Toshali Sands

Samalevari Temple- Sakti shrine at Sambalpur.Such temples are noticed in Sundargargh, Bolangir,Kalahandi, Baud, Palalahara and Athamallik areas. Nuakhai is the main festival of the temple besides .Dasahara.The deity is also worshipped in Bastara, Mahasamund, Phuljhara and Raypur. Samalesvari is otherwise known as Samli and Samalai. The present temple was built during the rule of king Balaramadeva (1540-1556) A book called. Jaya Chandrika of poet Prahalad Dube describes the diety as a tribal goddess. King Chhatrasala (1657-1695) rebuilt the temple.