How Much you Know about Maa Samleswari Jay Maa 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. 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. About the Temple TIME SCHEDULE OF THE TEMPLE Mangala Alati – 5.00 a.m. Bhoga and Pahada – 12.00 Noon to 12.30 Noon Alat – 8.00 p.m. Bhoga – 9.00 p.m. Closure of Temple – 10.00 p.m. On festival days and on all Tuesday there may be deviation up to 1 hour. Sale of Annabhog 12.15 noon onwards. (Darshan is restricted daily for 30 minutes only) The temple is of Sandhara order. It is built of a kind of stone durable as granite, cemented with lime mortar, the whole building is plastered, but in the course of time the surface has become mouldy. The temple comprises of two separate structures. The square sanctum sanctorum enshrining the deity is four step below the 10’ feet wide covered circumbulation, which is supported by 12 stone pillars. Eleven parswa devis (side Goddness), are embedded on the outer wall of the sanctum, so that the devotees can worhsip those deities during parikarma thourgh the vaulted circumbulation. The plinth is about 16’ high. Above the plinth the building is square. 21’ 7” x 21’7”. The arched roof commences after a height of 18 feet and tapers to the height of 35 feet., where the gradual diminution of the bulk has been abruptly intercepted by a hip knob over which a gold pot and spire are placed. The arch is supported by eight abutments each of which is gradually diminished in size by lateral diminution of an inch on both sides of the successive layers of which it is comprised. The whole arch is an oblong, resembling the cupper half of the eclipse with equal longitudinal furrows and elevation through out the whole surface. Commencing from each corner at the base project four subordinate buildings 11 feet square, they are so situated that the sides of square base of the temple be produced. They will touch two extremities of each of the buildings. Each of them has has a domed roof, supported by six pillars. A hip knob pierced by an iron spike, adorns the top. Between these domes there are flat roofs supported by pillars, thus forming a square verandah on each side of the temple, with four domes at the corners adorned by the steeple which rises above all with gold pot spire glittring in the sunshine. On the Nothern side the main temple, a 12’6” wide open yard separates the main temple from the 16 pillars audiance Hall. Formerly the steps of the main temple was worards the North, On which the audience hall was build at a latter stage. The main spire of the temple is adorned with eight pseudo temple motifs; the larger ones face towards the four directions and the smaller motifs face towards the four corners. The temple motif facing towards the North has an arched opening which suggests the main entrance of the temple. The Idol of Shree Shree Samalai Devi consists of a large block of Granite rock with an inverted, trunk like projection at the bottom. A shallow cut on her “Baraha” like face symbolises her mouth. Traditinal Sambalpuri nose ornament of pure gold hangs down from her imaginary nose Beaten gold leave fixed on two disproportionate golden eye like depression on the face acts as substitute for her eyes in an attempt to define the face of the mother deity on a mass of self shaped rock, the devi’s idol inspires sublime sentiments of awe, fear, reverence, devotion, love and affection towards all prevading mother hood. The deities worshipped inside the temple and in the premises of the temple : 1. Maa Samaleswari 2. Bhubaneswari 3. Chhatrabauti 4. Bighnaraj 5. Ugratara 6. Maa Kali 7. Narasinghi 8. Durga 9. Mangala 10. Jwalamukhi 11. Banadurga 12. Barahi 13. Chhinnamasta 14. Matangi 15. Ramachandi 16. Banjari 17. Hanuman 18. Ghantasini 19. Nadabramha 20. Bhanumati 21. Dakshini 22. Uttara 23. Balaram 24. Bagheswari 25. Bakratunda 26. Parsuram 27. Kalki 28. Nrusingh 29. Bamana 30. Kachhapa 31. Buddha 32. Palasi 33. Nauli 34. Matsya 35. Ram 36. Sitala 37. Garudakshi 38. Narayan 39. Garuda 40. Ghorarupi 41. Baraha 42. Kanakangi 43. Shandashi 44. Divyarupa 45. Kamakshya 46. Durgatinashini 47. Ekadanta 48. Chandinayak 49. Ganesh 50. Karamsani 