Composing…
/Samaleswari Temple
State Temple
Samaleswari Temple
समलेश्वरी मंदिर
Location
Sambalpur, Odisha
Darshan
–
Deity
🪔Goddess Samaleswari
Entry
Free entry
Goddess Samaleswari is the presiding deity of Sambalpur and the entire western Odisha region. She is worshipped as a manifestation of Adishakti, Mahalaxmi, and Mahasaraswati. The city of Sambalpur derives its name from her.
Mythology
The temple was built in the 16th century by Balaram Dev, the first Chauhan King of Sambalpur. According to legend, while hunting, he saw his hounds being driven away by a hare. Recognizing the supernatural power of the land, he discovered the idol of Samaleswari under a Simuli tree and built the temple.