Sambalpur: Flipping one more page and adding another chapter to the historic significance of Sambalpur, particularly in regard to the famous temple of Maa Samaleswari, the presiding deity of Western Odisha, the tourism department has initiated steps to begin light and sound show for visitors to the shrine. The government has approved funds for implementation of the major project here.
On Wednesday, the tourism department conducted a review of the Rs 7-crore project, of which Rs 2 crore has already been provided, sources said.
“The Chief Minister has sanctioned Rs 7 crore for the project, of which already Rs 2 crore has been provided. Conceptualised in the format of the Red Fort, Dhauli and Konark, the light and sound show in Samaleswari will also enthrall visitors,” said Sambalpur MLA Raseswari Panigrahi.
The light and sound show on the temple premises will showcase the history of Maa Samaleswari temple and with its beauty it would act as an added attraction for the tourists who visit the famous shrine, added the MLA.
“Samaleswari temple is an important holy shrine. The number of devotees visiting this temple is rising day by day. I am really happy to know that there is a plan for sound and light show here,” said a visitor.
Last year, the temple trust board had placed a proposal before the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) for implementation of the project at the heritage pond of the temple and also approached Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) to fund for this purpose.
The 16th century shrine was constructed by Balram Dev, the first Chauhan king of Sambalpur and the founder of modern Sambalpur. People from across Odisha and neighbouring states visit the temple to pay obeisance to Goddess Samaleswari.
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