SAMBALPUR — Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, accompanied by First Lady Jayashree Kambhampati, visited the historic Maa Samaleswari Temple and the Hirakud Dam on Saturday [Oct. 10], marking the auspicious occasion of Mahalaya.
Divine Blessings at Maa Samaleswari
The Governor and First Lady offered prayers at the temple, seeking prosperity and well-being for the people of Odisha. Their visit coincided with Mahalaya, a significant day when the presiding deity, Maa Samaleswari, is adorned in the sacred Dhabalamukhi Besha (white costume).
The rare ritual draws thousands of devotees to the shrine, which is widely regarded as the spiritual and cultural heart of western Odisha.
Inspection of Hirakud Dam
Earlier in the day, the Governor visited the iconic Hirakud Dam, one of the world’s longest earthen dams. Dr. Kambhampati inspected the massive engineering marvel built across the Mahanadi River and spent time viewing its sprawling reservoir, which serves as a lifeline for irrigation and power generation in the region.
Local officials briefed the gubernatorial couple on the dam’s history, water management capacity, and its vital role in flood control across the state.