51. Hanuman 52. Bhairav 53. Basundhara 54. Ambica 55. Swarupa 56. Bhairav 57. Navadurga 58. Arunastambha 59. Maheswari 60. Raktamauli 61. Brunda 62. Tara 63. Ahalya 64. Draupadi 65. Kunti 66. Mandodari 67. Gouri 68. Souri 69. Bahana Singha 70. Hasta 71. Singha 72. Singha 73. Gaja 74. Supati 75. Nageswari 76. Supaswi 77. Narayani 78. Hasti 79. Singha 80. Gaja 81. Singha 82. Gaja 83. Ananta 84. Singha 85. Singha 86. Bijaya 87. Singha 88. Singha 89. Matandi 90. Singha 91. Shankha 92. Singha 93. Singha 94. Indramukhi 95. Singha 96. Singha 97. Ardrabati 98. Singha 99. Singha 100. Bimati 101. Singha 102. Singha 103. Prachanda 104. Singha 105. Singha 106. Kapali 107. Ambi 108. Chinamali 109. Mauli 110. Ghodaghat 111. Ghikundi 112. Akhada Hanuman Akhada Hanuman, Bhairva and Mauli Devi are worshipped in separate temples while Sitala Thakurani is worshipped in “Sangudi” or Mandap Mandir. A large size Bahana Singha Bigraha has been installed in recent years in the middle of the temple premises which is supposed to be the biggest astadhatu Bahana Singha Bigraha in Asia. The Bhumi Puja of the said place was performed by his holiness Jagadguru Shankaracharya of Goverdhanmath, Puri, namely Swami Nischalananda Saraswati. Almost all towns and villages of this region have a temple of Maa Samaleswari. In modern Orissa no single goddess has sway over a large territory after Lord Jagganath. The main temple of Goddess Samaleswari at Sambalpur is the source of inspiration. Festival of the Temple Many festivals are observed in the temple throughout the year with much pomp and ceremony. 1. Jyestha Purnima – Jalasayee of Bhairava baba 2. Sravana Purnima – Srabanbhishek 3. Bhadraba Shukla Panchami – Nuakhai 4. Bhadra Krushna Astami – Ambica Puja 5. Aswin Amabasya – Mahalaya, Dhabalmukhi or Ganga Darshan besha 6. Aswin Shukla Pratipada – Navaratri Pujarambaha 7. Aswin Purnima – Dhwajarohan and Raj- Rajeswari besha 8. Kartika Amabasya – Shyama Puja 9. Poush Purnima – Poushyabhishek 10. Magha Shukla Panchami – Maha Saraswati Puja 11. Magha Purnami – Purnahuti of 24 Prahari Mahamantra Namyagna 12. Makara Sankranti – Purnahuti of 3 days deepa mahayagna 13. Falguna Purnima – Gundikhia, Dolapurnima 14. Chaitra Shukla Pratipada – Basantika Navaratri Pujarambha, 15. Bishuba Sankranti – Sitala Thakurani Puja 16. Akshya Trutiya – Shree Shree Samaleswari bhajan Samaroha DETAILS OF DASAHARA FESTIVALS Aswin Krushna Astami – Sohala Pujarambha Amabasya – Dhabalmukhi or Gangadarshan besha (Mahalaya) Aswin Shukla Pratipada – Navaratri Pujarambha and Jagar Prajwalana, Sailaputri besha Aswin Shukla Dwitiya – Bramhacharini besha Trutiya – Chandraghanta besha Chaturthi – Kushmanda besha Pancham – Skandhamata besha Sasthi – Katyayani besha Saptami – Kalaratri besha Astami – Mahaastami, Mahagouri besha, Akhada Khandadhua procession, Nabam – Mahanabami, Sidhhidatri besha Dashm – Vijaya Dashami, Ranajita Procession On Aswina Purnima new flags are hoisted on the temple and the devotees have holly darshan of Raj-Rajeswari besha. The most beautiful and heart touching besha of devi stands fourth among Dasamahavidya. Adi Shankaracharya worshipped Raj-Rajeswari in Sriyantra. On Nuakhai Annabhoga rice from new paddy is offered to Maa Samaleswari. It is the most important mass festival in the western part of the state. On Mahalaya more than one lac devotees have a holy devi darshan of Dhabalmukhi besha. It is believed that darshan of dhabalmukhi Samaleswari gives the blessing of Gangadarshan. So it is known as Ganga darshan Besh. Devi Samaleswari is worshipped with Bhubaneswari mantra by Kshyatriya sevayats. They belong to 12 families and use the surname “Rai”. On days of festivals like Nuakhai puja is offered in a total 112 places in the temple premises. No one including pujakas demand money or any thing from the devotees which creates an atmoshphere for comfortable darshan. On the other hand the Pujakas, members of Samaleswari Yubak Sangha and other organisations as wel as local people co-operate in solving problems of the devotees. During this festival the akhada ustad and akhada masters display martial art along with their players with sticks, swords and fire which