Sirpur Surang Tila, Chhattisgarh

Address

Sirpur Surang Tila, Sirpur, Mahasamund District Chhattisgarh 493445

Diety

Shiva, Vishnu, Vinayaga

Introduction

Surang Tila is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Vinayaga, located in Sirpur Village in Mahasamund District in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh.

Puranic Significance

As per the inscription, the temple was built during the period of Maha Shivagupta Balarjuna. This temple complex was unearthed during the excavation carried in the year 2005 – 2006.

Special features

Surang Tila is the largest Temple complex built on a raised platform. The Temple is under protection of Archaeological Survey of India.

Surang Tila stands as the largest temple complex in Sirpur, elevated on a raised platform, and ranks among the tallest structures in Central India. This temple complex is oriented to the west and constructed from white stone. The platform itself elevates approximately 30 feet above the ground. 37 stone steps connecting it to the partially ruined mandapa at ground level.

Within the platform, there are five sanctums: three in the east and north housing Shiva Lingas, one in the south containing the Ganapati idol, and the remaining one sheltering an image of Vishnu. The architectural style harks back to the Panchayatana temple design. Notably, the stone door jambs of each sanctum, as well as the pillars, showcase detailed carvings portraying Narasimha, various deities, demons, celestial nymphs (apsaras), and animals. The temple complex was situated atop what was initially a soil mound with tunnels (Surang) used by locals. However, between 2006 and 2007, an excavation brought the temple to light. An inscription discovered during this excavation is now preserved in the Raipur museum.