Bilaspur district is a district of Chhattisgarh.Its headquarters is the town Bilaspur, the second largest city in the state having the High Court. It is the headquarters of South Eastern Coalfields Ltd. the largest and most profitable subsidiary of Coal India. This also houses the Zonal office of South East Central Railway.

Bilaspur district is not only famous in Chhattisgarh but in India due to its unique characerstics like rice quality, Kosa industry and its cultural background. Bilaspur district has a major contribution in the naming "Dhan Ka Katora" for the entire Chattisgarh region .

The Bilaspur city is approximately 400 years old and the name "Bilaspur" has been originated from the Fisher-woman named "Bilasa". Over the years Bilaspur has developed a lot, despite several natural calamities.

Bilaspur district is located in eastern part of Chhattisgarh and fall within lattitude 21'47" to 23'8" and longitude 81'14" to 83'15" . Bilaspur district is surrounded by Koriya district in north, Shahdol district of MAdhya Pradesh in South , Raipur district in East and Korba ,Janjgir -Champa district in West. The total area of Bilaspur is approximately 6,377 Sq.Km,after the bifurcation of old Bilaspur district in three districts (New Bilaspur, Korba and Janjgir-Champa District).

Total population of Bilaspur district is 16,948,83 out of which 8,59,027 is male and 8,35,856 is female. The SC and ST population out of total population according to census'91 is 3,23,474 and 3,47,216 respectively. Out of the total population , 79% people live in Village area and the density of the population is 266 person per sq.Km.

PLACES OF INTEREST

RATANPUR: Once the capital of Chhattisgarh, Ratanpur is situated about 25 km from Bilaspur on the Katghora Road. According to the locals, it was important in all the 4 yugs (ages) of Hinduism - Sat yug, Treta yug, Dwaapar yug and Kal yug.

There are the ruins of an old fort here. This has an attractive stone sculpture over the frame of the Ganesh gate. The entrance has Shiva's Tandav Dance and statues of Lord Bramha and Lord Vishnu. Inside, there are the Sitchourai and Jagarnath temples. An 11 th century temple, dedicated to the Goddess Mahamaya, was built during the reign of Calturi the king of Raja Ratnadev. There are ponds near the temple. In front of the is a temple of Kantideval of Maratha Period. This has been renovated by the architecture department. Before the palace of Ratanpur is a temple of Baba Bairavnath, with a nine foot tall idol. At the palace of Ramtekri there is a temple of Ram Panchayat. At the foot of a hill is the Bhuddeshwar Shiv Temple made made by Bhimbhaji Bhosle. At the top of the hill is the Laxmi Temple, also called Ekbira Temple. There is also the Ratneswar Mahadev Temple. The Dargah of Musekhan is in the town of Juna, nearby.

Mallhar (Saravpur): A former capital, this is about 14 km from Bilaspur. It has remains from 1,000 BC onwards. 10th and 11th century temples can be seen here. The Pataleswar Kedar Temple is one of them - the Gomukhi shivling is the main attraction here. The Didneswari Temple, belonging to the Kalchuri regime, is also worth visiting. The Deor Temple has artistic idols. There is a museum, managed by the Central Government, which had a good collection of old sculpture. Talagram Talagram, about 25 km from Bilaspur, is known for its "Deorani-Jethani" temple. This has a huge 7 foot high statue, that's 4 feet wide and weighs 8 tons.

TALAGRAM: - Talagram is famous for "Deorani-Jethani" temple and is situated appx. 25 Kms. from Bilaspur on Bhojpur-Dagori road. The another name of Talagram is ameri-kapa gram. There is a wondeful statue present in the temple which is approximately 7 ft. height , 4 ft. width and weighed 8 tons. People from all corners of the world come to see the statue. There is no any name has been given to that statue even after several years.

Kutaghat Dam: About 10 km from Ratanpur, this is surrounded by forest and hills, and is a popular picnic spot. There is a rest house near the dam.

Belpan: Is known for its kund (big pond) and samadhi .

Khadia Dam: About 85 km from Bilaspur, its is known for its beauty.