Goddess Samaleswari adorns Dhabalamukhi Besha on Mahalaya, devotees throng shrine

Goddess Samaleswari, the revered presiding deity of Sambalpur, appeared before devotees in the rare Dhabalamukhi Besha on Sunday. The Goddess will remain in this divine form for two and a half days. 

As per tradition, this sacred appearance is witnessed only once a year, on the concluding day of Pitru Paksha, known as Mahalaya. It is believed that having darshan of the Goddess in this attire bestows spiritual merit equivalent to taking a holy dip in the River Ganga.

On all other days, the Goddess is adorned in a vermilion-hued appearance. However, on Mahalaya, she is coated in a white paste made from conch and gopi tilak, dressed in a white saree, and adorned with white flowers.

Special Arrangements For Devotees

To accommodate the influx of devotees, special arrangements for separate darshan have been made. The temple premises have been beautifully decorated with flowers by the Temple Trust Board. 

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From today onwards, only OMFED cow ghee will be used for the two Akhanda Diyas and the aarti inside the temple. The Trust has strictly prohibited the use of ghee from any other source.

Devotees Gather From Early Hours

Reports indicate that devotees began gathering at the temple from around 2:00 am on Saturday night. Long queues formed as people waited eagerly to catch a glimpse of the Goddess in her Dhabalamukhi Besha.

One devotee shared, “I got to see Maa today on Mahalaya. It is believed that today’s Dhabalamukhi Besha darshan would bring immense blessings and luck to anyone who gets her darshan today.”