Shri Saicharan Temple - Sambalpur

In 1994, on the auspicious occasion of purna-kumbh mela, revered Guruji Shri C. B. Satpathy decided to have a temple of Baba built in the city of Sambalpur, Odisha. Subsequently, Dr. Artatrana Sarangi and his wife, Mrs. Minati Sarangi donated a piece of land towards this noble cause. The foundation for “Shri Shirdi Saibaba Spiritual and Charitable Trust, Sambalpur” was hence laid with Guruji Shri C. B. Satpathy at the helm as the Chief Patron. Late Mr. Vijay Bulchandani and his wife Mrs. Mansa Bulchandani – the trustees of the Chennai temple, the first temple to have been built under the patronage of Guruji Shri C. B. Satpathy – were appointed Managing Trustees of the Sambalpur trust. With the blessings of Baba and with continued support and inspiration from Guruji, thebhoomi poojan ceremony was performed in March, 1995.

While the smaller temple gained in fame and popularity, 34 pillars rose from the ground to support the two-storied structure of Shri SaiCharan Temple. Udi and soil specially brought from the holy place of Shirdi was poured into each of the 34 holes that were to support the pillars. As construction on the ground made steady progress, several obstacles came in the way of rapid progress. However, with Baba’s grace, construction of the main building was completed in five years. Guruji had named the Sambalpur temple “The Millennium Temple”, and rightfully, it was ready to be dedicated to the people of Sambalpur by year 2000. The praan pratistha (inauguration) ceremony was scheduled for the auspicious Ram Navmi day of 12th April, 2000. In the meanwhile, a three and a half ton marble statue of Shri Sainath arrived on site from Jaipur, Rajasthan. As planned, the sanctum sanctorum was inaugurated by revered Guruji with the praan pratistha of the statue in the presence of devotees from far reaching corners of the country. A beautiful cultural night was organized to celebrate the grandiose opening of Shri SaiCharan temple.

Temple Website : www.saicharan.org