A Legacy of Service: The Story Behind the Sai Temple in Balibil, Jajpur

Nestled in the serene village of Balibil, Jajpur, the Sai Baba temple stands as a monument of faith, unity, and service. Its story begins with Mr. Kapil Charan Samal, a humble and revered clerk in the veterinary department, who nurtured a heartfelt dream of building a Sai Baba temple for his community.

In the later years of his life, Mr. Akuli Ch. Samal, the eldest of his siblings, convened a family meeting alongside his son, Dr. Soumya Ranjan Samal, and his siblings. Though advanced in age, Mr. Samal’s unwavering spirit and deep devotion inspired his family to honor his vision. Together, they decided to bring the temple to life, choosing a site and performing the bhoomi puja with hope and dedication.
Soon after, an extraordinary occurrence unfolded when a pair of cobras appeared at the site. Considering this a significant event, Dr. Samal consulted a vastu expert in Chennai, who suggested exploring an alternative location for the temple.
With steadfast determination, Dr. Samal identified a peaceful family-owned plot near the Baitarani River. Starting humbly, the family placed an idol of Sai Baba brought from Shirdi in a simple hut, and the temple’s journey began. On April 23, 2019, the anniversary of Mr. Kapil Charan Samal’s passing, the Sai Baba temple was formally inaugurated, fulfilling his cherished dream and leaving a profound legacy for the community.
The temple quickly became more than just a place of worship. During the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, it transformed into a center of hope, offering vaccinations and healthcare support to those in need.
A remarkable moment in this journey occurred on Guru Purnima when Dr. Samal had a vivid dream of Sai Baba instructing him to “beg.” Trusting this divine guidance, he was astonished to receive ₹70 lakh in his account the same day—a blessing he preserved as a corpus fund for community welfare and emergency assistance.
The temple’s creation and growth were driven by the collective efforts of the Samal family, with special dedication from Mr. Baikunthanath Samal, and the wholehearted support of village youth who contributed their time and energy.
Today, the Sai Baba temple in Balibil stands as a beacon of faith, resilience, and service, embodying the enduring values of Mr. Kapil Charan Samal and his family. It continues to inspire countless individuals, offering spiritual solace and unwavering support to the community.