Introduction
Sambalpur, the land of Maa Samaleswari, is a place where devotion, culture, and spirituality blend perfectly. People of Western Odisha deeply respect this region. For them, Maa Samaleswari is not just a goddess but their mother and protector. She is the presiding deity of Sambalpur. Thousands of devotees visit the Samaleswari Temple, located on the banks of the Mahanadi River, to seek her blessings. Her influence on Western Odisha’s culture and society goes beyond religion.
Maa Samaleswari as Linga Bhairavi, another potent form of Shakti revered throughout India, are quite similar. Both goddesses represent divine feminine energy, combining elements of compassion and ferocity. Maa Samaleswari is mainly venerated in her red form, which symbolizes strength and dedication, and in her white form (Dhabalmukhi), which represents peace and divine grace. In contrast, Linga Bhairavi is worshipped in three different color forms—black, red, and yellowish—each of which represents a different energy. These parallels show how Shakti worship is global, bringing followers of all traditions together.
There are several temples devoted to various manifestations of the Divine Mother in Western Odisha, which has a long history of Shakti worship. In addition to Maa Samaleswari, the area is home to numerous other Shakti worship sites, including Maa Pataneswari in Patnagrah, Maa Manikeswari in Kalahandi, and Maa Ghanteswari in Chiplima. The region’s steadfast belief in divine feminine power, which has been passed down through the years, is reflected in the devotion to these deities.
The influence of Maa Samaleswari is not exclusive to Odisha; her devotion is practiced outside of India. She is worshipped as Linga Bhairavi in Nepal, especially in Kathmandu, where followers adore her with elaborate festivities, fire sacrifices, and Tantric rites. The Shakti worship connection between Sambalpur and Nepal demonstrates how religious customs transcend national borders and bring people together in devotion. This special feature demonstrates how Maa Samaleswari’s heavenly force transcends geographical boundaries, protecting and guiding her followers everywhere.
Who is Maa Samaleswari?
Maa Samaleswari is the presiding deity of Sambalpur, Odisha. She is usually regarded by devotees as the goddess of wealth and power. Deeply embedded in Western Odisha’s cultural and spiritual fabric, Maa Samaleswari is largely worshipped as a Shakti Peetha. Thousands of devotees assemble at the well-known Samaleswari Temple, which is situated on the banks of the Mahanadi River, to seek her blessings.
Who is Linga Bhairavi?
Mostly revered at the Dhyanalinga complex in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Linga Bhairavi is a ferocious and compassionate manifestation of the Divine Feminine. As the supreme manifestation of Shakti, she leads followers to empowerment and inward metamorphosis. Temples dedicated to Linga Bhairavi can be found in many Indian states as well as abroad, drawing pilgrims who want to feel her heavenly presence.
Comparables Between Linga Bhairavi and Maa Samaleswari
Both are considered to be strong deities and are expressions of the Goddess Shakti.
They have their roots in Tantra worship and represent celestial feminine energy.
Devotees seeking protection, wealth, and spiritual enlightenment are drawn to their temples, which are centers of powerful spiritual energy.
Their worship relies heavily on traditional rites and ritualistic offerings.
Similarities in Structure and Color Forms
The physical representations of Maa Samaleswari and Linga Bhairavi are remarkably similar, representing a strong yet caring manifestation of the Divine Mother. Nonetheless, color symbolism distinguishes their forms:
Three different hues are used to worship Linga Bhairavi:
- Black stands for strength, power, and the annihilation of evil.
- Red represents ferocious energy, passion, and protection.
- Yellowish (golden): Denotes knowledge, wealth, and heavenly favor.
- On the other hand, Maa Samaleswari is mostly revered in two hues:
- Red stands for strength, bravery, and dedication.
- White (Dhabalmukhi form): Denotes tranquility, purity, and the maternal mercy of God.
How a Whole Country Worships Maa Samaleswari as Linga Bhairavi
Maa Samaleswari is revered as Linga Bhairavi in Nepal, especially in Kathmandu, where her devotion combines tantric and native Newari customs. As a sign of their devotion, people in Nepal’s temples worship Shakti as a potent defender and source of heavenly energy. In Nepal, she is honored with devotional singing, fire rites (havan), and large offerings at the well-known Pashupatinath Temple and other Shakti Peethas. These devotional customs are practiced by many followers from Nepal and India, strengthening the spiritual and cultural ties between the two countries.
In these areas, Maa Samaleswari is Worships as Linga Bhairavi, signifying the unending interconnectedness of the different manifestations of Shakti. Devotees of these temples engage in rituals, experience heavenly energy, and ask for blessings for protection and prosperity at these spiritual hubs.
State-wise Locations of Linga Bhairavi Temples in India
- Tamil Nadu: Coimbatore (Dhyanalinga Temple)
- Karnataka-Bangalore (Nandi Hills)
- Chhattisgarh: Villages area
- Jharkhand
- West Bengal-Kolkata
- And finally Western Odisha—Sambalpur—the land of Maa Samaleswari,
where the people’s faith, customs, and everyday lives are intricately entwined with her supernatural presence. She continues to be central to the spiritual and cultural identity of the area, from large festivals to regular temple rites. Maa Samaleswari’s legacy endures, inspiring devotion among her millions of devotees, with Sambalpur serving as the focal point of her adoration.
In these areas, Maa Samaleswari is revered as Linga Bhairavi, signifying the unending interconnectedness of the different manifestations of Shakti. Devotees of these temples engage in rituals, experience heavenly energy, and ask for blessings for protection and prosperity at these spiritual hubs.
