By exploreodisha.in 
Nestled on the banks of the holy Mahanadi River in Sambalpur, Odisha, the Samaleswari Temple is a revered shrine dedicated to Goddess Samaleswari, affectionately known as ‘Maa Samalei’. A powerful and protective deity, she is considered the presiding goddess of Western Odisha. The temple not only holds religious importance but also serves as a cultural and historical landmark that embodies centuries of regional tradition, myth, and devotion.
Historical Background
The Samaleswari Temple has deep historical roots dating back to the 16th century. While the exact date of its construction is debated among historians, the most widely accepted account attributes the present stone structure to Balaram Dev, the first king of the Chauhan dynasty in Sambalpur, around the mid-1500s.
King Balaram Dev, who ruled from 1540 to 1560, was an ardent devotee of Maa Samaleswari. He is believed to have built the temple as a mark of his devotion and to reinforce the cultural unity of his kingdom. Over time, the temple gained prominence as the spiritual nucleus of the region, with the deity becoming central to the identity of the people of Western Odisha.
The architecture of the temple reflects the typical Kalinga style, with intricate carvings, a pyramidal tower (shikhara), and sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) where the idol of Maa Samaleswari is enshrined. Despite its age, the temple has withstood natural calamities and still stands strong, bearing testimony to the devotion of its people and the excellence of regional craftsmanship.
The Deity: Maa Samaleswari
The goddess Samaleswari is a form of Shakti or Adi Shakti, the primordial energy that governs the cosmos in Hindu mythology. She is worshipped in the form of a large granite stone with a carved face, adorned with vermillion and flowers. The idol does not conform to the anthropomorphic standards of typical Hindu idols but is regarded as immensely powerful and spiritually charged.
Locals believe that Maa Samalei is the guardian and protector of the entire Sambalpur region. She is the granter of wishes, the destroyer of evil, and a symbol of feminine power and compassion. The deity is often depicted or imagined as seated on a lion, holding weapons in her multiple hands, much like other fierce manifestations of the goddess Durga or Kali.
Mythological Significance and Legends
There are several mythological tales associated with Samaleswari Temple, passed down through generations. One of the most popular legends goes back to a time long before the construction of the temple, when Sambalpur was covered in dense forests and inhabited by tribal communities.
According to local folklore, a tribal hunter once stumbled upon a mysterious stone that bled when struck. Shocked and awed, the villagers believed it to be a divine manifestation. That night, the goddess appeared in the hunter’s dream and identified herself as Samalei, the protector of the land. She demanded a place of worship to be built at that very spot. The hunter and his tribe began worshipping the stone, and word spread of the miracles and blessings bestowed by the deity.
Another tale suggests that during a severe drought, the goddess appeared in a local king’s dream and guided him to dig a well at a particular spot, where water gushed out miraculously. That very site is now considered sacred, and the nearby river Mahanadi is also believed to have divine associations with Maa Samaleswari.
Cultural and Religious Importance
Maa Samaleswari is not just a religious figure; she is deeply embedded in the cultural and emotional fabric of Odisha. Major festivals and rituals in Sambalpur revolve around her worship. Some of the most significant celebrations include:
- Nuakhai Festival: Perhaps the most important festival in Western Odisha, Nuakhai is an agrarian festival that begins with offering the first grains of the harvest to Maa Samaleswari. The entire region celebrates this day with feasts, dances, and rituals, and it is seen as a way of thanking the goddess for agricultural prosperity.
- Durga Puja/Navaratri: During Navaratri, the temple sees a huge influx of devotees. Special rituals, processions, and cultural programs are held for nine days in honor of the goddess.
- Sital Sasthi and Maha Shivratri: These are also observed with great fervor in and around the temple, drawing pilgrims from all across Odisha and neighboring states.
Architectural Features
The Samaleswari Temple is built in the Sandhara style of temple architecture, typical to Odisha. The main sanctum is surrounded by a series of smaller shrines and an expansive courtyard. The inner sanctum houses the deity, while the outer walls are adorned with carvings and decorative motifs that reflect local myths and religious themes.
The entrance of the temple is guarded by traditional stone lions, and the pathways are lined with flower vendors and devotees carrying offerings. The temple complex has seen renovations over the years, but efforts have always been made to retain its ancient charm and architectural integrity.
Samaleswari Temple Today
In modern times, the temple remains a vibrant center of religious activity and spiritual healing. Thousands of pilgrims and tourists visit the shrine every year to seek blessings and experience the divine energy associated with the place. The government of Odisha and local authorities have taken steps to improve infrastructure around the temple, including better roads, accommodation facilities, and cleanliness drives, making it easier for devotees to visit.
Moreover, Samaleswari Temple has also gained attention for its role in promoting eco-tourism and heritage conservation in the region. Cultural researchers, historians, and spiritual seekers from around the world come to explore the legends and deep-rooted traditions that surround the goddess and her temple.
Conclusion
The Samaleswari Temple is not just a religious site—it is a living symbol of Odisha’s spiritual resilience, cultural unity, and ancient wisdom. Whether you are a devotee, a tourist, or a student of history and mythology, the temple offers an enriching experience that blends faith, folklore, and architectural beauty.
With its mysterious origins, powerful legends, and unwavering devotion of its followers, Maa Samaleswari continues to reign as the eternal guardian of Sambalpur and an embodiment of divine feminine energy. Visiting the temple is not merely a ritual—it is a journey into the heart of Odisha’s soul.