Sirpur is in ((Chhattisgarh)). Sirpur is an interesting site, one hour east of Raipur. Sited on the banks of the holy Mahanadi river, and known as 'Shripur' in ancient times, it was the capital of South Kosala. The Laxman Temple here, believed to have been built in the 7 th century, is one of the finest brick temples in India, in good condition, and characterized by exquisite carvings and precise construction. Sheshnaag serves as an umbrella to Load Shiva on the top of the entrance, while incarnations of Load Vishnu, Krishna Leela ornamental symbols, and erotic carvings adorn the sides. The religious segments of a temple - Vatayan , Chitya Gawaksha , Bharwahakgana , Aja , Kirtimukh and Karna Amalak - are engraved in the pillars of this Panchrath type temple. The inside has the Mandap (shelter), Antraal (passage) and Garbha Grih (the main house). The Archaeological Survey of India has established a museum in the temple premises, which houses a collection of rare statues and other relics significant to the Shaiva, Vaishnava, Buddhist and Jain faiths. Down the road is the Gandheshwar Temple, situated on the banks of the Mahanadi river. This Shiva temple was built using the architectural remains of ancient temples and vihars . The effect is quite artistic. Various pictures of 'Shiva-Leela' adorn the top of the entrance. Inside there is a statue of Buddha touching the earth, as well as statues of Natraj, Shiva, Varah, Garud Narayan, and Mahisasur Mardini.