Goddess Biraja Devi:-
Maa Biraja registers herself as one of the prominent seat of shakti worship in Orissa since prehistoric period. Goddess Biraja,the presiding deity of Jajpur is perhaps the most ancient of the Goddesses of the Hindu Pantheon. References about the Mother can be found in ancient puranic texts.She is worshipped and adored not only as Adishakti or primeval power but forms an integral part of the social religious and cultural life of the people of Orissa.
The Goddess who resides in Her temple at Jajpur, by all accounts was a principal deity of Orissa in the ancient times.Although the temple of Thhe mother is of recent origin, the idol by all accounts dates back to prehistoric times. the Mother manifests Herself in the temple as Mahisamardini holding a trident in her had.
Biraja Temple or Biraja Kshetra, or 'Oddyana Peetha, is one of the ancient Hindu temples located in the Jajpur district. This temple was built in 13th century. It is situated in Jajpur town. The main idol is Devi Durga who is worshiped by the name “Biraja”. The idol is having two hands (dwibhuja), in one hand she pierces the chest of Mahisashura with a spear and in the other she pulls the tail of the Mahishasura.
Goddess Biraja Devi Idol:-
The Durga idol is standing on a Lion in one leg and other leg is on Mahishasura chest. The Mahishasura is depicted as a Buffalo, not as regular human demon. The crown of Devi has symbol of Ganesha, Crescent Moon and a Shivalinga. The temple covers a large area, and it has several Shivalingas and other deities. Jajpur is also known as Biraja Kshetra or Biraja Peetha. According to Skanda Purana , utkala khanda it washes all rajo guna of pilgrims. This temple is also called as Girija Devi temple. It is one of 51 shakthi pentagrams and it is where Sati's navel fell.
Jajpur is the ancient kingdom of Orissa It was named after King Jajati Keshari. The place is also known as ‘Gadakhetra’ because as per Indian mythology, in the era of Mahabharata, Bhima’s Gada (mace) was laying anywhere in this holy place. The town is sanctified by the sacred river Baitarani and Maa Biraja, the Holy Goddess.
Goddess Biraja Temple:-
Biraja Kṣetra Jajpur, the sacred abode of Goddess Biraja registered its importance as a prominent seat of Śakti worship since the prehistoric period. Goddess Biraja, the presiding deity of Jajpur has glorious antiquity. She is perhaps the most ancient Goddess, the Śakti or primordial energy incarnate of the Hindu pantheon, Goddess Biraja is worshipped and adored not only as Ādiśkti or primeval power but forms an integral part of the social, religious and cultural life of the people of Odisha.
The glory of Goddess Biraja has been endorsed in various texts starting from the age of the epics, purāṇas, Sthalamahātmyas and Tantric works. The Biraja Kṣetra mahātmya, which is considered as a part of Brahmaṇḍa purāṇa enumerates the origin of Goddess Biraja. It states that the days of yoke Brahma (the creator of the Universe) performed a yajna or Vedic sacrifice on the bank of the sacred river Vaitaraṇī. At the invocation of Brahma, Goddess Parvati or the AdiŚakti emerged out of the Garhapatya fire of the sacrificial pit. Being move by her prayers, Parvati instructed Brahma to name her as Biraja. She appeared in the form of two armed Mahiṣāmardinī tramphing on the neck of the theriomorphic form of the buffalo demon and piercing the trident into his body politic. She was entreated by Brahma to glorify the Kṣetra by her presence as the devine consort of Siva. When she occupied her position the circum centre of the triangular Kṣetra (region), Nine Durgās, Eight Candikās, and Sixty four Yoginīs were created from her mind and their pervading presence made this land a unique Śakti Kṣetra in the country.
The perimeter of the Biraja Kṣetra is triangular in form. The apex of the triangular region or the extreme points extends in the western, South-eastern and North-eastern by direction and those corners are guarded by the Siva lingams like Uttarsvar/Vilvesvara, Varuṇesvara and Kilalatesvara respectively. They are regarded as the guardian deities of the Kṣetra. The presiding deity goddess Biraja adored the cicumcentre of this triangular region.
In the medieval period almost all the ancient Tirthas were converted into pīṭhas in the name of some Gods or Goddesses and so became the abode of Goddess Biraja. Therefore Biraja Tīrtha and Biraja Kṣetra became famous as Biraja pīṭha. Pīṭha has a Tantric commotation of a place where an sādhaka achieves his goal through penance, austerities and Tantric rites near the presiding Goddess, from the Dakṣa-yajna-vidhvamsana-prakaraṇa of Kālikā purāṇa, it is known that the places where the limbs of Sati, the consort of Siva fell were called Śākta-pīṭhas, or the holy seats of mother Goddess. According to this tradition the ‘Navel’ of sati fell at Biraja Kṣetra and this place became known as Nabhipīṭha or Nābhigayā in the tantric tradition. So Goddess Biraja is regarded as the pīṭha Devi of this Śakti pīṭha.
The tantric texts contain the names of such pīṭhas with pīṭha Devis. The Biraja pīṭha is mentioned in the ‘pīṭhanirṇaya’ which mentions fifty one pīṭhas along with pīṭha Devis and Bhairavas accompanying them. From the tantric texts it appears that Biraja pīṭha was a great śākta pīṭha and goddess Biraja has been adored as the pīṭha Devi of Odisha with lord Jagannāth as Bhairava, Tantric texts like Hevajra tantra, Kālikā purāṇa, Rudrayāmaḷa Tantra, Aṣṭadasa pīṭha, Kubjikā Tantra, Tantrasāra, Jñānārṇava tantra, Tantra Cudāmaṇi, Uddīyāṇa Tantra, Candīmangaḷa, Brihannila Tantra, praṇatosiṇī tantra etc, mention about Biraja pīṭha too. The Buddhist work named Daṭhadhatuvamsa mentions about Biraja pīṭha also.