attracts the people very much. Sambalpur is named after Goddess Samaleswari. Devotees, pilgrims and tourists from all parts of the country come to this place in large numbers to have a holy darshan of Maa Samaleswari, the presiding deity. Every Tuesday and Saturday a large number of devotees and tourists come from different parts of the country. History & Legend Sambalpur was under the rule of Patnagarh kingdom. Patnagarh kingdom was handed over to the king of Vizianagaram by Prataprudra Dev who was defeated in a war. When Vizianagaram kingdom became weak and was nearing its fall, Narasingh Dev declared Patnagarh as an independent kingdom with the help of his great warrior brother Balaram Dev. Patnagarh Kingdom The independent kingdom of Patna was ruled by Narasingh Dev between 1540 A.D. to 1547 A.D. The capital of the kingodm was near the present Patnagarh town on the bank of the river Mayabati. It is said that in the midnight of the dark fortnight of sravana in the rainy season the queen of king Narasingh Dev suffered from intense labour pain and her life was in danger. A traditional mid-wife, expert in delivering children, lived in a village on the other side of the river Mayabati. But the river was in full spate with swift current. Balaram Dev swam across the flooded river and brought the mid-wife from her village on his shoulder. With the care and treatment offered by the mid-wife the queen delivered a son who was named Hamir Dev. King Narsingh Dev was greatly pleased by the valour of his younger brother Balaram Dev and granted the large tract of land in his favour which later became the kindgom Huma Desh and later came to be widely known as the independent kingdom of Sambalpur. Some years later, the queen-mother asked her son Narasingh Dev and Balaram Dev to accompany her to a place known as Kalapathar on the bank of the river Anga. Standing at a vantage point she faced towards the kingdom of Patna and pointing out the territory to king Narasingh Dev said that he would be the independent king of Patna state. She again faced towards Huma Desh and indicating the vast territory, told her younger son Balaram Dev that he would be the independent king thereof. Thus was born the kingdom Huma Desh later known as the kingom of Sambalpur. Balaram Dev ruled Samablpur some time between 1540 A.D. to 1557 A.D. Chowhan Dynasty in Huma Desh King Balaram Dev established the Chowhan dynasty in Huma Desh with the capital at Bargarh (near the mordern town of Bargarh) on the left bank of the river Jira. For military reasons or for smooth governance of the vast territory, later on he shifted the capital to Nuagarh, near the Barapahar range of mountain and then camped at Chaunrpur on the right bank of Mahanadi (near the existing Chaunrpur village) to select a new place as his capital. Balaram Dev, besides being a great warrior was also a keen hunter. Hounds and Rabbits It is said that on a particular day he crossed river Mahanadi and came to the right bank with his hounds for hunting. While hunting, he noticed a miracle. He saw that his hounds, instead of chasing a small rabbit, were being hotly chased by the rabbit itself. It seemed his hounds were in mortal fear of the rabbit. The king stood stunned and later noticed that the rabbit returned to the foot of a huge simili tree on the left bank of Mahanadi and disappeared. Balaram Dev returned to his camp and had a strange dream at night. Goddess Samaleswari manifested herself before him and said that she was residing in gumadarha inside the river and that he should establish her at the foot of the simili tree and build a temple. She blessed the king and vanished. Next morning Balaram Dev made up his mind and considering the importance of the left bank of Mahanadi on the ground of religion and administration he established his fort. He installed Goddess Samaleswari under the simili tree and built a temple. Sambalpur was a small village at that time. Samaleswari temple was built some time in the middle of 16th century. It was rebuilt by the 7th independent king of Sambalpur namely Chhatra Sai Deo who reigned during 1657 to 1665 AD. and endowed vast landed property for seva and Puja