Maa Samleswari Temple, Hindu temple in Sambalpur, India.
Maa Samleswari Temple sits on the banks of the Mahanadi River, featuring stone pillars and finely carved granite details across its structure. The sanctuary displays carefully crafted architecture with intricate carvings that showcase religious imagery throughout the building.
Construction of the temple began in the 16th century under King Balaram Dev and was later completed by King Chhatra Sai Deo in the 17th century using stone materials. These phases of development show how the sanctuary evolved through the patronage of different rulers.
The temple serves as a center for harvest celebrations, where farmers traditionally offer their first crops to the goddess. These rituals connect the sacred space to the farming cycles and daily practices of the surrounding community.
The temple is open throughout the day, allowing visitors flexible time to explore the grounds and the structure at their own pace. The cooler months provide more comfortable conditions for walking around and taking in the details.
The main deity is a granite block carved with distinctive features, including a trunk-like projection. Eleven additional deities are carved into the outer walls surrounding this central figure, reflecting the range of religious devotion at this location.
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