  We perform first principles simulations for the structural, elastic and
electronic properties of orthorhombic samarium orthoferrite $SmFeO_3$ within
the framework of density functional theory. A number of different density
functionals, such as local density approximation, generalized gradient
approximation, Hubbard interaction modified functional, modified
Becke$-$Johnson approximation and Heyd$-$Scuseria$-$Ernzerhof hybrid functional
have been used to model the exact electron exchange-correlation. We estimate
the energy of the ground state for different magnetic configurations of
$SmFeO_3$. The crystal structure of $SmFeO_3$ is characterized in terms of the
lattice parameters, atomic positions, relevant ionic radii, bond lengths and
bond angles. The stability of the $SmFeO_3$ orthorhombic structure is simulated
in terms of its elastic properties. For the electronic structure simulations,
we provide estimates based on density functionals with varying degrees of
computational complexities in the Jacob's ladder.
