Day 100 - Mahasamund

Mahasamund is a city located in the district of  Chhattisgarh state of India. It is famous for its traditional background. The region, once capital of 'South Kosal ruled by 'Somavansiya Emperors', was also a center of learning. Large number of temples here, with its natural and divine beauty, was always a visitors delight. The  temples and the fairs/festivals has become the part and parcel of peoples daily life.


How to reach here: 

By Air: The nearest airport  is located in Raipur, which connects other major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai, Ahmedabad, and Bhubaneshwar.

By Rail: Trains can be taken to the main railway station in the town of Raipur, from where local trains can be taken to the town of Mahasamund. Many trains will run from Raipur to Mahasamund, including Samta Express and Adi Puri Express.


Best time to visit: September to May.


Languages spoken: Hindi.


Places you must visit: 

Pithora is among st the most frequented townships of Mahasamund District, situated along NH6. A Nagar Panchayat of Mahasamund lying at an elevation of 304 meters above sea level is visited by tourists to witness the tribal lifestyle, customs and traditional dances. Some of the popular dances performed by these tribes are Raut and Suva Nach.











Swastik Vihar is another Buddhist structure, located in proximity to Anand Prabhu Kudi Vihar. It is believed that various Buddha Bhikshus used this vihar for the purpose of meditation and study.





The Khallarimatha Temple is located in the forests of Khallari Village, about 25 km south of Mahasamund town. There are foot impressions at the shrine, which are believed to be of Bheem, one of the five Pandavas. It is believed that the Pandavas visited the region during their exile.The temple on the hilltop of this village hosts several celebrations during Navaratri Festival and thousands of devotees throng the temple.



Sweth Ganga of Bhamhini is a kund or tank of religious importance, situated in the village of Bhamhini. It is about 10 km from the Mahasamund headquarters. There is a water spring that continuously flows from this kund into the river.During the month of Shravan, Kawars bathe at the spot and fill two pots with the spring water. Thereafter, these Kawars carry this water to the town of Sirpur and shower it on the Shivalinga at Gandheswar Mahadeva temple.




Godhara of Daldali is one of the famous tourist attractions of Mahasamund, which is situated in the village of Daldali. It is located at a distance of around 10 km east of Mahasamund. Surrounded by beautiful forests, this Godhara has a continuously flowing water stream that is quite popular.The village of Daldali also houses an ancient temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.






The Chandi Temple of Birkoni is a popular religious centre of Mahasamund and is dedicated to Goddess Chandi Devi. The temple is located in the Birkoni village of Mahasamund. One of the major attractions of this temple is the celebration of Navaratri that is organised during the Chaitra and Kuwar month.

Laxman Temple is one of the most beautiful temples of Mahasamund which is also known as the Panchrath Temple. This temple comprises of a Mandapam (shelter), Antraal (passage) and Garbha Grih (main sanctum). The carvings on the walls of the shrine draw a lot of attention.The exterior walls and pillars are decorated with carvings of Bharwahakgana, Aja Vatayan, Chitya Gawaksha, Karna Amalak and Kirtimukh. The entrance of this temple depicts a Sheshnaag protecting Lord Shiva as an umbrella.Numerous structures of Lord Vishnu and ornament symbols of Krishna Leela are placed on both sides of the entrance. Other notable highlights of the shrine are erotic pictures and figures like Vishnava Dwarpal.

Anand Prabhu Kudi Vihar is one of the chief vihars among Buddha Vihars of Sirpur town of Mahasamund. The vihar dates back to the era of Mahashiv Gupt Balarjun. It was built by a famous follower of Lord Buddha, Bhikshu Anand Prabhu. The main entrance of the temple has various stone pillars along with numerous Dwarapal carvings.  This vihar has 14 rooms and a statue of Buddha, which is around 6 feet tall. This statue of Lord Buddha is a prime attraction of Anand Prabhu Kudi Vihar.     

 

The Archaeological Museum is located in the premises of the Laxman Temple in the township of Sirpur. This museum has been established by the Archaeological Survey of India, housing the rarest statues along with architectural objects belonging to yesteryear.

Gandheswar Temple is among st the famous religious centers of Mahasamund District of Chhattisgarh. The shrine is constructed along the ruins of the ancient vihars and temples of Mahasamund. Located on the embankment of the River Mahanadi, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is home to various statues of Lord Buddha, Lord Natraj and Lord Shiva. In addition to these, statues of Mahisasur Mardini, Lord Varah and Lord Garud Narayan are also enshrined in the sanctum. The entrance of the temple is decorated with several pictures of Shiva-Leela.   

The Chandi Temple of Guchapali is a shrine of religious importance which is located in the south of Mahasamund. Numerous devotees visit the temple to pay homage to the presiding deity of this temple, Chandi Devi. On the occasion of Navaratri during the month of Chaitra, a grand fair is held and is celebrated with great fervor.