Happy Mahalaya 2024: Celebrating the Divine Grace of Maa Samaleswari in Sambalpur

Celebrating Mahalaya at Samaleswari Temple

Mahalaya is a significant occasion for the people of Sambalpur, as it marks not only the beginning of Durga Puja but also a very special celebration at the revered Samaleswari Temple. This day is dedicated to welcoming the Goddess and is celebrated with unique rituals that are deeply rooted in the local traditions and culture.

Maa Samaleswari’s Unique Dhabalmukhi Besha: A Sacred Transformation

On this auspicious day, they adorn the presiding deity of Sambalpur, Maa Samaleswari, in her distinctive Dhabalmukhi Besha, also known as Ganga Darshan. Unlike her usual red attire, they dress Maa Samaleswari in a pristine white costume on Mahalaya. Devotees consider this transformation as sacred as taking a holy dip in the Ganga, and thousands gather to catch a glimpse of the Goddess in this rare form. The belief is that darshan of Maa Samaleswari in her white attire washes away sins and purifies the soul.

Rituals and Preparation for the Dhabalmukhi Besha

The preparation for the Dhabalmukhi Besha starts the night before and takes around four hours to complete. The rituals begin early in the morning, and the deity is offered a special Bhog known as “Mooga Bara.” The serene sight of the Goddess, dressed in white, brings a sense of tranquility and divinity, filling the temple premises with an aura of peace and devotion. The rituals continue until the special Anna Bhog is offered to the deity, and the temple resonates with chants and hymns as devotees pay their respects.

A Day of Grand Celebration: Welcoming Maa Durga and Maa Samaleswari

Every year, nearly one lakh devotees from across Sambalpur and neighboring Chhattisgarh flock to the temple to be a part of this auspicious event. The significance of Mahalaya goes beyond just welcoming Maa Durga; it’s a time when devotees seek the blessings of Maa Samaleswari for good health, prosperity, and the well-being of their families.

The End of Shradh and Beginning of Navaratri

Mahalaya also marks the end of Shradh or Pitru Paksha, a 16-day period dedicated to paying homage to ancestors. As this phase concludes, devotees begin celebrating the festive season of Navaratri by worshipping Maa Samaleswari in her nine different divine forms—Sailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Rajarajeswari. Each day, the temple witnesses a grand celebration, with devotees pouring in from Odisha and neighboring states to participate in the rituals and seek the Goddess’s blessings.

Mahalaya 2024 brings with it a renewed spirit of devotion and celebration, as the people of Sambalpur come together to honor Maa Samaleswari. The divine sight of the Goddess in her Dhabalmukhi Besha serves as a powerful reminder of purity, grace, and the blessings that the festival season holds for everyone.

Wishing Everyone a Joyous and Blessed Mahalaya!

Wishing everyone a joyous and blessed Mahalaya! May Maa Samaleswari’s divine grace guide us and fill our lives with happiness, peace, and prosperity.

Jai Maa Samaleswari!