worshipped by the local people. However, Samalei or Samaleswari is the tutelary deity of Chauhan dynasty of this area (Pasayat, 1998, 2003, 2007, 2008).
Tourism
The world famous Hirakud Dam built across the Mahanadi River, about 15 km from Sambalpur in 1956 is a major tourist attraction. The dam is the world's largest earthen dam and is one of the longest dams in the world, about 16 mi (26 km) in length. It also forms the biggest artificial lake in Asia, with a reservoir holding 743 km² at full capacity with a shoreline of over 640 km. It also attracts a large number of migratory birds in winters. The Leaning Temple of Huma located about 25 km from Sambalpur built in the 17th century leans at an approximate angle of 47 degrees to the west. (Pasayat, 1998, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008). Which is one of a kind in India. Samaleswari Temple is the main temple of Goddess Samaleswari, located on the banks of river Mahanadi. Sambalpur owes its name to her. Chiplima (Chipilima Hydro Electric Project (CHEP)) located about 37 km from Sambalpur, it is known for a natural fall(24.38 mts in height) harnessed for generating electricity. It is an ideal picnic spot and also known for harbouring “Ghanteswari”, the presiding deity of the place. Ghanteswari Temple played an important role for river navigation in the past. Earlier there were some large bells on this spot and with the help of wind those created enormous sound which made the navigators aware of this treacherous spot. This area being the conglomeration of three streams of water of the Mahanadi river, the water current here is very dangerous forming a whirlpool. Due to this many boats sunk while nearing this spot. Here the wind blows quite heavily which caused the bells to produce sound. After the construction of Hirakud Dam, this spot became safer. The specialty of this temple area is thousands of bells hanging everywhere. There is
