Pataneswari Temple

Maa Pataneswari Temple is a historic Hindu Shakti temple located in Modipara, Sambalpur, Odisha, on the banks of the Mahanadi River region. Dedicated to Goddess Pataneswari, the presiding deity of the Chauhan rulers, it is one of the oldest temples in western Odisha. Built in the 16th century, the temple features traditional Kalinga architecture and remains an important religious centre attracting devotees, especially during Navratri and Dussehra.

Visitors can expect a compact temple complex with a traditional Kalinga-style stone shrine housing the idol of Goddess Pataneswari. The temple courtyard is active with daily worship, bells and offerings. The surroundings include small shops selling flowers, coconuts and prasad, and views of the old town area of Sambalpur. The atmosphere is devotional and busy during festivals, with space for darshan, circumambulation and photography in the outer premises.

Maa Pataneswari Temple was built by Balaram Dev, the first Chauhan king of Sambalpur, in the late 16th century (around 1575-1595). Goddess Pataneswari was the presiding deity (Ista Devi) of the Chauhan rulers who established the Sambalpur kingdom. The temple is considered one of the earliest Chauhan-era temples in western Odisha and reflects early Kalinga temple architecture of the period.

The temple is an important Shakti shrine in western Odisha and holds deep religious significance for devotees of Goddess Durga. Maa Pataneswari is worshipped as a form of Shakti and is regarded as a guardian deity of Sambalpur. The temple is a major centre during Navratri, Dussehra and Durga Puja, when special pujas and gatherings are held and devotees from across the region visit for darshan.