Some rides start with fuel. Others start with faith. On this morning, it was both.
The Samaleswari Temple is just 3 km from FunZone, but the journey there isn’t measured in kilometers. It’s measured in generations. It’s where every Sambalpuri family has a memory—births, blessings, prayers, and partings.
I’ve passed by the temple countless times, but this ride was different. I wasn’t just going to visit—I was going to connect.
“Not all gods live in the sky. Some stand guard in silence… watching over rivers, cities, and souls.”
When I arrived, the temple bells echoed like a heartbeat. The Mahanadi River sparkled behind it—almost like the goddess was guarding both land and water. The temple architecture, with its ancient sandstone carvings, felt timeless.
A Ride That Feels Like Home
Locals call her “Samalei Maa”. She’s not just worshipped—she’s loved. On Fridays, the temple comes alive with rituals, music, and hundreds of lamps. The air smells of flowers and desi ghee. It doesn’t feel touristy—it feels ancestral.
During my visit, I tied a red thread around the tree in the courtyard—a ritual for protection. A priest noticed and nodded. “She protects riders too,” he said, half joking. I smiled. Maybe she does.
Things To Know
- Distance: 3 km from Sambalpur town center
- Open: 6 AM to 9 PM (morning aarti at sunrise)
- Don’t Miss: River view behind the temple and local prasad (khiri & chuda)
- Pro Tip: Wear traditional if you plan to enter the inner sanctum.