Sambalpur: A light and sound show will be introduced at the temple of Goddess Samaleswari, the presiding deity of Sambalpur, to attract tourists and devotees.

The state tourism department has sanctioned Rs 7 crore for a light and sound show on the temple premises. This will be the first such show in west Odisha and is expected to draw big crowds.

Sambalpur MLA Raseswari Panigrahi says a script committee comprising people with knowledge on the history of Sambalpur and the Samaleswari temple will be formed to provide information on which the script of the show would be based.

Since people from across the country and abroad visit this temple, the shows will take place in three languages - Odia, Hindi and English," the MLA said.

"I am thankful to chief minister Naveen Patnaik for providing adequate funds for the development of Samaleswari temple. On his maiden visit to Sambalpur after becoming chief minister in 2014, the CM gave Rs 50 lakh for development. He said money would not be a problem for the development of Sambalpur in general and the temple in particular," Panigrahi told The Telegraph.

President of the Samaleswari temple managing committee Sanjay Babu said the government had entrusted ITDC to install the light and sound system. Recently the Archeological Survey of India from Bhubaneswar completed repair and renovation of the sanctum sanctorum of the temple at a cost of around Rs 5 lakh.

Apart from that, measures were being taken for proper cleaning of the temple premises and extension of prasad distribution hall for the tourists and devotees.

The 16th century shrine situated on the bank of river Mahanadi was constructed by King Balaram Dev, the first Chauhan king of Sambalpur. It is one of the oldest temples of this region.