Surang Tila
The Stepped Temple the Earth Reclaimed
Overview
Surang Tila is a large stepped stone temple platform at Sirpur, the site of the ancient city of Sripura in Chhattisgarh, dated to roughly the seventh to eighth century. Buried and forgotten for centuries, it was revealed by archaeological excavation and is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. A broad flight of stone stairs climbs to a raised platform bearing several shrines; the stairs are visibly warped and tilted, damage widely attributed to an ancient earthquake. It is an excavated ruin rather than a restored working temple. MyTripMyTravel includes it on an escorted Sirpur archaeology circuit.
Surang Tila is one of the more startling monuments to emerge from the excavation of Sripura, the ancient capital that once stood at Sirpur. A tall stone platform rises above the surrounding ground, reached by a broad flight of stairs, and carries a row of shrines along its top, a scale that hints at how substantial the vanished city must have been.
Its signature detail is the stairway itself, which is visibly skewed and tilted out of true. The distortion is widely attributed to an ancient earthquake that shifted the structure while it stood, and it gives the monument a strange, leaning character that no photograph quite prepares you for.
MyTripMyTravel presents it honestly as an excavated archaeological site rather than a living temple, set within a guided Sirpur circuit that ties it to the Lakshmana temple, the Buddhist monasteries and the riverside Gandheshwar shrine.
At a glance
Surang Tila in brief
What to see
Highlights
Stepped platform
A tall stone plinth reached by a broad flight of stairs, carrying several shrines above.
Tilted stairway
Steps visibly warped and skewed, damage widely attributed to an ancient earthquake.
Excavated monument
Buried for centuries and brought to light by archaeological digging.
A row of shrines
Several sanctums set along the raised platform.
Sripura's scale
Evidence of the size and ambition of the ancient capital on the Mahanadi.
Visitor information
Our tips
Look at the tilted stairs from the side, the skew is the site's signature.
Visit in early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat on the open platform.
Wear sturdy shoes; the stone steps and platform are uneven.
See it together with Sirpur's Lakshmana temple, the Buddhist viharas and the Gandheshwar temple.
Good to know
Surang Tila, your questions
What is Surang Tila?
A large stepped stone temple platform at Sirpur, the ancient city of Sripura, dated to roughly the seventh to eighth century.
Why are the stairs crooked?
The stairway is visibly tilted and warped, damage widely attributed to an ancient earthquake.
Is it a working temple?
No, it is an excavated, ASI-protected ruin rather than an active place of worship.
How was it discovered?
It lay buried for centuries and was brought to light by archaeological excavation.
What else is at Sirpur?
An extensive ancient city: the Lakshmana brick temple, Buddhist and Jain monasteries, and the living Gandheshwar temple by the river.
Visit with us
See Surang Tila, properly.
A private, chauffeured visit with a licensed expert guide, timed for the best light and the smallest crowds. We fold Surang Tila into a wider Sirpur and Central India itinerary, built entirely around you.
- Skip the queue where possible, at the right hour
- Licensed local guide who brings the story to life
- Private car and chauffeur, door to door
Plan your trip
Plan a visit to Surang Tila
Free, no obligation quote. Your details stay private.