LAXMAN TEMPLE

 Laxman Mandir, Sirpur, Chhattisgarh It is the first temple in India that is built with bricks. This 1300-year-old structure situated on the banks of River Mahanadi in Sirpur of Mahasamund district in Chhattisgarh was built by Shaivaite king Mahashivagupta, who also played host to Chinese traveller Hieun Tsang. Sirpur or Shreepur was once the capital of Dakshin Kosala (as Chhattisgarh was then known) and was quite a happening place. Seventyseven km from Raipur, this temple is one of the finest brick temples in India. At the top of the entrance, you find Sheshnaag acting as an umbrella to Lord Shiva. The temple has ornamental carvings of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu and Krishna’s ras-leela. The sides have numerous erotic carvings.