Padmapani Vihara (SRP-10)

The Padmapani Vihara facing to the north is approached by seven flight of stone steps comprises an ardha-mandapa, a twelve pillared mandapa, a centrally placed garbha-griha in south and nine monks’ cells surrounding the mandapa. The 4 x 3 m garbha-griha is devoid of any sculpture. The monks’ cells are generally of the size 3.20 x 2.30 m and have shell stone uprights on the doors, capped by latertic lintel stone. The stone lined staircase on the southwestern corner indicates it to be a double storeyed structure. In the ardhamandapa there are niches on two sides. In the eastern one, a beautiful image of Hariti seated in lalitasana with her son on her left lap. The Prabhavali contains 6^th cent. A.D. Brahmi inscription. The inscription is Buddhist Beeja Mantra.

The mandapa has a stone floor with a covered outlet for water on the Budhistva Padmapani. Almost all the sculptures are inscribed on the back and side with Buddhist Beeja Mantra. Some of the doors of monks’ cells were later blocked with bricks. From the upper level a large number of images of Mahisasuramardini and Ganesh have been recovered the Vihara was later occupied by Hindu devotees after decline of Buddhist influence in Sirpur. The images carved on shell stones and ichnographically show much later dates i.e. after 9^th-10^th cent. A.D.