The Samaleswari Temple is a famous Hindu temple situated at a distance of 3 km from Sambalpur Town beside the river Mahanadi, and it is dedicated to the Goddess Samaleswari, the presiding deity of the region, believed to be an incarnation of Maa Shakti (Goddess of Power). This temple is of great cultural, religious, and historical importance, especially to the people of western Odisha.
The mother goddess Samaleswari has been worshipped since ancient times as Jagatjanani, Adishakti, Mahalaxmi, and Mahasaraswati. The region in which the temple is situated is endowed with a rich cultural heritage. From ancient times, the Sambalpur region has been popularly known as Hirakhanda. Ptolemy has, in his writings, described the place as Sambalak. Samaleswari Mandir is a much-visited tourist place around Sambalpur.
Maa Samaleswari Temple is not merely a religious monument; it is a cultural identity for the people of western Odisha. It stands for the traditions, rituals, and spiritual beliefs handed down since and up till now. The main harvest festival of this temple is Nuakhai. People celebrate it by offering the goddess newly harvested rice, and it is a time of great celebration and joy throughout the region.
Lakhs of devotees flood the temple to see the blessings of the goddess. The benevolence of the goddess touches Western Odisha till Chhattisgarh. Devi Samalei is worshipped in various forms across the State and is one of the most renowned Shakti Peethas of Odisha. It is one of the major pilgrimage sites and an important center for the cultural heritage of the State, attracting devotees all year round.
History of Samaleswari Temple
Yet the origin of the goddess seems to remain mysterious. It has been also verified that Goddess Samaleswari was adopted as the principal deity by the Chouhan King Balaram Dev after he became king of this region in 1542 A.D. In regard to the title of Ista Devi (regional goddess), King Balaram Dev did not stop but rather devoted himself to the cult of Goddess Samaleswari, which has become popular in these modern times and is as we see so now.
Maa Samaleswari is the principal deity of western Odisha. One of the popular legends says that once King Balaram Dev went on a hunting expedition and saw the hare driving away his hunting dogs. Amazed at the daring boldness of the otherwise cowardly animal, he surmised that a divine power was in existence in his realm and that divine power must be from Goddess Samaleswari herself. The chief priest of the Samaleswari temple is a descendant of the Chouhan dynasty.
Useful Information on Samaleswari Temple
- The temple was built in the traditional Odia architectural style. The stone idol of the goddess is placed in the main sanctum, embellished with jewelry and a lovely garment. The temple has a simple plan, yet is an embodiment of spiritual luminosity.
- Although initially constructed in the 16th century by the Chauhan dynasty, which at the time ruled Sambalpur with devout symbolism of Goddess Samaleswari, it was purposed as an offering to their deity and a spiritual center for local folk.
- According to local lore and folklore, Samaleswari is considered the presiding deity of Sambalpur as well as the Ista Devi (the family deity).
- It is built in the same general way as Kalinga Architecture found in Odisha-in that they have a rekha deal tower for the sanctum.
The idol of Maa Samaleswari carved out of black stone, is draped with clothes of bright colors and adorned with jewelry. - Apart from smaller shrines inside, the place is bordered by calmness, aided by the Mahanadi River on one side.
- Nuakhai is the major festival associated with the Samaleswari Temple, celebrated in the Bhadra month of August-September. On this occasion, the first harvest is offered to the goddess as a token of thanks. It is a moment of gala time for the region, with rituals, food, and cultural events performed.
- Navratra and Durga Puja: The temple will welcome devotees during the ten nights of due ceremonies in gratitude toward the goddess.
- The elaborate puja rituals, decorations, and special prayers although it carries on for nine days are widely known as Durga Puja.
- Chaitra Mela: Once a fair hosted every year in the Chaitra month (March or April), the festival is celebrated by a good number of pilgrims and tourists who visit the venue to view the rituals that unfold and also get entertained by bright cultural programs.
Every day, ritual worship is done at the temple, which includes offerings that extend from early morning to evening. Offering food to the devotees is considered to be the most celebrated part of the day’s worship. - The evening’s Maha-Aarti is an opportunity for thousands of devotees to come to the temple and witness this most important ceremony.
- Spatial beliefs and myths: Goddess Samaleswari places her devotees straight under her protection so that they may avoid dangers and have prosperity, fertility, and well-being. To most accounts, she revealed her presence, almost ceremonially, to rescue the people of Sambalpur from thousands of external threats; thus, she is seen as a great protector of this territory.
- Visiting: The Samaleswari temple sits in the very center of Sambalpur. Being located near the banks of the river Mahanadi, the shrine enjoys the scenery of a compact pilgrimage site. It draws not only spiritual seekers but people who have an interest in Odisha’s heritage and temple architecture.
- It is open in the morning hours, and there are visitors until late in the evening, the main pomp of the day being during the early hours and in the evening.
Destination Facilities, How to Reach, Destination Attractions, Transportation, Accessibility
Temple Opening Timings
Samaleswari Temple Darshan & open timings are Monday to Sunday 6:00 am to 11:30 am and Evening 3:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Best Time to visit
The best time to visit Maa Samaleswari Temple is at all times of the year and the Nuakhai Festival
By Road
Sambalpur is well-connected by air, rail, and road. Bhubaneswar is the primary gateway with an international airport.
Nearby Bus Stand
The nearby Bus stand is Sambalpur, which is located around 5 Km distance from Maa Samaleswari Madndir
Nearby Railway Station
The Nearby Railway Station is Jaleswar, which is located around 3.5 Km distance from Maa Samaleswari Temple, from there, you can hire a cab or take a bus to reach the Temple.
Nearby Airport
The nearby Airport is Veer Surendra Sai Airport, Jharsuguda, which is located around 62 KM distance from Maa Samaleswari Madndir and 282 km from Biju Patnaik International Airport
