Sambalpur: Samaleswari Temple to Launch ‘Faith 360’ App; Devotees Can Now Book Prasad from Home

Temple Board Introduces Digital Services for Devotees

Sambalpur: The Samaleswari Temple Trust Board has taken a major step to improve facilities for devotees. With the support of HDFC Bank, a new mobile app called ‘Faith 360’ will soon be launched. Through this app, both local and distant devotees will be able to access various temple services from the comfort of their homes.

Online Prasad Booking from Anywhere

Using the app, devotees can now pre-book prasad online and get it delivered as a parcel. Even those unable to visit the temple in person can order ‘Maa Samaleswari’s prasad’ and receive it at home. Moreover, the app will provide detailed information about the temple schedule, rules, and activities.

Facility for Room and Mandap Booking

In addition, devotees can use the app to book rooms at the Bhakta Niwas (pilgrim rest house) and reserve the Kalyan Mandap for religious or cultural functions. The app will also allow users to book advance darshan slots for special viewing of the deity.

Trial Complete, Official Launch Soon

Temple Trust Chairman Sanjay Babu shared that after the Samaleswari Project, the number of devotees visiting the temple has increased significantly. Every day, thousands of devotees, including tourists from far-off places, visit the temple. However, due to limited availability, many go back disappointed without getting prasad.

Currently, the temple prepares prasad for only 200 to 250 people daily. On some days, it runs out quickly; on others, some remain unsold. Therefore, to help devotees, especially those coming from far away, the temple has partnered with HDFC Bank to launch the ‘Faith 360’ app. The trial run is complete, and after a few final touches, the app is expected to become fully functional by the end of this month.

App Already Used in ISKCON and Jagannath Temple, Koraput

This app-based system is already active in ISKCON and Koraput’s Jagannath Temple. Samaleswari Temple will become the third temple in Odisha to introduce such a facility. In the first phase, the app will focus on prasad booking and temple schedule. In later phases, services will expand to include room bookings, mandap reservations, and darshan scheduling.

Daily Photos and QR Code Integration

Devotees will also get daily photos of Maa’s alati and besha (attire) through the app. Once launched, QR codes will be displayed around the temple premises, allowing visitors to scan and download the app instantly on their mobile phones.

Trust Prepares Prasad Internally, No Outsourcing

It’s important to note that the prasad at Samaleswari Temple is prepared directly by the Trust Board, not outsourced to any external agency. For just ₹100, devotees receive a wholesome meal that includes rice, dal, khatta (tamarind curry), greens, papad, pickle, and kheer (sweet rice pudding).

Devotee Feedback Inspired the Initiative

The temple board decided to launch this app after receiving positive feedback from devotees and understanding their challenges in getting prasad or darshan during peak times.

In summary, this app will not only modernize the temple’s services but also enhance the overall spiritual experience for all devotees, both near and far.