of the deity to a group of sevayats. Some historians say that, the idol of goddess Samaleswari under the simili tree was worshipped by tribals since third century A.D. till the temple was built by Balaram Dev. Legend of Kalapahar According to legend Kalapahar, military commander of the nawab of Bengal, in course of one of his visits to Sambalpur camped with a huge army at a place near Durgapali on the bank of Mahanadi beyond the temple Samaleswari. He had a huge drum made of cow hide and had oversized bells (Hulgulas). It is said that with the beating of the drum and the confusing noise made by the bells (Hulgulas), the limbs of deities of the temple automatically disappeared. The intention of Kalapahar was to destroy the temple of Samaleswari and other temples in the historic town of Sambalpur and deities installed therein. Before Kalapahar could start the depredation, in a fine evening, a beautiful milk-maid dressed up in gold jewellery with a basket of milk, curd and cheese on her head, reached the camp of Kalapahar. She sold the articles to Kalapahar and his army. Next morning it is said that the entire army including Kalapahar suffered rom cholera and other allied diseases causing total chaos. Kalapahar abandoned invasion of the temple and left the territory with surviviors of his army leaving most of his armoury, the huge drum and the brass bells (Hulgullas). It is believed that the Goddess Samaleswari manifested hereself in the form of a milk-maid and caused devastation in the army of Kalapahar. Whether this is a fact or fiction no one can say, but for many years, a huge drum and a large number of bells used to be kept at the Mukhashala of the Samaleswari temple. Even a large number of tombs believed to be those of the dead soldiers of Kalapahar are found in a mango grove near Samaleswari College building on the bank of river Mahanadi. There are many legends in connection with the temple and in reality the devotees feel the presence of such power in the day to day affairs. It is konwn that one person namely Krupasindhu Panigrahi and his wife were buried in the foundation of the temple during construction. In course of time human sacrifice was discontinued and the practice of sacrificing buffalo was adpoted. Again in course of time this practice was also abandoned. The last buffalo sacrifice in the temple was within a couple of decades which is in public memory. It is heard that in ancient times human sacrifice was offered once in a year. Human sacrifice was stopped following miracle of Maa Samaleswari with a saint from Amritsar, who became the Mahanta of Gopaljee Math later on. Maa Samaleswari has a very special place in the hearts of the people of Western Orissa and Chhattisgarh. Donations Are Welcome 1. Nitya Mahabhog Yojana Rs. 5400.00 is to be paid for offering of Annabhoga on one specific day in a year according to chandramasa to mark the occasion of birthday, marriage anniversary, death anniversary etc. Cheque/Drafts can be sent in favour of Nitya Mahabhoga Jojana. 2. Installation of Marble Plaques Rs. 5000/- is to be paid to install a marble plaque of 1’.6” x 1’.0” size in the temple premises. The income from this source is spent towards construction of Samaleswari Bhawan. Cheques/Drafts in favour of Samaleswari Bhawan along with the text of the matter to be carved on the stone is to be sent. Cheques and Drafts can be sent in favour of Samaleswari Bhawan. 3. Donation for Samaleswari Bhawan Any amount is accepted for construction of Samaleswari Bhawan which consists of Yatriniwas, Kalyan Mandap, Natya Mandap, Library etc. It is a prestigious building under construction at an estimated cost of Rs. 70 lacs. Cheques and Drafts can be sent in favour of Samaleswari Bhawan. 