Shree Shree Samaleswari, the presiding deity of Sambalpur, is a strong religious force in western part of Orissa and Chhattisgarh state of India. 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.

The plinth is about 16’ high. Above the plinth the building is square. 21’ 7” x 21’7”. The arched roof commences after a height of 18 feet and tapers to the height of 35 feet., where the gradual diminution of the bulk has been abruptly intercepted by a hip knob over which a gold pot and spire are placed. The arch is supported by eight abutments each of which is gradually diminished in size by lateral diminution of an inch on both sides of the successive layers of which it is comprised. The whole arch is an oblong, resembling the cupper half of the eclipse with equal longitudinal furrows and elevation through out the whole surface. Commencing from each corner at the base project four subordinate buildings 11 feet square, they are so situated that the sides of square base of the temple be produced. They will touch two extremities of each of the buildings. Each of them has has a domed roof, supported by six pillars. A hip knob pierced by an iron spike, adorns the top. Between these domes there are flat roofs supported by pillars, thus forming a square verandah on each side of the temple, with four domes at the corners adorned by the steeple which rises above all with gold pot spire glittring in the sunshine.

On the Nothern side the main temple, a 12’6” wide open yard separates the main temple from the 16 pillars audiance Hall. Formerly the steps of the main temple was worards the North, On which the audience hall was build at a latter stage. The main spire of the temple is adorned with eight pseudo temple motifs; the larger ones face towards the four directions and the smaller motifs face towards the four corners. The temple motif facing towards the North has an arched opening which suggests the main entrance of the temple.

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. Traditinal 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 mother hood.

TIME SCHEDULE OF THE TEMPLE

Mangala Alati	-   5.00 a.m.
Bhoga and Pahada	-   12.00 Noon to 12.30 Noon
Alat	-   8.00 p.m.
Bhoga	-   9.00 p.m.
Closure  of Temple	-   10.00 p.m.