Sambalpur: Only 44 more days left for Navaratri, Will the Samlei Temple Lamp House be Ready before Navaratri?
Sambalpur: Sharadiya Navaratri is going to start from next October 15th in all Devi Peeths. Only 45 days left for this. Every year, thousands of devotees light the mansik lamp at the shrine of Goddess Maa Samleshwari in Western Odisha. Recently, the Lamp House and other structures have been demolished due to the “Samlei” scheme for the development and beautification of Samleshwari Peeth. The last three days and the daily lamp are also lit along with the nine days. The lighting of the lamp during Navaratri at Maa Samleshwari is associated with public sentiment. However, fears have been expressed in devotees regarding the preparation of the “lamp house” before Navaratri.
Twice a year during Sharadiya and Basantika Navaratri, devotees light lamps for peace of mind, family peace, protection from enemies, relief from illness, marriage, childbirth, etc. Apart from this special Sadhakas also perform Gupta Navaratri. A devotee has a special attachment to the lighting of lamps, whether they are lit at home or in temples during the year. Sharadiya Navratri is starting from next October 15th. At this time, Navratri will be celebrated at the Samleshwari Peeth of Sambalpur along with all the Devi Peeths.
With only 45 days remaining, doubts have arisen regarding the lighting of the lamp by the devotees. Earlier, during the months of Dussehra and Chaitra, lamps were lit in the main temple, but due to the increase in the number of lamps, they were brought to the adjacent small gudi (temple). Hundreds of lamps were lit there. However, less than two years later in May due to a fire caused by a short circuit, the lamp house was moved to the Samleshwari Mandap building. Around 2,000 devotees lit lamps at the Samleshwari temple during Dussehra. Now the old Lamp House building is being demolished while the new Lamp House is being constructed.
Ambika Prasad Rai, the chief worshiper of Samleshwari temple, said that the rituals of Maa will continue as they have been. Like every year, the devotees will light the lamp too. A devotee has faith and belief. Devotees cannot be denied lighting the lamp. Therefore, Mr. Rai has expressed his hope that it would be better if the construction of the “Lamp House” building is completed soon.
On the other hand, it is known that there will be two halls of 2500 sq. Apart from this, due to the extreme heat during the lighting of the lamp, the entry of worshipers and devotees will be difficult and dangerous. It has been said that the “lamp house” will be ready before the Navaratri. It is worth noting that on July 16, 5T Secretary visited Sambalpur, reviewed the ‘Samlei’ planning work, and directed to complete the first phase of the work by December. He said that the state government has plans to launch this project in the new year.
