Samaleswari temple lit up with decorative lights. Telegraph picture

Sambalpur, March 26: The Samaleswari temple is being decked up with decorative lights to make it more attractive.

The tourism department has allocated fund for this purpose and temple’s trust have installed on the premises of the shrine.

“The tourism department sanctioned Rs 25 lakh for the illumination of the temple. The temple premises, park and parking space have been illuminated. Decorative lights have been installed at the heritage gate and in the main temple,” said Sankar Prashad Pati, president of Samaleswari Temple Trust Board.

Pati said that the energy department had also allocated fund for an illumination project for the temple.

“Underground cabling with decorative LED lights will be installed surrounding to the Samaleswari temple,” said Pati.

“The 16th century shrine, which was constructed by Balram Dev, the first Chauhan king of Sambalpur and the founder of the modern Sambalpur, is a major tourist spot of this region. The temple has been constructed in proto-Nagara style,” said Deepak Panda, a writer and a resident of the city.

“The Samaleswari temple attracts thousands of devotes from across Odisha and from neighbouring state every year. The illumination project has made the temple more beautiful and it will definitely attract more number of tourists,” said Ranish Prakash Mahakur, a local resident.