SAMBALPUR: In a bid to attract more tourists to Samaleswari temple, the abode of presiding deity of undivided Sambalpur district Goddess Samaleswari, massive plans have been chalked out for its all round development.
The district administration has already sent a proposal to the State Government in this regard with an estimated cost of around `2.98 crore. The proposal includes landscaping, construction of stage, view gallery and guard wall, development of heritage pond on the temple premises, wall painting, gateway and two-storey market building with food kiosks.
District Tourist Officer Rabindra Dalei said the proposed developmental works of the temple would begin immediately after getting the approval from the Government. A decision has been taken to paint the temple and buildings adjacent to it with a unique colour to make the area look more attractive, he added.
Earlier, the Samaleswari Temple Trust Board had undertaken beautification of the park situated on its premises besides construction of Samaleswari Bhawan with 14 rooms and a hall for the tourists.
This apart, a new ‘Jagar Ghar’ will be constructed to accommodate hundreds of lamps lit by devotees during Nabaratra in the Odia month of Chaitra and Aswina. Moreover, eight closed circuit cameras have been installed at strategic points of the temple complex for security purpose. Security guards have also been engaged to prevent untoward incident on the temple premises.
The Samaleswari temple was constructed by the first Chauhan King of Sambalpur, Balram Dev, in proto-Nagara style in 16th century. The temple situated on the bank of river Mahanadi attracts thousands of devotees and tourists from across
the State besides neighbouring Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.