In the district of Sambalpur a large numbers of Shiva temples were built during the Chauhan period. The most important amongst them were the Asta Sambhus in the undivided Sambalpur district as detailed below:-
An interesting feature of Saiva shrines found in Sambalpur area is "Non-Brahmin Priest" called Thanapati of Mali caste of these shrines (Pasayat, 1998, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008).

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Asta Sambhus