According to puranic tradition Goddess Biraja is described as ‘Pitṛīkanya’ or the mental child of the ancestral mānas, keeping the line of this tradition Vāyu purāṇa and viṣṇu purāṇa state that Biraja is the mental child of Ājyapā pitṛgaṇas i.e.-
“Ājyapā nāma pitarah karddamasya prajāpateh
Samutpannasya pulahādutpannaṣṭasya vai punah
Lokeṣwetesuvartante kāmagesu bihangamāh
Etanvaisyaganāh śrāddhe Bhāvayanti phalārthinah
Etesām Mānasi kanyā Biraja Nāma Visṛtah
Yayateh janani sadhvi patni sā Nahuṣasya tu “
The whole idol of Goddess Girija Devi is decorated with flower garlands and gold jewelry. We can see only the face of Goddess Birija. The idol is decorated with silver crown full of jewels. Goddess Girija Devi blesses her devotees with her pleasant smiling face and charming looks.
Another significance aspect of this temple : –
It is a well near the main temple of Girija Devi in which devotees perform ritual rites to their ancestors (Pinda pradhaan). People believe that these Pindas will reach Kasi directly. It seems the depth of the well is somewhere around 4 to 5 feet but it never dried up till now.
Biraja Kṣetra or modern Jajpur is regarded as the synthesized cultural centre of Odisha. Apart from general festivals connected with other religious faiths observed throughout Odisha. Specific festivals are celebrated in the precients of temple in honour of Goddess Biraja throughout the year. The worship of the goddess Biraja in her various manifestations encompass a host of festivals and ceremonies which have contributed to enrich the cultural fabric of the region. Śākta-Tantric rituals are the basic principle behind all the festivals admitting the Brahmanical method of worship. The important festivals celebrated in the Biraja temple are enumerated below.
Important Festivals:-
Triveni Amāvāsyā:-
Triveni Amāvāsyā or the birth day ceremony of goddess Biraja is one of the most important festivals observed in temple. The day comes in the month of Māgha(January-February) on the new – moon day. On account of her birthday she is decorated as Goddess Sāvitri, the consort of Brahama(the creator) with golden ornaments. She is exclusively attired in yellow and worshipped with Gayātri mantra prescribed in the Brahma-Tantra.
Dola Purṇimā: -
Dola Purṇimā is observed on the full-moon day of the month of fālguna (february-march) On this occasion, the representative deity is taken in a Vimana (chariot) to Dolavedi(pedestal)in the temple premises in the evening after certain rituals. After the required rites of worship (pūjāniti), the Goddess is sprinkled with fagu or the sacred red powder. Then the astrologer of the Temple opens and recites the new almanac for the year. People gather in large numbers to see the chaceri of Dola yatra and listen to the prescriptions of the new almanac read out.
Vāruṇi Festival: -
Vāruṇi, an auspicious day comes in the month of Caitra(March-April) that attracts pilgrims from all over India for sacred ablution in the Vaitaraṇī Satabhiśā, the 24th asterism of the constellation is otherwise known as ‘Varuna’. If the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight of caitra is conjoined with Varuṇa, The day becomes sacred for a bath in the holy river. So the day is called “Vāruṇi”. On this occasion Goddess Biraja is bathed with the holy water of the Vaitaraṇī and a special worship is performed. Hindu Vaishnavite pilgrims come from nook and corner of India and abroad to take a holy dip in the river Vaitaraṇī near Daśāśvamedha Ghāta and offer piṇḍas to their ancestors there and Nābhigayā. They have a holy darshan of Goddess Biraja.
Mahāviśuva Samkrānti:-
On the first day of the solar month of Vaiśakha (April-May) Mahāviśuva Samkrānti or paṇa Samkrānti is observed in the Biraja temple. The deity is magnificently dressed, which is called “Bada Simhāra Veśa” and special pūjā is performed. Prapānaka or a special kind of drink is offered and new almanac or pañjikā is once again inaugurated in the temple.
Candana Purṇimā: -
On the Candan Purṇimā day in the month of may-June, the face of the deity of Goddess Biraja is smeared with sandal paste. So the day is very significant for the pilgrims. The Candana veśa of the Goddess attracts people form far and near to have a Darsan of the great mother Biraja.
Sāvitri Amāvāsyā:-
Sāvitri Amāvāsyā is exclusively celebrated on the new-moon day of the month of Jyestha (May-June). On this occasion there is a great rush in the temple premises specially married women come over here to worship Goddess Biraja for their unbroken conjugal happiness. As Goddess Biraja is regarded as Sāvitri they pray her for long-life of their husbands. They come with new-clothes and after worship break their fast taking different kinds of fruits.
Citālāgi Amāvāsyā :-
Citālāgi Amāvāsyā is a special occasion celebrated in the month of Srāvaṇa (July-August). On this day the citā (a gold ornament for the fore head) is put on the fore head of Goddess Biraja after the due rituals citā (a special and aromatic cake) is offered to the Goddess.
Gahma Purṇimā :-
Gamha Purṇimā is otherwise known as Rākṣi Purṇimā that comes on the full moon day of Srāvaṇa (July-August). On this occasion special pūjā is held of the Goddess and she puts on Gold and silk band named Rākṣi on her left hand.
