Samalei Gudi
ମା’ ସମଲେଶ୍ୱରୀ ମନ୍ଦିର
Goddess Samaleswari (Adishakti/Durga) · Sambalpur, Odisha
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About the temple
Presiding deity of Western Odisha; historically linked to the Chauhan dynasty. Protection from evil, prosperity, and fulfillment of family wishes.
Temple information
- Darshan timings
- 05:00 – 21:00
- Established
- 16
- Best time to visit
- Evening for the Mahanadi Aarti and Light Show.
- Entry fee
- Free
Deity
Goddess Samaleswari (Adishakti/Durga) · ମା’ ସମଲେଇ
- Deity form
- Self-manifested Granite Rock (inverted trunk-like projection)
- Religious tradition
- Samalei Cult / Tantric & Tribal fusion
- Sanskrit name
- श्री समलेश्वरी मन्दିର
- Also known as
- Samalei Gudi, Shree Shree Samaleswari, Mother of Sambalpur
Darshan hours
- Daily
- 05:00 - 21:00
- Break timings
- 11:30 AM - 03:00 PM (Temple sanctum closed)
- Special days
- Open 24 hours during Nuakhai and Navratri
- Festival timings
- Extended hours during Durga Puja
Aarti & rituals
- Morning aarti
- 05:30
- Midday aarti
- 12:00
- Evening aarti
- 18:00
- Night aarti
- 20:30
- Special aarti days
- Tuesdays and Fridays
- Ritual schedule
- Majana (bathing), Alankar (decoration), Bhoga, Sandhya Alati
- Pooja timings
- 06:00 AM - 11:30 AM
- Abhishek timings
- Early morning
- Special poojas
- Manasika Deepa, Chhapan Bhog, Nuakhai Bhet
- Online pooja booking
- No
History & heritage
- Historical period
- Medieval
- Built by
- Chauhan Dynasty (King Balaram Dev)
- Construction materials
- Local red sandstone and Khondalite
- Historical events
- Redeveloped in 2024 as part of the SAMALEI scheme.
- Renovations
- 2024 (Phase 1 complete), 2026 (Phase 2 completion targeted for June).
- Archaeological importance
- State Protected Monument
- Legends
- The deity was found under a cotton (Simili) tree by King Balaram Dev.
- Inscriptions
- Mentioned in Puranas as "Sambalak"
- Government recognition
- State Endowment
Architecture
- Architectural style
- Dravidian
- Architectural period
- 16th Century
- Structure
- Complex with new 500m Heritage Corridor
- Floors
- 1
- Gopuram
- New heritage welcome gates added in 2024.
- Mandapa
- Large Bhoga Mandapa and specialized vending zone.
- Sculptural features
- Stone carvings of dancers and warriors on outer walls.
- Artistic elements
- Vibrant murals and modern lighting installations.
- Construction technique
- Cemented with lime mortar (historical) and modern Khondalite cladding.
- Unique features
- Mahanadi Riverfront with a platform for "Mahanadi Aarti."
Festivals & events
NuakhaiNavratri (Dhabalamukhi Besha)Dussehra
- Festival calendar
- Nuakhai (Panchami of Bhadraba month)
- Special celebration days
- Bhai Jiuntia, Puojiuntia
- Cultural events
- Light and Sound Show in the evening.
- Annual events
- Nuakhai (Harvest Festival)
- Peak crowd season
- August - October (Nuakhai and Navratri)
Visitor information
- ✓ Parking
- ✓ Wheelchair accessible
- ✓ Elevator
- ✓ Restrooms
- ✓ Drinking water
- ✓ Shoe keeping
- ✓ Prasadam counter
- ✓ Annadanam
- Entry fee
- Free
- Dress code
- Traditional
- Best time to visit
- Evening for the Mahanadi Aarti and Light Show.
- Parking capacity
- 500+ vehicles
- Parking fees
- ₹20 - ₹50
- Donation counters
- Yes
- Donation methods
- Cash/UPI/Card
- Prasadam
- Khechudi, Dal, Anna Bhoga
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