Samaleswari: A dedicated ghat was constructed at the Mahanadi River near Samaleswari Temple to conduct Aarti, similar to the Ganga Aarti. However, after a grand inauguration before the elections as part of the Samaleswari Project, the Aarti was performed for a few days and then discontinued. This has led to dissatisfaction among locals and visiting devotees.
An Aarti ghat, overbridge, and other structures were built near the Samaleswari Temple ghat. A plan was also made to conduct daily Aarti like the one at the Ganga River. However, it has remained non-functional for over a year. Now, the Samaleswari Trust Board has begun preparations to restart the Aarti in a new form. The Trust Board has decided to resume the Mahanadi Aarti soon, as informed by Trust Board Chairman Sanjay Babu. Since Mahanadi is considered Odisha’s lifeline, the Aarti holds great significance.
Disappointment Among Devotees
The Samaleswari Temple, dedicated to the presiding deity of Western Odisha, attracts many devotees. After visiting the temple, devotees often go to the riverfront to view the Mahanadi. Under the Samaleswari Project, a 350-meter-long Aarti Mandap was built along with gallery arrangements for devotees. Additionally, a separate pathway was constructed from the temple to various ghats of the Mahanadi.
Notably, the transformation project of Samaleswari Temple and its Parikrama (circumambulatory) plan was inaugurated on January 27 last year with a four-day-long celebration. During those days, the Mahanadi Aarti was performed every evening, drawing huge crowds of devotees. However, after its discontinuation, devotees have expressed frustration and disappointment.