Samaleswari Temple located in Sambalpur district of Odisha, India dedicated to the goddess Maa Samalei. On the bank of the river Mahanadi the mother goddess Samaleswari is worshipped from ancient times as Jagatjanani, Adishakti, Mahalaxmi and Mahasaraswati. The region in which the temple is situated has a rich cultural heritage. Sambalpur region is popularly known as Hirakhanda from ancient times. This temple is built of a kind of unique stone durable as granite, cemented with lime mortar. The Idol of Shree Shree Samalai Devi consists of a large block of Granite rock with an inverted, trunk like projection at the bottom. A shallow cut on her 'Baraha' like face symbolises her mouth. Traditional Sambalpuri nose ornament of pure gold hangs down from her imaginary nose Beaten gold leave fixed on two disproportionate golden eye like depression on the face acts as substitute for her eyes in an attempt to define the face of the mother deity on a mass of self shaped rock, the devi's idol inspires sublime sentiments of awe, fear, reverence, devotion, love and affection towards all-pervading motherhood. Samaleswari temple is an important holy shrine. A large number of devotees visiting this place every year.
Best time to visit: Oct-Feb
District: Sambalpur
Elevation: 157.2m
Open Time: Day Time
Popular Cuisine: Local Food
Attractions: Sen Park, Padma Keshari Park, Budharaja Park, Dear park
Nearest Bus Stop: Sambalpur
Nearest Railway Station: Sambalpur
Travel Options: Train, Bus, Taxi
Nearest town: Sambalpur
Distance from Bhubaneswar: 288 km