Sambalpur: Rs. 200 Crore Samalei Project; Thousands of Devotees Struggle in Heat During Darshan at Samaleswari Shrine, Public Outcry Grows
Sambalpur: The Samalei Project has already spent over ₹200 crore to transform Maa Samaleswari’s shrine. The primary goal of this project is to transform this temple into a world-class Shakti Peeth (a revered place of worship) that will offer devotees a structured and peaceful darshan experience. Despite these efforts, devotees continue to face significant challenges, particularly due to the scorching heat. Thousands of devotees have been seen waiting in long lines for hours in hopes of catching a glimpse of the goddess, leaving Sambalpur residents and devotees disappointed and upset.
Expansion of Temple Area
The Samalei Project has increased the area surrounding the temple from four acres to nearly sixty acres. This development includes amenities such as a Bhakta Nivas (devotee rest house), commercial complexes, a lamp house, a Mission Shakti café, a lovely garden with water fountains, and numerous shaded areas for devotees. However, during peak crowd days, such as the current Navratri and Dhubalamukhi Besha (special events), these facilities appear insufficient to handle the large number of visitors.
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Insufficient Arrangements for Devotees
Thousands of devotees have spent hours in the hot sun waiting for darshan over the last two days. Despite the addition of several shaded areas, they have not been sufficient to accommodate the high traffic. Temporary arrangements, such as tents, were not made to ease the discomfort. Devotees who paid for the ₹100 darshan service also experienced long wait times in the same harsh conditions. This has resulted in growing dissatisfaction among both residents and devotees.
Public Reaction
The frustrations have sparked strong reactions from various segments of society. Many people have complained about the inadequate facilities and expressed their displeasure, raising concerns about the arrangements at such a sacred shrine.