Suniā:-
Suniā marks the beginning of the Anka year of the Gajapati kings of puri and it also marks the beginning of the Autumnal Durgāpūjā festival in the Biraja temple. Goddess Biraja has been identified with Mahiṣāmardinī Durgā, So she is worshipped as Durgā at the time of autumnal festival Suniā is observed on the 12th day of the bright fortnight of the month of Bhādrapada (September), on this festive day after the traditional rituals the worship of lord Gaṇeśa and Goddess Saraśvatī is performed and the cutting of Gold (Svaraṇachedani) is held. Mangalārpaṇa (chanting of auspicious songs) work is performed before the Goddess. On this occasion the “Vanayāga” ceremony or Vilwa-Varana (worship of Vilwa tree) is observed for the construction of Simhadhvaja Ratha (chariot) that carries the deity during autumnal festivals. The construction of the said Ratha (chariot) starts form the day of Suniā.
Autumnal Durgā Pūjā:-
Autumnal worship of Goddess Durgā, the Mahiṣāmardinī is the most important festival near Goddess Biraja at Jajpur. This festival continues for a period of sixteen days starting form the 8th day of the dark fortnight of the month of Āsvina (September - October) and ending on the Mahānavami (9th day of the bright fortnight) day with much pomp and ceremony. Vedic and Tantric methods of worship are adopted for the great worship during the days of Mulāṣṭami (8th day of the dark fortnight) Pañcamī, Mahāṣṭamī, Mahānavamī and Daśharā (the 5th, 8th, 9th and 10th days of bright fortnight) the temple is over crowded by the devotees. This festival attracts pilgrims from all over Odisha and abroad.
Rathayātrā:-
Rathayātrā or the car festival of Goddess Biraja is the most important festival of Jajpur. During Durgā pūjā it is celebrated for nine days form the first day of the bright fortnight (Pratipada) of the month of Āśvina (September-October), the wooden chariot of Goddess Biraja is placed in front of the lion’s gate. After the traditional morning rituals the consecration work of the chariot named Simhadhvaja is held on the Pratiṣṭhā Maṇḍapa (an altar for consecration) after the yajna or sacrificial work is over, the representative deity of Goddess Biraja is ushered into the massive decorated chariot parked in front of the lion’s Gate in a special ceremonial procession arranged by the temple administration. The rhythmic clang of metal gongs, blowing of trumpets and devotionals chanting of the devotees fill the air. It is very interesting to know that a car festival for the Goddess is nowhere found in Odisha. We have such instances near Vindhyavāsinī and Sthambhesvarai in Madhya Pradesh and near Goddess Cāmuṇḍesvarī in Mysore, people from far and near come ever to Jajpur during the nine days car festival. The Ratha moves around the temple compound once a day for nine days continually. It is believed that one who perceives the Goddess on the Ratha is liberated form all sorts of sins.
Lākhavindhā:-
The Lākhavindhā (shooting of arrows) ceremony is held at the midnight of the Mahānavami day. The representative Goddess (Vije-pratimā) of the great mother Biraja descends from the chariot after nine days car festival and sets out towards Lākhavindhā ground (a specific place at the outskirts of the temple premises) in a Vimāna specially made for the purpose in a ceremonial procession. The Goddess is worshipped there as Mahāmārī. A Goddess named Lakṣesvari or Dākesvari near the ground is offered with a delicious and aromatic drink. After Pūjā rituals the pujaka throw arrows to four directions near a high pedestal. After this archery work the representative Goddess is brought back to the temple in a dark and soundless atmosphere. After a long period of nine days the Goddess is placed on the pedestal and the ceremony is declared over.
Kumāra Purṇimā :-
Kumāra Purṇimā festival is observed on the full moon day of Āsvina (September-October). On this festival occasion the deity decorated with golden ornaments like a virgin. Cowry-play (Aksa) is held between the virgin Goddess and the chief priest. Khai or parched paddy is scattered on the entire ground in the temple premises special worship is held for the Goddess and it attracts large number of devotees in the evening.
Dipavali:-
On the eve of Kāli pūjā in the month of November, Dipāvali is celebrated with the lighting of several lamps. Special Tantric rituals are held near the Pārsva Devatā Ekapāda Bhairava and Cāmuṇḍa on the western side of the temple.
Prathamāṣṭami: -
It is a tradition is Odisha that or the day of Prathamāṣṭami in November, the eldest sons and daughters wear new clothes and takes a special and delicious cake with turmeric aroma named ‘Enḍurī’. Similarly Goddess Biraja is dressed with new clothes after due rituals and offered ‘Enḍurī’ (Steam boiled cake with the cover of turmeric leaf and prepared with rice paste, coconut, crystallized sugar or molasses, Ginger, cheese and camphor).
Dhanu Samkrānti: - This is beginning of the month of Pauṣa (December-January) when people enjoy sweetened balls of parched and husked paddy for health. The same tradition is observed near Goddess Biraja with special worship and offering of sweetened balls of parched and hasked paddy.
Vakuḷa Amāvāsyā: -
On the new moon day of Pauṣa (Dec-Jan) Vakuḷa Amāvāsyā is celebrated in the Biraja temple. The goddess is offered with a special kind of cake named ‘Gaiṇṭha’ mixed with milk, sugar and mango inflorescence after the pūjā rites are held.
Apart from these specific festivals many other festivals are held inside the premises of the Biraja temple on certain particular occasions. Gaṇeśa pūjā on the 4th day of the bright fortnight of the month of Bhādrapada is held in a separate temple of lord Gaṇeśa inside the premises, on the day of Mahāviśuva Samkrānti special worship of Hanumān is held in the Hanumān temple. On the day of Mahāsivarātrī Rudrābhiseka and special worship of Lord Siva is held in the Isaneśvara temple. Including daily rites Bagalāmukhī is worshipped on special occasions is a modern temple inside the premises. Moreover Samkrānti, Amāvāsyā, Purṇami etc. are observed as the festive days of Goddess Biraja. On Saturdays and Tuesday’s homa or sacrifice is held with the recital saptasati candī or the devi mahātmya. The celebration of such festivals reveal that the people of Jajpur have kept the śākta tradition alive all along, which is the basic culture of Biraja Kṣetra along with other cultural aspects.
