Sambalpur: Plan for Sale of Annabhog at Maa Samaleswari Temple; Devotees to Get Prasad in This Tourist Season

Sambalpur: After four long years, devotees will finally be able to receive Annabhog (food offerings) from Maa Samaleswari Temple during the current tourist season. The state government, however, has not taken any steps in this regard. As a result, the temple’s Trust Board has decided to start the Annabhog service on its own initiative.

New Bhog House Construction Begins

Earlier, an important facility like the Bhog House was excluded from the Samaleswari Temple development project. So, the Trust Board has now decided to construct a Bhog House, using an open shed in the temple complex. The Board had proposed the idea to the state government, but no positive response came. Therefore, the Trust Board is proceeding with the construction on its own. The construction work is set to begin within the next week.

Past Efforts for Resuming Annabhog

Despite plans to restart the sale of Annabhog during the last Nuakhai festival, it was unsuccessful. Even during the recent Navaratri festival, the service was not resumed, which caused dissatisfaction among devotees. The Trust Board had been working on this plan for the past three months and had submitted proposals to the state government. However, due to a lack of government action, the Trust Board has decided to move forward independently.

Design and Materials for the Bhog House

The open shed in the temple premises will be enclosed from all sides and transformed into the Bhog House. The design will match the architecture of the Samaleswari Temple project. To build the walls, terracotta bricks and other necessary materials have already been ordered. According to the Trust Board Chairman, Sanjay Babu, construction will begin within a week and is expected to be completed in two weeks. The goal is to start offering Annabhog within a month, and if everything goes according to plan, devotees will be able to purchase Annabhog this tourist season.

Transformation of the Samaleswari Temple

In the recent Samaleswari Temple project, the temple has undergone a significant transformation, focusing more on beautification than on religious services. From a chappal stand to a selfie zone, and from riverside beautification to attractive parks and gardens, the entire 50-acre area has been adorned with beautiful lighting. However, the important Bhog House was overlooked during the project.

Annabhog Service Stopped for 4 Years

The sale of Annabhog has been suspended since the COVID-19 pandemic, with no resumption afterward. The Samaleswari project, which began after the pandemic, also led to the discontinuation of the Bhog House. Although the project was inaugurated in January, no arrangements were made to resume the Annabhog service. The Trust Board had repeatedly informed the construction agency, OBCC, and sent several letters about the issue, but nothing came of it.

Future Plans for the Bhog House

Due to this, the Trust Board decided to use an open shed for the Bhog House. They estimated an expenditure of around ₹16 lakhs and planned to manage the service themselves initially, as they already have the necessary cooking utensils and materials.

Although they had proposed this idea to the state government earlier, no action was taken. As a result, during festivals like Nuakhai and Navaratri, devotees did not get Annabhog. However, with the current steps being taken by the Board, it is hoped that the Annabhog service will finally resume, bringing great relief to devotees.