Mahasamund district is an administrative district in Chhattisgarh. The city of Mahasamund is its district headquarters. Mahasamund covers an area of 3902.39 sq. km. located on the eastern part of Chhattisgarh. It is surrounded by Raigarh and Raipur districts of Chhattisgarh and Nuapara and Bargarh districts of Orissa. With a number of temples the Mahasamund district echoes the spiritual aura in a subtle way. Whether the architectural wonder or the divineness the different temples in Mahasamund are indeed the reason, which speaks of the religious splendor of the place.
Anand Prabhu Kudi Vihar, Sripur, Mahasamund, Chhattisgarh: The town of Sripur is primarily known for its Buddha Viharas. The most famous amongst them is `Anand Prabhu Kudi Vihar`, constructed by Bhikshu Anand Prabhu, a follower of Buddha, during the period of Mahashivgupt Balarjun. The Vihara has 14 rooms and the main entrance has the Dwarpal carved in stone on either side of it. A 6-feet tall statue of Buddha touching the earth (basement) can be seen installed inside the vihar.
Swastik Vihar, Sripur, Mahasamund, Chhattisgarh: Another Buddhist Vihara recently excavated, situated very near to the Prabhu Kudi Vihar, is the Swastik Vihar, believed to be the meditation and study section room of the Buddh Bhikshus.
Sweth Ganga of Bhamhini, Mahasamund, Chhattisgarh: The village of Bhamhini is about 10km from Mahasamund. Swethganga is located to the west of Mahasmaund. There is a spring that gushes out from the flagstone pit, with constant flow from the river into the pit (khund). Adjacent to this river there is an old temple of Lord Shiva. An eponymous mela is celebrated during the full moon day of Maghi month and on the day of Mahashivratri. During the month of Sravan, the devotees called `Bolbum Kawariya` come here in groups and after taking a bath, take two pots full of water from the spring and tying the two pots on both ends of a stick, which are called Kawar, carry this water on their shoulders, walk to Sripur village situated about 50km away from Bhamhini, murmuring the slogan `Bolbum` throughout the distance. The water thus carried will be showered on the Shivlinga at Gandheshwar Mahadeva Temple in Sripur. T%he Sean at Sripur at that time will be similar to minibaijnath dham.
Khallarimatha Temple, Mahasamund, Chhattisgarh: Khallarimatha Temple is situated on a hilltop forest of Khallari village, about 25km south to Mahasamund. Every year during Navratri the devotees gather to visit the goddess and to participate in the annual fair scheduled on the full moon day of the month of Chaitra. It is believed that during the Mahabharata era, the Pandavas had frequented this hilltop; locals are of the belief that footprints of Bhima are visible throughout the hilly area.
Godhara of Dalali, Mahasamund, Chhattisgarh: About 10km eastside of Mahasamund, there is a place by the name of Dalali, where an archaic Shiva temple and a `godhara` can be witnessed. The water flows out in a continuous motion from Godhara, which is a curious feature for people to visit. During the months of Sravan and Poush, devotees come in great numbers to offer prayers, as these months are considered auspicious for Lord Shiva. A mela (fair) is put up for this grand occasion.
Chandi Temple of Guchapali, Mahasamund, Chhattisgarh: Guchapali village is located about 40km south of Mahasamund. The Chandi Temple`s prime attraction is the enormous natural, self-created statue of Devi Chandi, another manifestation of Goddess Durga. A mela (fair) is celebrated during Navratri in the Chaitra months.