From the mythology it is revealed that down the earth or bottom portion of the soil,Goddess Biraja remain hidden because She was deprived of menstruation regularity. She was ashamed and insulted. Brahma the creator of the universe had performed five sacrifice and utterance of Mantras. Hearing the chantings of Brahma the raja trouble of Mother was removed and She was suo motto appeared there and Goddess Durga was named as Biraja.
In fact, situated on the banks of river Baitrani , Jajpur held a key place in the history of the nation as is evident from quite in a number of ancient Indian texts like Puranas and even the Mahabharat. The Mahabharat, for example depicts the famous legend of the Pandavas being instructed by Sage Lomash to go to the Baitrani River encompassed by the Biraja Tirtha and to take a holy dip in the river to washout all sorrows, sufferings and pain in the Vana Parva. The below mentioned couplet highlights the same:
“Tato Baitranim gachhet Sarvapapa Pramochanim Birajatirtha masadya virajate Yatha Sasi” (Mahabharat – Vana parva)
Similar references in Vayu Purana , Kapila Samhita and other religious epics confirm the antiquity & importance of the place. Its place in the history and as a prominent place of religious pilgrimage of India has been vindicated times and again as the place had been visited and mentioned by many saints including Adi Sankrachrya, Guru Nanak and Sri Chaitanya. Historically Jajpur dates back as the most ancient place in Orissa. There are five Kshetras (places where different deities of Vaishnavite importance rest) in Orissa. These are
Vinayakkshetra: Associated with Lord Ganesha is in Mahabinayak
Arkakshetra: Associated with Sun God, is in Konark
Padmakshetra: Different temples in Bhubaneswar
Sankhakshetra: Also known as Jagannathkhetra is in Puri
Virajakshetra: Also known as Gadakshetra is today’s Jajpur.
All these Kshetras emphasize the importance that the Vaishnavite Cult had on Orissa in the ancient days. Of all the Kshetras, Birajakshetra or Jajpur was considered the most sacred in the ancient times till 11 the Century AD when the Jagannath Cult started and slowly gained in prominence over the general masses of the state. In fact it was the cultural hub of Orissa and had hosted all sorts of religious movement in the state starting from Vaishnavite to Buddhism and Shaivaite to today’s Shakti.
Biraja Temple of Jajpur:-
Biraja Temple entranceThe temple of Maa Biraja is situated on the outskirts of the townships of Jajpur. Although the image of the Mother is believed to be of around 5th century AD., the present day temple is a later addition. Some historians opine that Maa Biraja was worshipped in a flat roofed square temple for a long time before the present day structure actually replaced the older edifice. Similarly there is no unanimity among historians over the original constructor of the temple. While many believe it to have been built by the Founder of Jajpur, the great king “Jajati Keshari”, others opine it to have been built by Zamindar Choudhury Sudarshan Mohaptra of Jajpur. The architectural design of the temple again reflects features from all the main ruling dynasties of Orissa – the Bhaumkaras (9th -10th century AD), the Somvamsis (10th-11th century AD) and the Gangas (11th – 12th century AD).
The temple of Maa Biraja confirms to the distinctive Kalingan School of architecture and consists of rekha Vimana and Pidha Jagmohana. It is about 21.15 meters tall.The Vimana stands on a stone base.the Vimana is coated with lime mortar.It consists of Bada or perpendicular wall, gandi or Curvilinear Spire and the Mastaka or the Crown. The Bada clearly shows the divisions those are so prominent of the Kalingan srchitecture; the pabhaga,lower jangha,bandhana,Upper jangha and the Baranda. The gandi is divided into five projections. The mastak or the crown of the temple has all the usual components – the Beki, the amalaka, the Khpuri,the Kalasha & the Ayudha.
The Jagmohna is built in the “Pidha” order. The Pidhas are arranged in continuous succession and topped by mastaka. The jagmohan is supported by Six pillars in the interior that support its tremendous weight. The exterior wall of the temple is bereft of any decoration.
The Simhadwara or the entrance gates of the temple are guarded by twin statues of a lion standing over the elephant. According to some historians, this has been deliberately done to depict the greatness of the Kesari dynasty ( whose state and dynastic emblem was Lion) over the Gajpati dynasty (whose state and dynastic emblem was Elephant). This fact is also taken into account to accentuate the fact that the temple had been constructed by King Jajati keshari of the Keshari dynasty.
Modern Paintings:-
Just at the entrance, inside the Simhadwara beautiful paintings that depict Puranic Storoies of Ramyana and Mahabharat have been done. These are recent additions to the temple.
Rudra Mela:-
The temple complex possess a series of over a hundred Siva Lingas. These are called Rudra Mela. These Rudra Melas have been restored under two flat roof complex close to the northern entrance of the temple.
Compound WallBiraja compond wall:-
The compound wall surrounding the present temple was built by Bhikari das, a saint who started the construction work in 1880 and completed it in the year 1895 by begging alms.
Parsavdevtas:-
Confirming to the prevalent architectural style, the Vimana of the temple consists of different parsvdevtas . Two Ganesha images lie in the southern niche. A two armed kartikeya image seated on a peacock holding sakti in one hand and Vijapurka in the other is placed as the northern Parsvadevata. Two Ekapada Bhairavas and Chamunda are present in the western part of the temple.
Ekpada Bhairava:-
The three feet Bhairava image stands on a prostrate human corpse. The hands are broken and the image is assigned to the 10th-11th century AD.
Chamunda:-
There is 2ft2inches image of a four armed Chamunda, wearing a garland of skulls and seated in Lalitasana in the temple. While two of her arms are broken, she holds karti and a trident on the other. A wolf to her right and a crocodile to her left decorate the pedestal under the corpse.
