The presiding deity of Jajpur is Maa Biraja Temple. The temple is located in Jajpur town, about 125 km distance from Bhubaneswar and 75 km from Cuttack. It is one of the ancient Hindu temples bearing a high status in the region of Odisha. According to some sources, the temple was built by the Somavamsi kings of Odisha in the 13th century CE.
The main idol of this temple is Devi Durga, worshipped under the name Viraja. The Saptamatrik idol is only present in two geographical places Biraja area and Jajpur. The goddess has two hands; with one she pierces Mahishasura’s chest with a spear, and with the other, she pulls the tail of Mahishasura. The Durga idol shows that she is standing on one leg on the lion while the other leg is on the Mahishasura’s chest.
Mahishasura is picturized as a buffalo and in no way as a conventional human demon. The crown of Devi has the symbol of Ganesha, the crescent moon, and Shivalinga. The most popular festival of this temple is Sharadiya Durga Puja, during which thousands of pilgrims visit the temple every year. Maa Biraja Temple makes for a significant tourist attraction in the vicinity of Jajpur town.
Maa Biraja Temple Shakti Peetha
The temple is described in the Utkala Khanda of the Skanda Purana, which tells of the glory of Biraja Shakti Peetha. This is when Goddess Biraja appeared and sanctified that place. The Biraja temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas where the navel (Nabhi) of Goddess Sati is said to have fallen, rendering the temple most sacred in Shaktism.
Most importantly, festivals celebrated in the temple include Durga Puja, Navaratri, Rath Yatra, and Chaitra Mela. The temple consists of 108 Shiva Lingas; it houses Chatru Bhairav, Asta Chandika, Bagalamukhi Devi, Mahab, and Lord Rudra. According to the Puranas, there are about one crore Shiva Lingas in Jajpur district itself.
The place is also known as Viraja Kshetra or Biraja Peetha. According to the Skanda Purana, Utkala Khanda washes away all Rajo guna of the pilgrims. Hence the name Viraja or Biraja Kshetra. Maa Biraja Mandir is one of the most renowned temples of Jajpur in Odisha.
Tourist Facilities, Transportation, Tourist Attractions, How to Reach, Accessibility
Entry Time
Maa Biraja Temple open timings are Monday to Sunday- Morning: 5:30 AM to 1:30 PM and Evening: 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Best Time to visit
The Best time to visit Maa Biraja Temple at all times of the year.
The Closest Bus Stand from Chhatia Bata
The Closest Bus stand is Jajpur, which is located around 2.5 Km distance from Biraja Temple
The Closest Railway Station
The Closest Railway Station is Jajpur Keonjhar Road, which is located around 32 Km distance from Maa Biraja Temple Shakti Peetha
The Closest Airport
The Closest Airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport, which is located around 103 Km distance from Jajpur Viraja Mandir
