Mesmerising Samalei Transformation: A Testimony to Odisha’s Cultural and Religious Resurrection

Maa Samaleswari – the presiding deity of Sambalpur – is the identity and pride of millions of people from across Odisha. For centuries, the abode of Maa Samaleswari has been at the helm of cultural and religious activities not only for western Odisha but also for neighboring Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. The 16th Century Samalei Temple underwent a mesmerising transformation in the last three years, thanks to the farsighted vision and initiatives of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. After meticulous planning and uninterrupted work, today the transformed Samaleswari Temple is ready to captivate the devotees. The enchanting development of the Temple under the Samaleswari Temple Area Management and Local Economy Initiative – SAMALEI Project, has transformed the holy shrine and boasts Odisha’s Cultural and religious resurrection. After the Heritage Corridor Project of Lord Jagannath in Puri, the Samalei Project is the next biggest transformative initiative that is going to be inaugurated by the Chief Minister.

The 16th century Samalei Temple has also been one of the major pilgrimage centers that attracts devotees from faraway places. With the passing of time, it needed a transformation in terms of facilities for the devotees, infrastructure, security etc. Keeping in view the needs, the State Government took the ambitious step to transform the area and started the SAMALEI Project with an initial expenditure of Rs 200 crore in February 2021. After the initiation of the Parikrama project of Puri Temple, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik took the bold decision to develop the Maa Samaleswari temple. Within three years, the project today is complete and it has brought a whole new experience for the people. The State Government has spent a whooping Rs 290 crore in all the related works includinf the Mahanadi River front amenities.

The detailed plan included the holistic redevelopment of the Temple and its surrounding areas spread across more than one hundred acres. Under the direct supervision of Chairman 5T Initiatives and Nabin Odisha, Kartik Pandian, the Samalei Project got the greatest impetus and was able to be completed in a record time. His personal supervision of the various works associated with the Project and numerous visits ensured that the needs were adhered to. Starting from the Bhakta Niwas, a new Trust Board Office, Museum, Park, Cafeteria, Common Amenities Center, Dipa Ghara and Mahanadi Aalati have been completed. Today, Samalei Pitha has become a world class religious and cultural destination. While, land acquisition remains the most important aspect for any developmental work, the people coming under the Project wholeheartedly came forward to part away with their land for the Samalei project at a single call by the Chief Minister.

Today, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will inaugurate his dream Samalei Project and dedicate it to the people of Sambalpur. The Temple authorities have completed all the preparations. Invitations have been sent to various temples of Odisha and other states including 108 Devi Pithas. People in large numbers from across western Odisha will witness this historic event.

The temple of Maa Samalei is going to give a lifetime experience to the visitors and open a new paradigm of tourism. While the local economy will get a thrust, the socio-cultural activities will also get strengthened. The whole city of Sambalpur is decked up for witnessing this historic occasion.