Turturiya Dham - Archaeological Site
The Turturiya Dham is not just a religious site; it is a significant archaeological location revealing a rich, mixed-cultural history. The site contains numerous ruins, ancient pillars, and idols dating back to the 8th and 9th Century AD, indicating a period of high religious and artistic activity. Excavations, notably by the British Commissioner H. M. Lary in 1914, uncovered evidence of multiple faiths coexisting. Remains include fragments of Stupas and bathing ghats, suggesting the presence of Buddhist Monasteries (Viharas), potentially housing female monks (Bhikkhunis). Simultaneously, sculptures of Lord Vishnu (standing and seated on Sheshnag), Lord Ganesha, and various Shivalingas point to the simultaneous flourishing of Vaishnava and Shaiva Hindu traditions. Ancient stone columns with artistic carvings, inscriptions, and hero-stone-like sculptures depicting men wrestling or fighting a lion have been discovered. This blend of Buddhist, Shaiva, and Vaishnava remnants underscores Turturiya's historical importance as a cultural and religious melting pot in ancient Dakshin Kosala (South Chhattisgarh), making it a crucial spot for historical and anthropological study.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 hour for enthusiasts to examine the scattered ruins, ancient pillars, and inscribed stones within the complex.Place Type:
Archaeological Site, Historical Landmark, Museum oEntry Fees:
Archaeological Site Access: The archaeological site, consisting of scattered ruins and artifacts within the main Dham premises, has No Separate Entry Fee. It is integrated with the free-to-access Valmiki Ashram grounds.
Information/Interpretati...Archaeological Site Access: The archaeological site, consisting of scattered ruins and artifacts within the main Dham premises, has No Separate Entry Fee. It is integrated with the free-to-access Valmiki Ashram grounds.
Information/Interpretation Centre: If a small, informal museum or information center is eventually established at the site, there may be a small, mandatory or optional entry fee (Rs.20 to Rs.50) collected to fund the display and preservation of the delicate artifacts. Artifact Photography (Commercial) While general visitor photography is free, commercial or high-quality documentation of specific ancient artifacts for academic publishing or sale may require a substantial, pre-approved fee and permit from the State Archaeology Department.
Guided History Tours: Local historians or experts might offer specialized guided tours focusing solely on the archaeological and historical aspects of the ruins. The fee for such a specialized service is negotiated directly with the guide. No Official Fee exists for a historical tour.Timing:
Site Exploration Timings: The open ruins and pillars within the complex are accessible whenever the main Ashram grounds are open, generally from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Ideal Time for Study/Photography: The Ideal Time for studying the archaeolog...Site Exploration Timings: The open ruins and pillars within the complex are accessible whenever the main Ashram grounds are open, generally from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Ideal Time for Study/Photography: The Ideal Time for studying the archaeological fragments and photography is mid-morning (9:00 AM to 11:00 AM) when the sunlight is bright enough for clear documentation but the heat is not yet overwhelming. The angle of the sun at this time is often best for highlighting the carvings' details.
Guided Tour Timings: If local history enthusiasts offer guided walks, these are typically scheduled for the early morning (8:00 AM) to maximize the cool temperatures and focus on the intellectual aspects before the peak crowds arrive. Artifact Handling (Strictly Forbidden) Note that while you can view the artifacts, any attempt to move, touch, or handle the ancient stones outside of organized archaeological work is strictly forbidden at all times.Special Events:
Archaeological/Heritage Days: While the site is not a standalone archaeological park, special events like World Heritage Day (April 18th) or state-level heritage seminars sometimes involve talks, guided walks, or special cleaning drives focused on the ruins and ancient struc...Archaeological/Heritage Days: While the site is not a standalone archaeological park, special events like World Heritage Day (April 18th) or state-level heritage seminars sometimes involve talks, guided walks, or special cleaning drives focused on the ruins and ancient structures. These are special opportunities for academics and enthusiasts.
Documentation and Research Visits: The site regularly hosts visits by scholars, archaeology students, and historians from local and national universities. These visits, while not a public 'event,' represent special, focused activity on the archaeological importance of the ruins, often resulting in new findings or published papers about the 8th-9th century period. The Annual Chhagan Puja (Local Deity) The scattered hero stones and other non-mainstream ancient idols may be the focus of specific, small-scale local or tribal rituals (pujas) that are distinct from the main Ashram schedule. These represent ancient local folk traditions being maintained quietly.Best Photo Spots:
The Carved Pillar Fragments: Take detailed, well-lit, close-up photographs of the most intricate carvings on the scattered ancient pillars. Focus on the artistic detail, which might include figures, flora, or geometric patterns from the 8th-9th Century.
