• All Pujas Performed in Kashi
  • Vedic Rituals by Kashi Pandits Trained in Gurukul
  • Pandits Observe Fasting For Puja
  • Personalized Puja Sankalp with Your Name and Gotra
  • Live Streaming of Your Puja from Kashi
  • All Pujas Performed in Kashi
  • Vedic Rituals by Kashi Pandits Trained in Gurukul
  • Pandits Observe Fasting For Puja
  • Personalized Puja Sankalp with Your Name and Gotra
  • Live Streaming of Your Puja from Kashi
Maa Samaleswari Temple
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Deity: Devi (Samaleswari)

Maa Samaleswari Temple

Western bank of Mahanadi River, Sambalpur

About Maa Samaleswari Temple

Maa Samaleswari Temple (Samlei Mandir) in Sambalpur is the cultural and spiritual heart of Western Odisha. Goddess Samaleswari is worshipped as the supreme mother deity, closely associated with the life-giving Mahanadi River.

Historical Significance

Established in the 16th century CE by Balarama Dev, the first Chauhan king of Sambalpur, following a divine vision under a cotton tree on the river bank.

Architecture

Traditional Kalinga architectural style with granite stone construction, ornate gateway arches, and riverside bathing ghats.

Spiritual Significance

Epicenter of the grand harvest festival 'Nuakhai Juhar', where first crop grains are offered to the Goddess before human consumption.

How to Reach

2 km from Sambalpur Railway Station and 7 km from Sambalpur Private Bus Stand. Nearest airport is Veer Surendra Sai Airport in Jharsuguda (60 km).

Temple Offerings & Pujas

First harvest grains (Nabanna)

Red chunri

Hibiscus flowers

Sweets.

Quick Facts

  • Best Time to VisitSeptember to March; Nuakhai, Navratri, Dussehra.
  • Entry FeeFree
  • Dress CodeTraditional and formal clothing.

Temple Timings

  • Darshan Timings05:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Mangala Aarti at 05:30 AM
  • Darshan TimingsSandhya Aarti at 07:00 PM)

Location

Western bank of Mahanadi River, Sambalpur