Sirpur, Raipur, Chhattisgarh India

Sirpur was an important centre for Buddhists and was visited by Hieun Tsang, the seventh-century Chinese scholar.  Located 78 km (48 miles) from Raipur on the banks of the river Mahanadi, the town of Sirpur has been mentioned in ancient epigraphic records.

Also located in Sirpur is the 7th century Laxman Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.  It is considered one of the finest brick temples in India with a stone doorframe that was first discovered in 1872 by Lord Cunningham.