Ghanteswari Temple (Temple of Bells)

Ghanteswari Temple, also known as the Temple of Bells (Ghanti) is 33km away from Sambalpur district in the Western state of Odisha in India. The Temple is unique in its own way and has an amazing blend of colourful Odisha’s culture and dense green galleries. Ghanteswari Temple is situated at the banks of River Mahanadi and exudes a spectacular view during Sunrise and Sunset. If you love capturing the nature’s beauty in your camera, Ghanteswari Temple is your paradise. Language spoken: Oriya, Hindi and English. (One can manage with Hindi). Best time to visit Sambalpur is from September to March because of good weather.

History:

“Ghanteswari Temple was built during the ancient times by sailors on the bank of River Mahanadi. Bells in the temple were used to alert the villagers and other sailors against the storm and strong winds. It was light house without light. To visit this temple one has to go through the unique narrow bridge of Chipilima Hydro Power plant, which is an adventure by itself. Walking on the Chiplima bridge offers beautiful meadows and dense forest views. Mahanadi River waters flows smoothly under the bridge murmuring and kissing the walls of the bridge.

Significance:

People tie (offer) bells to Maa Ghanteswari (Deity) after their fulfilment of their wish. (Pray with all your heart and see it coming true with the blessing of Maa Ghanteswari) Hence you can see bells everywhere in the temple. Ghanteswari Temple is the soul of Chimplima village, It is treasure trove of beautiful natural splendour. Ghanteswari Temple, Chiplima Hydro Power Plant and Chiplima village are nature lover’s delight. Be careful with the troops of monkeys in the temple as snatch things thinking it is food. Carry your little one in your arms and avoid giving any eateries to monkeys.

Must See:

• Chipilima Hydro Power Plant.
• Chiplima Village
• Hirakud Dam, One of the longest dams.
• Samleshwari Temple which is situated in the heart of the Sambalpur city.
• If you love hand-loom, Sambalpur silk sarees and dresses are world-famous and one cannot miss to buy them. (My favourite shops are Samleshwari Bastralaya (Goal Bazar) and Sakshi Handlooms (Budharaja).

Any important thing which a traveller should know:

Hotel and lodges are available with minimum price of approx. 520 to 2000 INR. One can choose hotel based on their preference. I would suggest choosing a hotel/lodge near Goal Bazar as it is the main market.

While going for sight-seeing carry bisleri water and an umbrella (during summer)

Local food are mouth-watering, Gup-chup (Pani Puri), Aloo Muri (Must try), Rasagulla and Rajbhog, Pyaji Vada, Chole Puri in the Goal Bazar Market.

For Non veg lovers you can try Phakal Bhat along with Bhaja(Fried fish), Aamisa Jhol (Chicken curry with the hint of Sambalpuri flavour, Jhuri Bhaja (Signature Oriya style fish curry)

Odisha: Scenic Serene Sublime rightly put by the Odisha Tourism.

How to Reach:

There are direct trains to Sambalpur; one can directly search the trains running from their place.

Nearest Airport: If you’re planning to fly, the nearest airport is Bhubaneshwar’s Biju Patnaik International Airport. Distance between Bhubaneswar and Sambalpur is 220 kilometres and you can choose train in approx. 5Hrs (If train is not delayed). You can also opt for bus, Non AC Sleeper, Volvo AC bus or even hire a car. (You can reach Sambalpur in approx.4Hrs)

Once you reach Sambalpur you can hire a taxi for Ghanteswari Temple (price INR 5 per kilometre and varies as per the choice of car) 33Km away from Sambalpur and situated at the bank of Mahanadi River in Chimplima village. The Chipilima Hydro Power plant is located near the temple on the same river bank. Ring road would be best route to visit the temple as it will offer the stunning view of Mahanadi River, picturesque Sunset and beautiful nature. (My experience)