The repair work of the famous Ma Samaleswari Temple here was undertaken on Saturday by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on the request of the Temple Managing Committee.
A team of experts of ASI reached here and initiated the preliminary work. The 16th century temple has developed several cracks. About Rs 10 lakh has been estimated for its expenditure.
However, it may increase depending on the nature of cracks on the main structure, the Managing Committee president Sanjoy Baboo said. The work will be completed within a month, he said.
Ma Samaleswari, the presiding deity of Sambalpur, is widely worshipped by the people and attracts devotees from all over the country.
Many social and religious organisations have strongly criticised the Managing Committee for not taking up the repair work on time.
“If fact, the crack has been noticed during the last Nuankhai festival, in the month of September but due to neglect of the committee, the work has not been taken up on time,” said a social worker of Badbazar. However, the committee members ruled out any
immediate danger to the temple saying the ASI will do its best to make the temple out of danger.
The 16th century temple, which was constructed by Balram Dev, the first Chauhan king of Sambalpur, is a major tourist destination of the region.
Various beautification works have already been carried out by the State Government.
The State Culture Department has sanctioned Rs 7 crore for the light and sound show at the temple complex. It has been planned to show in three languages like — Odia, Hindi and English.
The light and sound is expected to draw more tourists to the holy shrine. The Tourism Department has already released Rs 2 crore in the first phase to start the work. A committee comprising people who have knowledge about the history of Sambalpur and Samaleswari temple will be formed soon for making the script of the show.