Read MoreThe Carved Pillar Fragments: Take detailed, well-lit, close-up photographs of the most intricate carvings on the scattered ancient pillars. Focus on the artistic detail, which might include figures, flora, or geometric patterns from the 8th-9th Century.
The Vishnu on Sheshnag Statue: The statue of Lord Vishnu seated on Sheshnag (often mistaken for the Buddha) is a key photo. Capture it to show the features that suggest both Vaishnavite and meditative Buddhist influence, representing the site's unique syncretism.
The Brick Mound Texture: Take a macro shot of the ancient, oversized bricks found in the ruins/mounds. The texture and weathering of the bricks are a powerful visual representation of the site's immense age and archaeological value.
The Syncretic Collection: Find a spot where different religious relics (e. g. , a Shivalingam, a pillar fragment, and a plain Buddhist brick) are found in close proximity and frame them together to visually represent the concept of religious confluence at Turturiya.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Archaeological Scavenger Hunt: Actively search for and identify the different types of ruins and fragments scattered around the perimeter of the main temple complex. Look for the distinct brickwork of the supposed Stupas, the different styles of pillar carvings, and pieces of broken idols from different periods and faiths.
Study the Ancient Sculptures: Spend focused time examining the major recovered ancient statues, such as the various forms of Lord Vishnu and the Shivalingams. Note the iconography, the posture, and the artistic style, which is characteristic of the 8th and 9th Century art of the Somvanshi dynasty.
Historical Contextualization: Use your knowledge of history to place the discoveries in context. Think about the proximity to the major Buddhist center of Sirpur and how this influ...
Information
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Why Famous:
Syncretic Cultural Evidence: The site is famously known among archaeologists for providing unique, strong evidence of religious syncretism, where Buddhism, Shaivism, and Vaishnavism all flourished simultaneously in the same location during the ancient period (8th-9th Century...Syncretic Cultural Evidence: The site is famously known among archaeologists for providing unique, strong evidence of religious syncretism, where Buddhism, Shaivism, and Vaishnavism all flourished simultaneously in the same location during the ancient period (8th-9th Century AD).
The Buddhist Vihara Hypothesis: It is famous for the hypothesis that ancient Buddhist Viharas (monasteries) existed here, possibly near the influential Buddhist center of Sirpur, with potential evidence of a community of female Buddhist monastics.
Ancient Sculptural Wealth: It is renowned for the artistic quality and variety of its recovered ancient sculptures, including beautifully carved pillars, hero-stones, and icons of deities like Vishnu, which are important for art history studies of Dakshin Kosala. H. M.
Lary Excavation Site: The site holds historical fame as an early and important excavation location in Chhattisgarh, initially brought to public light by the efforts of British officials in 1914, who recognized its deep historical importance beyond its religious legend. -
Architecture:
Sculptural and Structural Ruins: The site is a rich scatter of archaeological fragments.
Pillars and Columns: Numerous ancient, intricately sculptured stone pillars and columns (estimated height around 6-8 feet) are found, decorated with art...Sculptural and Structural Ruins: The site is a rich scatter of archaeological fragments.
Pillars and Columns: Numerous ancient, intricately sculptured stone pillars and columns (estimated height around 6-8 feet) are found, decorated with artistic excavations.
Idol Dimensions: Recovered idols, such as the two-armed and four-armed Vishnu statues, are typically life-size or slightly smaller (estimated 3-4 feet tall).
Brick Stupa Remains: Scattered heaps of fine, ancient bricks indicate the ruins of former Buddhist Stupas or monasteries, where the foundational dimensions would have been substantial, likely covering an area of several hundred square feet. The visible fragments showcase artistic quality and complex iconography, typical of the 8th-9th Century AD art of the Somvanshi period in Chhattisgarh. -
How To Reach:
By Air:
Same as the other sites: Raipur Airport (RPR, 100 KMS). Hire a direct cab for the 2. 5 to 3 hour drive to the Dham complex.
By Train: Raipur Junction (R, 100 KMS away) is the primary railhead. From ... -
Near Tourist Places:
4. Balodabazar (District HQ) (29 KMS)
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety (Artifact Handling) The most important rule is DO NOT touch, sit on, move, or climb on any of the ancient stone pillars, idols, or brick fragments. This is for the preservation of the priceless historical artifacts. Report any damage or vandalism to the Ashram management. Packing ...
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