Samaleśvarī Mandir
The goddess of western Odisha
⭐ Why it is famous
Presiding deity of Sambalpur on the Mahānadī bank, worshipped as a stone form under a simal tree.
📜 Pilgrimage history
Built in the mid-16th century by Chauhan king Balaram Dev; the region and its famous sambalpuri weave take their name from her.
🕰️ Temple timings
- Darśan 04:30 – 22:00
- Ārati morning and evening
🙏 Darśan details
- Free darśan
- Nuakhai and Navarātri are the great festivals
- Riverside ghāṭ adjoining
🚉 Location & getting there
📍 Samaleśvarī Mandir, Sambalpur, SambalpurSambalpur (SBP) — 3 km
Sambalpur bus stand — state transport buses stop here.
Jharsuguda (Veer Surendra Sai) (JRG) — 55 km
On NH-53; buses from Bhubaneswar (320 km, 7 hrs) and Raipur (260 km).
🪔 Poojas, sevās & tickets
This temple does not publish a rate list. Darśan is free; ārcanā, abhiṣeka and other sevās are booked at the counter inside the temple on the day.
🧭 Around the temple
Places to see besides the temple — tap any one to open it in Google Maps.
🛏️ Where to stay
- Hotels across Sambalpur
₹ Indicative trip cost (per head, 2 days)
| Budget | Standard | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| ₹1,500 | ₹3,200 | ₹8,000 |
📌 Other attractions nearby
- Hirakud dam
- Huma leaning temple
- Debrigarh sanctuary
🧵 Part of these circuits
📅 Best time to visit
October–February; Nuakhai (Aug–Sep)