Chandimandapa:-
The Chandimandapa is situated on the front of the jagmohan. It has three entrances, one on to east while the other two are tp the north and south respectively. A small Shiva linga named Rudhiresvara is located on the north east corner. In the center of the Chandimandap, a five feet tall lion pillar is erected. An image of Hara-parvati and Vishnu are attached in the interior of the eastern wall. One inscribed hero stone and six armed Mahissurmardini images are restored on the left front part of the Jagmohan.
Nabhigaya:-
Biraja TempleThe Nabhigaya is a well just to the left of the Chandimandap. Mythological anecdotes provide that the nabhi(navel) of Maa Sati (Consort of lord Shiva fell at this place after being dismantled by the disc of Lord Vishnu. Another anecdote relates to Gaaysura, the great demon devotee of Lord Vishnu who offered his body for the performance of a great Yagna by the Lords Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu. The nabhi (navel) of Gayasur is said to have rested on this place.Agin since the avel is supposed to have been stabilized by the Lord Vishnu himself by putting on his gada (mace) over it. The place Jajpur is thus also known as Gadakshetra. The presence of Nabhigaya in Jajpur makes it a place for Pitrupinda – a place where ancestors are offered oblations. It is a belief among the Hindus that one who offers pinda (offerings to departed ancestors) here, gets his twnty one generation of ancestors liberated ; attain Moksha.
Ardhanariswara:-
An image of the Ardhanariswara lies to the outer eatern wall of the Chandimandap.
Lakulisa:-
The outside northern wall of the Chandimandap, has the image of a seated Lakulisa image. The crossed leg image holding lakuta between two hands is decorated with an image of Gajalaxmi and Navgraha unto its top.
Muktimandap:-
The Muktimandap lies in close proximity to the Simhadwara.
Dolamandap:-
Strategically important because of the Biraja calendar that is prepared annually at this place, Dolamandap is also the spot where the festival of Dolapurnima is performed every year. This is located unto the northern side of the Biraja temple.
Lord Yamadharma Raja Temple – Vaitharini River:-
At a small distance from Goddess Girija Devi temple, Vaitharani River flows. But now the river is full of polluted water. ‘Dashashwametha Ghat is the most important ghat among all the ghats here. The temple of Lord Yamadharma raj is located here. People believe that one who dips in the holy river Vaitharini and worships Lord Yama would easily cross the River Vaitharini after death. It also said that the water of river Vaitharini has a magical power to treat diseases and can remove all the sins of devotees.
Some other Prominent Temples near Jajpur Shakti Peetha:-
Another prominent temple in Jajpur is Sri Shwetha Varahaswami temple. When the Earth was going to be destroyed by a great deluge, Lord Sri Maha Vishnu incarnated as Lord Varahaswami and rescued the earth. Some more important temples of Jajpur are – Lord Jagannatha temple, Satyavrata Temple, Lord Sri Rama Mandir, Lord Sri Siddeshwara Temple, Lord Sri Beleshwara Temple, Varuneshwara temple, and the Sapthamathrukla temples.
Body part :- Devi's navel has fallen here.
Nabhi Gaya:-
It is heard from Puranas that Gaya is having mouth of Gayasura & the navel is in Jajpur inside Biraja Temple. Whereas padagaya is in Pithapuram of Andhra Pradesh. God Brahma did 10 Ashwamedha yagna here on the bank of Baitarani Or Vaitarani. It is called as Dakshina(south) Vedi of Brahma.Others being Gaya(east); Kurukshetra, (north); Pushkar, (west) & Prayag Allahbad, (centre) according to Vamana Purana. Many pilgrims gather here for Shraaddha during Mahalaya. A Holy dip commenses in Vaitarani river on the day of Chaitra krishna chaturdasi called as Varuni Snan Yoga. It becomes auspicious if the day is saturday and the star is Shatabhisha.
How to reach Jajpur:-
Jajpur is a district capital and a major city in Orissa. There are many direct buses starting from various places in Orissa. If we want to reach through Railway route, we have to stop at Keonjhar Road Railway station and from there travel in Bus or Taxi to Jajpur bus stand. It’s a journey of 30 mins or more. There is big Lord Shiva’s temple on the main road only. From there it’s better if one can take a reserved auto for visiting all these temples. It will take around Rs. 120/- for an hour or so. The atmosphere around the temple is very calm and tranquil and is far away from din and bustle of the city.
Nearest Bus Stand:-
Jajpur Bus stand.
Nearest Railway Station:-
Keonjhar Road Railway station.
Nearest Airports:-
Bhubaneswar
Maa Biraja registers herself as one of the prominent seat of shakti worship in Orissa since prehistoric period. Goddess Biraja,the presiding deity of Jajpur is perhaps the most ancient of the Goddesses of the Hindu Pantheon. References about the Mother can be found in ancient puranic texts.She is worshipped and adored not only as Adishakti or primeval power but forms an integral part of the social religious and cultural life of the people of Orissa.
The Goddess who resides in Her temple at Jajpur, by all accounts was a principal deity of Orissa in the ancient times.Although the temple of Thhe mother is of recent origin, the idol by all accounts dates back to prehistoric times. the Mother manifests Herself in the temple as Mahisamardini holding a trident in her had.
Biraja Temple or Biraja Kshetra, or 'Oddyana Peetha, is one of the ancient Hindu temples located in the Jajpur district. This temple was built in 13th century. It is situated in Jajpur town. The main idol is Devi Durga who is worshiped by the name “Biraja”. The idol is having two hands (dwibhuja), in one hand she pierces the chest of Mahisashura with a spear and in the other she pulls the tail of the Mahishasura.
