stone paved court with low and paved benches on two sides is an interesting feature. The second monastery is located not far off but is of smaller dimension. It is square on plan and consist of a front porch projecting from the northern wall, nine cells, a chapel and a pillared chamber. The bronze images found are noteworthy and one of then was plated with gold. It was probably a centre of bronze casting like Nalanda and Kurkihar. The bronze images, mostly represented Buddha, Padampani, Vajrapani, Manjusri and Tara. Among the important antiques found on the site were stone images, tablets inscribed with the Buddhist creed and texts, a miniature crystal stupa and a Chinese copper coin of Kai yuan (AD 713-41). The discovery of coins specifically proves that the establishment was important enough to attract foreign pilgrims.
The colossal head of an image of Lord Buddha and discovery of a complete inscribed image of Buddha along with a number of bronze images are notable alike for their technical qualities, artistic excellence and variety. All these findings prove that the Sirpur was a flourishing Buddhist center during the 6th & 7th century A.D. The two large monasteries with an ancillary structure found with hoard of bronze items showed that it was one of the important Buddhist मोनास्टिक.
3 August 2009, 2:17 am