Samaleswari Temple, Daringbadi, Orissa India

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. Ptolemy has described the place as Sambalak, Acording to Tavernir, the French traveller, and Edward Gibbon, the English historian, diamonds were exported to Rome from Sambalpur.

 Samaleswari Temple is a Hindu temple in Sambalpur, Western Orissa, India dedicated to the goddess known as 'Maa', also known among the natives as samalei maa, meaning Mother Samaleswari. 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.

Samaleswari Temple is a historically and culturally important temple built in circa 16th century. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shree Shree Samaleswari. The Goddess is worshipped and called affectionately as “Maa” by her followers. The Goddess is worshipped with fervor not only in Sambalpur but also across Odisha and Chhattisgarh.

The idol of Maa Samaleswari is an inverted block of granite that has a trunk like formation at the bottom. The stone was not sculpted by human hands and is believed to be found as it stands today. Gold ornaments adorn the Goddesses face and body. The festivals of Navaratra and Nuakhai are celebrated with great pomp and circumstance. The best time to visit the temple is during the festivals when the whole area is decked out in splendor. During the Nuakhai Festival, local martial arts experts put on a show of skills for the devotees to witness.