Goddess Biraja Devi Idol:-
The Durga idol is standing on a Lion in one leg and other leg is on Mahishasura chest. The Mahishasura is depicted as a Buffalo, not as regular human demon. The crown of Devi has symbol of Ganesha, Crescent Moon and a Shivalinga. The temple covers a large area, and it has several Shivalingas and other deities. Jajpur is also known as Biraja Kshetra or Biraja Peetha. According to Skanda Purana , utkala khanda it washes all rajo guna of pilgrims. This temple is also called as Girija Devi temple. It is one of 51 shakthi pentagrams and it is where Sati's navel fell.
Jajpur is the ancient kingdom of Orissa It was named after King Jajati Keshari. The place is also known as ‘Gadakhetra’ because as per Indian mythology, in the era of Mahabharata, Bhima’s Gada (mace) was laying anywhere in this holy place. The town is sanctified by the sacred river Baitarani and Maa Biraja, the Holy Goddess.
Goddess Biraja Temple:-
Biraja Kṣetra Jajpur, the sacred abode of Goddess Biraja registered its importance as a prominent seat of Śakti worship since the prehistoric period. Goddess Biraja, the presiding deity of Jajpur has glorious antiquity. She is perhaps the most ancient Goddess, the Śakti or primordial energy incarnate of the Hindu pantheon, Goddess Biraja is worshipped and adored not only as Ādiśkti or primeval power but forms an integral part of the social, religious and cultural life of the people of Odisha.
The glory of Goddess Biraja has been endorsed in various texts starting from the age of the epics, purāṇas, Sthalamahātmyas and Tantric works. The Biraja Kṣetra mahātmya, which is considered as a part of Brahmaṇḍa purāṇa enumerates the origin of Goddess Biraja. It states that the days of yoke Brahma (the creator of the Universe) performed a yajna or Vedic sacrifice on the bank of the sacred river Vaitaraṇī. At the invocation of Brahma, Goddess Parvati or the AdiŚakti emerged out of the Garhapatya fire of the sacrificial pit. Being move by her prayers, Parvati instructed Brahma to name her as Biraja. She appeared in the form of two armed Mahiṣāmardinī tramphing on the neck of the theriomorphic form of the buffalo demon and piercing the trident into his body politic. She was entreated by Brahma to glorify the Kṣetra by her presence as the devine consort of Siva. When she occupied her position the circum centre of the triangular Kṣetra (region), Nine Durgās, Eight Candikās, and Sixty four Yoginīs were created from her mind and their pervading presence made this land a unique Śakti Kṣetra in the country.
The perimeter of the Biraja Kṣetra is triangular in form. The apex of the triangular region or the extreme points extends in the western, South-eastern and North-eastern by direction and those corners are guarded by the Siva lingams like Uttarsvar/Vilvesvara, Varuṇesvara and Kilalatesvara respectively. They are regarded as the guardian deities of the Kṣetra. The presiding deity goddess Biraja adored the cicumcentre of this triangular region.
In the medieval period almost all the ancient Tirthas were converted into pīṭhas in the name of some Gods or Goddesses and so became the abode of Goddess Biraja. Therefore Biraja Tīrtha and Biraja Kṣetra became famous as Biraja pīṭha. Pīṭha has a Tantric commotation of a place where an sādhaka achieves his goal through penance, austerities and Tantric rites near the presiding Goddess, from the Dakṣa-yajna-vidhvamsana-prakaraṇa of Kālikā purāṇa, it is known that the places where the limbs of Sati, the consort of Siva fell were called Śākta-pīṭhas, or the holy seats of mother Goddess. According to this tradition the ‘Navel’ of sati fell at Biraja Kṣetra and this place became known as Nabhipīṭha or Nābhigayā in the tantric tradition. So Goddess Biraja is regarded as the pīṭha Devi of this Śakti pīṭha.
The tantric texts contain the names of such pīṭhas with pīṭha Devis. The Biraja pīṭha is mentioned in the ‘pīṭhanirṇaya’ which mentions fifty one pīṭhas along with pīṭha Devis and Bhairavas accompanying them. From the tantric texts it appears that Biraja pīṭha was a great śākta pīṭha and goddess Biraja has been adored as the pīṭha Devi of Odisha with lord Jagannāth as Bhairava, Tantric texts like Hevajra tantra, Kālikā purāṇa, Rudrayāmaḷa Tantra, Aṣṭadasa pīṭha, Kubjikā Tantra, Tantrasāra, Jñānārṇava tantra, Tantra Cudāmaṇi, Uddīyāṇa Tantra, Candīmangaḷa, Brihannila Tantra, praṇatosiṇī tantra etc, mention about Biraja pīṭha too. The Buddhist work named Daṭhadhatuvamsa mentions about Biraja pīṭha also.
According to puranic tradition Goddess Biraja is described as ‘Pitṛīkanya’ or the mental child of the ancestral mānas, keeping the line of this tradition Vāyu purāṇa and viṣṇu purāṇa state that Biraja is the mental child of Ājyapā pitṛgaṇas i.e.-
“Ājyapā nāma pitarah karddamasya prajāpateh
Samutpannasya pulahādutpannaṣṭasya vai punah
Lokeṣwetesuvartante kāmagesu bihangamāh
Etanvaisyaganāh śrāddhe Bhāvayanti phalārthinah
Etesām Mānasi kanyā Biraja Nāma Visṛtah
Yayateh janani sadhvi patni sā Nahuṣasya tu “
The whole idol of Goddess Girija Devi is decorated with flower garlands and gold jewelry. We can see only the face of Goddess Birija. The idol is decorated with silver crown full of jewels. Goddess Girija Devi blesses her devotees with her pleasant smiling face and charming looks.
Another significance aspect of this temple : –
It is a well near the main temple of Girija Devi in which devotees perform ritual rites to their ancestors (Pinda pradhaan). People believe that these Pindas will reach Kasi directly. It seems the depth of the well is somewhere around 4 to 5 feet but it never dried up till now.
