Sambalpur: The state archaeology department has decided to repair the cracks on the walls and arches of Samaleswari Temple after Dussehra, reports said.
The cracks were noticed recently after a coating of plastic paint on the wall of the abode of Goddess Samaleswari was removed a few days ago.
A whopping Rs 10 lakh will be spent on the renovation work which will be provided by the culture department.
Sanjay Baboo, the temple trust board president, said, “We noticed the cracks after the plastic paints were removed a few days ago. The state archaeology has proposed to repair the cracks. Around Rs 10 lakh will be spent on the work. The culture department has agreed to provide the funds.”
“An engineering map of the temple has already been prepared for the repair work,” he further stated. The 16th century shrine was built by Balram Dev, the first Chauhan king of Sambalpur. The temple which was constructed in the proto-Nagar style, is an important tourist attraction of the region.
The temple was closed for devotees for 19 days in April for repair works. The floor of the sanctum sanctorum was found damaged by rodents. However, since the Dussehra is close, further repair will commence after the festival.
Furthermore, the temple trust board had decided to replace the silver ornaments of the deity with gold ones. The deity has silver ornaments weighing around 9kg that will be replaced with gold.
In the first phase, the gold bangles, matha mani, karnachala and padma mukha will be made at a cost of Rs 20 lakh. The endowments department has sanctioned funds worth Rs 10 lakh from the fixed deposits of the temple. The Dusshera Puja Committee will also provide gold worth Rs 7 lakh for the ornaments, it was learnt.
PNN
