Sambalpur: Maa Samaleswari Appears in Rajarajeshwari Form on Ashwin Purnima, Temple Hosts Flag Hoisting Ceremony
Sambalpur: Today is Ashwin Purnima, also known as Kumar Purnima. On this auspicious day, Goddess Samaleswari, the presiding deity of western Odisha and the universal mother, appeared before devotees in her Rajarajeshwari form. It is believed that witnessing this rare form of the goddess is a matter of great fortune. Therefore, hundreds of devotees gathered at the temple today to catch a glimpse of this special appearance. Along with the flag hoisting ceremony, the Akhada performance was also conducted, officially marking the conclusion of the Sharadiya Puja at the Samaleswari temple.
Early Morning Rituals and Public Viewing
As per the daily routine, the temple doors opened at 5 a.m., and after the morning rituals, the Mangal Arati was performed. General public viewing of the deity started at 5:50 a.m. and continued until 11:45 a.m. At 12 noon, the Annabhog (rice offering) was served to the goddess, followed by the ceremonial closing of the temple for a while. Special prayers and worship were conducted near the goddess, and sindur (vermillion) was applied to the deity.
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Rajarajeshwari Adornment and Afternoon Devotion
In the afternoon, temple priests dressed Maa Samaleswari in her majestic Rajarajeshwari form. She was dressed in a golden Singhapata, a Padmamukha, Kiriti, Mukuta, Karnala, Kankarna, Notha, Chita, Ardhchandra, Chatra, Kiapatari, Dhala, Jhiva and other ornaments. After the goddess was dressed, a special puja was performed, and the temple doors reopened for devotees at 2 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
Flag Hoisting and Evening Rituals
Following the evening arati, the Akhanda Deep (sacred lamp) was taken out. This lamp, considered a witness to the well-being of the world, was carried around the temple seven times in a ceremonial parade. Finally, at 8:30 p.m., the flag-hoisting ceremony took place. Devotees flocked in large numbers to witness this rare appearance of the goddess. To ensure peace and order, the temple premises had a heavy police presence throughout the day.