Biraja Kṣetra or modern Jajpur is regarded as the synthesized cultural centre of Odisha. Apart from general festivals connected with other religious faiths observed throughout Odisha. Specific festivals are celebrated in the precients of temple in honour of Goddess Biraja throughout the year. The worship of the goddess Biraja in her various manifestations encompass a host of festivals and ceremonies which have contributed to enrich the cultural fabric of the region. Śākta-Tantric rituals are the basic principle behind all the festivals admitting the Brahmanical method of worship. The important festivals celebrated in the Biraja temple are enumerated below.
Important Festivals:-
Triveni Amāvāsyā:-
Triveni Amāvāsyā or the birth day ceremony of goddess Biraja is one of the most important festivals observed in temple. The day comes in the month of Māgha(January-February) on the new – moon day. On account of her birthday she is decorated as Goddess Sāvitri, the consort of Brahama(the creator) with golden ornaments. She is exclusively attired in yellow and worshipped with Gayātri mantra prescribed in the Brahma-Tantra.
Dola Purṇimā: -
Dola Purṇimā is observed on the full-moon day of the month of fālguna (february-march) On this occasion, the representative deity is taken in a Vimana (chariot) to Dolavedi(pedestal)in the temple premises in the evening after certain rituals. After the required rites of worship (pūjāniti), the Goddess is sprinkled with fagu or the sacred red powder. Then the astrologer of the Temple opens and recites the new almanac for the year. People gather in large numbers to see the chaceri of Dola yatra and listen to the prescriptions of the new almanac read out.
Vāruṇi Festival: -
Vāruṇi, an auspicious day comes in the month of Caitra(March-April) that attracts pilgrims from all over India for sacred ablution in the Vaitaraṇī Satabhiśā, the 24th asterism of the constellation is otherwise known as ‘Varuna’. If the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight of caitra is conjoined with Varuṇa, The day becomes sacred for a bath in the holy river. So the day is called “Vāruṇi”. On this occasion Goddess Biraja is bathed with the holy water of the Vaitaraṇī and a special worship is performed. Hindu Vaishnavite pilgrims come from nook and corner of India and abroad to take a holy dip in the river Vaitaraṇī near Daśāśvamedha Ghāta and offer piṇḍas to their ancestors there and Nābhigayā. They have a holy darshan of Goddess Biraja.
Mahāviśuva Samkrānti:-
On the first day of the solar month of Vaiśakha (April-May) Mahāviśuva Samkrānti or paṇa Samkrānti is observed in the Biraja temple. The deity is magnificently dressed, which is called “Bada Simhāra Veśa” and special pūjā is performed. Prapānaka or a special kind of drink is offered and new almanac or pañjikā is once again inaugurated in the temple.
Candana Purṇimā: -
On the Candan Purṇimā day in the month of may-June, the face of the deity of Goddess Biraja is smeared with sandal paste. So the day is very significant for the pilgrims. The Candana veśa of the Goddess attracts people form far and near to have a Darsan of the great mother Biraja.
Sāvitri Amāvāsyā:-
Sāvitri Amāvāsyā is exclusively celebrated on the new-moon day of the month of Jyestha (May-June). On this occasion there is a great rush in the temple premises specially married women come over here to worship Goddess Biraja for their unbroken conjugal happiness. As Goddess Biraja is regarded as Sāvitri they pray her for long-life of their husbands. They come with new-clothes and after worship break their fast taking different kinds of fruits.
Citālāgi Amāvāsyā :-
Citālāgi Amāvāsyā is a special occasion celebrated in the month of Srāvaṇa (July-August). On this day the citā (a gold ornament for the fore head) is put on the fore head of Goddess Biraja after the due rituals citā (a special and aromatic cake) is offered to the Goddess.
Gahma Purṇimā :-
Gamha Purṇimā is otherwise known as Rākṣi Purṇimā that comes on the full moon day of Srāvaṇa (July-August). On this occasion special pūjā is held of the Goddess and she puts on Gold and silk band named Rākṣi on her left hand.
Suniā:-
Suniā marks the beginning of the Anka year of the Gajapati kings of puri and it also marks the beginning of the Autumnal Durgāpūjā festival in the Biraja temple. Goddess Biraja has been identified with Mahiṣāmardinī Durgā, So she is worshipped as Durgā at the time of autumnal festival Suniā is observed on the 12th day of the bright fortnight of the month of Bhādrapada (September), on this festive day after the traditional rituals the worship of lord Gaṇeśa and Goddess Saraśvatī is performed and the cutting of Gold (Svaraṇachedani) is held. Mangalārpaṇa (chanting of auspicious songs) work is performed before the Goddess. On this occasion the “Vanayāga” ceremony or Vilwa-Varana (worship of Vilwa tree) is observed for the construction of Simhadhvaja Ratha (chariot) that carries the deity during autumnal festivals. The construction of the said Ratha (chariot) starts form the day of Suniā.
Autumnal Durgā Pūjā:-
Autumnal worship of Goddess Durgā, the Mahiṣāmardinī is the most important festival near Goddess Biraja at Jajpur. This festival continues for a period of sixteen days starting form the 8th day of the dark fortnight of the month of Āsvina (September - October) and ending on the Mahānavami (9th day of the bright fortnight) day with much pomp and ceremony. Vedic and Tantric methods of worship are adopted for the great worship during the days of Mulāṣṭami (8th day of the dark fortnight) Pañcamī, Mahāṣṭamī, Mahānavamī and Daśharā (the 5th, 8th, 9th and 10th days of bright fortnight) the temple is over crowded by the devotees. This festival attracts pilgrims from all over Odisha and abroad.