4. General Donation : Donation for the development of the temple, special puja and for temples fixed fund and donation for specific purposes are accepted. Cheques and Draft can be sent in favour of Shree Shree Samaleswari Trust Board. All cheques/Drafts/Money orders may be sent to : Shree Shree Samaleswari Trust Board, Sambalpur – 768003, Orissa, India. The same can be deposited in our office from 8.00 a.m to 12.00 noon on all working days for which due money receipts are given. Any ornaments and valuables may be donated in the same process. The devotees may donate in the donation box and hundi installed inside the temple. Although endowment of Goddess Samaleswari had large landed poroperty in the past, nothing remains at present. The temple mainly depends upon donation from devotees and grants from Government and Non-Government Organisations. The total area of the temple is Ac 4.48 Dc at present. Accout Information for Donation : State Bank of India: 10856692731 Punjab National Bank: 0442000100047738 Indian Bank: 516226659 Axis Bank: 910010006069651 HDFC Bank: 03691770000015 Sambalpur Information LOCATION : Sambalpur is situated in the eastern region of India at a distance of 320 k.m. from the Orissa State capital Bhubaneswar. Sambalpur is famous for Sambalpuri songs, dances, forest and world famous Sambalpuri handloom fabrics. The rhythmic beats of Sambalpuri drums are heart- pounding and pulse racing and create profound joy. It has direct train links with New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad and Bokaro and Bombay though Jharsuguda Junction. Calcutta- Bombay National High way No.6 passes through the town while Sambalpur-Cuttack N.H. 42 starts from here which is linked with Kolkata – Chennai N.H. No.5 at Cuttack. Sambalpur is linked with N.H.200 at Jharsuguda (50 Kms.). Sambalpur has easy link with all places of the country. Nearest Airport is Raipur of Chhattisgarh (270 K.M.) and Bhubaneswar (320 K.M.) Air strips for small air craft are also available at Jamadarpali (15 K.M.) and Jhharsuguda (50 KM). For accommodation there are several Guest Houses, hotels (Govt. & Non. Govt) and Dharmsala in Sambalpur. PLACES OF TOURIST INTEREST : Hirakud Dam Project (15 Km). Hydro Electric Power Plant at Burla (15 K.M.) Hydro Electric Plant at Chiplima (35 Kms.) famous Bimaleswar temple at Huma (29 Kms) Ghanteswari Temple at Chiplima (35 kms.) Pradhanpat waterfall at Deogarh (90 Kms.) Mukteswar Temple at Jamenkira (55 Kms) Ushakothi Wild Life Sanctuary (40 kms.) Mandhata Baba temple at Maneswar ( 8 Kms.) Nrusinghanath Temple at Paikmal (175 kms.) Gud Guda water fall and stream, near Kuchinda ( 117 kms.) Debrigarh wild life sanctuary ( 35 kms.) Etc MAJOR INSTITUTIONS : 1. Sambalpur University. 2. University College of Engineering. 3. Veer Surendra Sai Medical College. 4.Gangadhar Meher College. 5. Office of Revenue Divisional Commissioner (Northern Division) 6. Office of Deputy Inspector General of Police 7. Office of District Magistrate. 8. Office of Collector. 9. Superintendent of Police. 10. Railway Divisional Office. 11. LIC Divisional Office. 12. Regional and Divisional Office of all prominent organisations. 13. Headquarters of Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd. 14. Indian Aluminium Co. Hirakud 15. Hirakud Power Generation Corporation. 16. Hira Cables, 17. Hirakud Re-rolling Mills, 18. Hirakud Industrial Works, 19. Bhusan Steels Ltd. Neighbouring district Bargarh is the rice bowl of Orissa and has several industries while Jharsuguda district is well known for Industries, coal mines and thermal plant. ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE : Shree Shree Samaleswari Trust Board Samaleswari Temple, Sambalpur – 768003, Orissa, India. Telephone : 91-663- 2401369 samaleswaritrustboard@rediffmail PRESENT TRUST BOARD : Prof. Shankar Prasad Pati President Mob: 9437158964 Collector & D.M. Sambalpur Member 0663 – 2400001 Prof. Raseswari Panigrahi Member Mob: 9437052800 Prof. Gopal Krushna Rath Member Mob: 9437175700 Sri Sushant Kumar Guru Member Mob: 9437057212 Sri Uddhab Mahapatra Member & Executive Officer Mob: 9437051380 Sri Siba Shankar Nanda Member Mob: 9437137331 Sri Sadasib Mahapatra Member Mob: 9437121498 Sri Ambika Prasad Ray Member Mob: 9437345994 # Telephone at Police Beat House, Near Main Gate CCB 0663 – 2533240 Accout Information for Donation : State Bank of India: 10856692731 Punjab National Bank: 0442000100047738 Indian Bank: 516226659 Axis Bank: 910010006069651 HDFC Bank: 03691770000015
Posted on: Mon, 23 Sep 2013 11:49:07 +0000
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