Sambalpur: Preparations Underway for Maa Samaleswari’s Sohala Puja, Special Barricading for Darshan Begins

Sambalpur: The grand Dussehra Puja rituals of Maa Samaleswari will begin on the upcoming 24th of Mulastami. On this auspicious day, the renowned Puajiuntia Osha will be observed, as will the initiation of the Sohala Puja at the revered Samaleswari Temple. Furthermore, on October 2nd, Mahalaya Amavasya day, devotees will see Maa Samaleswari’s famous Dhabalamukhi Besha. Every year, thousands of devotees attend this special occasion, but this year is particularly significant because it will be the first Dhabalamukhi Besha since the Samaleswari project’s inception. As a result, the number of devotees is expected to grow significantly.

Barricading Work Begins for Dhabalamukhi Darshan

Keeping this in mind, the temple trust board has already begun extensive preparations. To manage the influx of devotees, barricades have been installed in the open space leading up to the temple’s main entrance. This will ensure that all visitors have a smooth and orderly darshan experience.

Schedule Released for Sohala Puja

The schedule for Maa Samaleswari’s Sohala Puja is now available. The puja will officially start on Mulastami (September 24th), with devotees lighting sixteen lamps each day for sixteen days as part of the spiritual ritual. On October 2nd, during Mahalaya, the Dhabalamukhi Besha (also known as Ganga Darshan) will take place. The Navratri Puja or rituals will begin on October 3rd, with the lighting of the Jagara Deepa.

Each day has a special significance:

• October 4th: Dwitiya
• October 5th: Tritiya
• October 6th: Chaturthi
• October 7th: Panchami
• October 8th: Shasthi
• October 9th: Maha Saptami Puja
• October 10th: Maha Ashtami and Bhai Jiuantia rituals, along with Maa

Samaleswari’s grand Khandadhua Shobhayatra and Akhada Nagar Parikrama

Following that, on October 11th, devotees will witness the Maha Navami Puja and another Akhada Nagar Parikrama. Devotees will culminate the celebration on October 12th with the Dashami Puja. They will then perform the Deepa Visarjan and conduct the Ranjita Shobhayatra of Maa Samaleswari. Finally, on October 16th, during Kumar Purnima, Maa Samaleswari will bless devotees in her divine Rajarajeswari Besha, and temple authorities will raise a new flag at the temple.

Significance of Dhabalamukhi Besha and Increased Devotee Numbers Expected

Among all the annual rituals, the Dhabalamukhi Besha is the most spiritually significant. According to beliefs, performing Pitru Tarpan during Mahalaya, followed by darshan of Maa in Dhabalamukhi attire, confers the same merit as the holy Ganga Darshan. This profound significance brings lakhs of devotees to the temple. The number of devotees has increased significantly since the Samaleswari project’s inception, and a record-breaking crowd is expected this year. In light of this, the temple trust board has intensified preparations to ensure that everything runs smoothly for everyone.

Innovative Barricading System

The Dhabalamukhi Besha Darshan arrangements will receive special attention. This year, officials will install L-shaped steel barricades with wheels, extending from the temple’s main entrance, replacing the previously used bamboo barricades. They will cover these steel railings with shade to protect devotees from the elements. Additionally, they will equip the movable steel railings and shade stands with wheels, allowing staff to install and remove them as needed during special occasions such as Dussehra and Nuakhai.

The Dussehra Puja Committee, along with temple trust board officials and priests, met several times to finalize plans for these rituals. The detailed outline for Dhabalamukhi Besha preparations has been thoroughly reviewed and approved by all relevant authorities.