In the verdant lands of Sambalpur, nestled along the banks of the majestic Mahanadi River, the people revered Maa Samaleswari, the Mother Goddess, as their divine protector. She was more than a deity; she was the soul of Sambalpur, safeguarding her people and lands.
The tale begins in a time long past, a time when Sambalpur faced a great calamity. The skies had withheld their rains, rivers had shrunk into slender streams, and the once-lush fields lay parched and lifeless. A devastating drought had clasped the land in its unforgiving grip, and famine loomed like a dark cloud over the people.
As despair settled in the hearts of the villagers, they turned to Maa Samaleswari, seeking her divine intervention. Day and night, the temple echoed with prayers and hymns, the air heavy with the scent of incense and the fervor of unwavering faith.
Among the devotees was a young girl named Aparna, whose devotion to Maa Samaleswari was as boundless as the skies. Each day, she would bring fresh flowers to the temple, her heart brimming with hope and prayers for her suffering village.
One fateful night, as Aparna prayed with tears in her eyes, the goddess appeared before her in a vision, radiant and resplendent. Maa Samaleswari spoke in a voice that was both gentle and commanding, “Aparna, your devotion has moved me. Travel to the heart of the Mahanadi River at dawn, and you shall find the answer to your people’s plight.“
With a heart filled with hope, Aparna embarked on her quest as the first light of dawn kissed the land. She ventured into the shallow waters of the Mahanadi, where she found a strange, glowing stone. As she touched it, the stone turned into a shimmering fish, which leaped out of her hands and swam downstream.
Miraculously, where the fish swam, the river began to swell, its waters surging and flowing with renewed vigor. Soon, the riverbanks overflowed, filling the dry channels and watering the barren fields.
The villagers watched in awe as the miracle unfolded before their eyes. Rain clouds gathered in the sky, and soon, a gentle rain began to fall, drenching the thirsty earth. The drought ended, and prosperity returned to Sambalpur.
Aparna, humble and devout, became a symbol of unwavering faith. The villagers celebrated the miracle, praising Maa Samaleswari for her benevolence. The tale of the Goddess’s intervention and Aparna’s devotion became a legend, passed down through generations.
This story of Maa Samaleswari remains a testament to the power of faith and the divine grace that watches over Sambalpur. It symbolizes the goddess’s role as a protector and the belief that in times of distress, she will always guide her devotees towards hope and rejuvenation.