Rathayātrā:-
Rathayātrā or the car festival of Goddess Biraja is the most important festival of Jajpur. During Durgā pūjā it is celebrated for nine days form the first day of the bright fortnight (Pratipada) of the month of Āśvina (September-October), the wooden chariot of Goddess Biraja is placed in front of the lion’s gate. After the traditional morning rituals the consecration work of the chariot named Simhadhvaja is held on the Pratiṣṭhā Maṇḍapa (an altar for consecration) after the yajna or sacrificial work is over, the representative deity of Goddess Biraja is ushered into the massive decorated chariot parked in front of the lion’s Gate in a special ceremonial procession arranged by the temple administration. The rhythmic clang of metal gongs, blowing of trumpets and devotionals chanting of the devotees fill the air. It is very interesting to know that a car festival for the Goddess is nowhere found in Odisha. We have such instances near Vindhyavāsinī and Sthambhesvarai in Madhya Pradesh and near Goddess Cāmuṇḍesvarī in Mysore, people from far and near come ever to Jajpur during the nine days car festival. The Ratha moves around the temple compound once a day for nine days continually. It is believed that one who perceives the Goddess on the Ratha is liberated form all sorts of sins.
Lākhavindhā:-
The Lākhavindhā (shooting of arrows) ceremony is held at the midnight of the Mahānavami day. The representative Goddess (Vije-pratimā) of the great mother Biraja descends from the chariot after nine days car festival and sets out towards Lākhavindhā ground (a specific place at the outskirts of the temple premises) in a Vimāna specially made for the purpose in a ceremonial procession. The Goddess is worshipped there as Mahāmārī. A Goddess named Lakṣesvari or Dākesvari near the ground is offered with a delicious and aromatic drink. After Pūjā rituals the pujaka throw arrows to four directions near a high pedestal. After this archery work the representative Goddess is brought back to the temple in a dark and soundless atmosphere. After a long period of nine days the Goddess is placed on the pedestal and the ceremony is declared over.
Kumāra Purṇimā :-
Kumāra Purṇimā festival is observed on the full moon day of Āsvina (September-October). On this festival occasion the deity decorated with golden ornaments like a virgin. Cowry-play (Aksa) is held between the virgin Goddess and the chief priest. Khai or parched paddy is scattered on the entire ground in the temple premises special worship is held for the Goddess and it attracts large number of devotees in the evening.
Dipavali:-
On the eve of Kāli pūjā in the month of November, Dipāvali is celebrated with the lighting of several lamps. Special Tantric rituals are held near the Pārsva Devatā Ekapāda Bhairava and Cāmuṇḍa on the western side of the temple.
Prathamāṣṭami: -
It is a tradition is Odisha that or the day of Prathamāṣṭami in November, the eldest sons and daughters wear new clothes and takes a special and delicious cake with turmeric aroma named ‘Enḍurī’. Similarly Goddess Biraja is dressed with new clothes after due rituals and offered ‘Enḍurī’ (Steam boiled cake with the cover of turmeric leaf and prepared with rice paste, coconut, crystallized sugar or molasses, Ginger, cheese and camphor).
Dhanu Samkrānti: - This is beginning of the month of Pauṣa (December-January) when people enjoy sweetened balls of parched and husked paddy for health. The same tradition is observed near Goddess Biraja with special worship and offering of sweetened balls of parched and hasked paddy.
Vakuḷa Amāvāsyā: -
On the new moon day of Pauṣa (Dec-Jan) Vakuḷa Amāvāsyā is celebrated in the Biraja temple. The goddess is offered with a special kind of cake named ‘Gaiṇṭha’ mixed with milk, sugar and mango inflorescence after the pūjā rites are held.
Apart from these specific festivals many other festivals are held inside the premises of the Biraja temple on certain particular occasions. Gaṇeśa pūjā on the 4th day of the bright fortnight of the month of Bhādrapada is held in a separate temple of lord Gaṇeśa inside the premises, on the day of Mahāviśuva Samkrānti special worship of Hanumān is held in the Hanumān temple. On the day of Mahāsivarātrī Rudrābhiseka and special worship of Lord Siva is held in the Isaneśvara temple. Including daily rites Bagalāmukhī is worshipped on special occasions is a modern temple inside the premises. Moreover Samkrānti, Amāvāsyā, Purṇami etc. are observed as the festive days of Goddess Biraja. On Saturdays and Tuesday’s homa or sacrifice is held with the recital saptasati candī or the devi mahātmya. The celebration of such festivals reveal that the people of Jajpur have kept the śākta tradition alive all along, which is the basic culture of Biraja Kṣetra along with other cultural aspects.
From the mythology it is revealed that down the earth or bottom portion of the soil,Goddess Biraja remain hidden because She was deprived of menstruation regularity. She was ashamed and insulted. Brahma the creator of the universe had performed five sacrifice and utterance of Mantras. Hearing the chantings of Brahma the raja trouble of Mother was removed and She was suo motto appeared there and Goddess Durga was named as Biraja.
In fact, situated on the banks of river Baitrani , Jajpur held a key place in the history of the nation as is evident from quite in a number of ancient Indian texts like Puranas and even the Mahabharat. The Mahabharat, for example depicts the famous legend of the Pandavas being instructed by Sage Lomash to go to the Baitrani River encompassed by the Biraja Tirtha and to take a holy dip in the river to washout all sorrows, sufferings and pain in the Vana Parva. The below mentioned couplet highlights the same:
“Tato Baitranim gachhet Sarvapapa Pramochanim Birajatirtha masadya virajate Yatha Sasi” (Mahabharat – Vana parva)
Similar references in Vayu Purana , Kapila Samhita and other religious epics confirm the antiquity & importance of the place. Its place in the history and as a prominent place of religious pilgrimage of India has been vindicated times and again as the place had been visited and mentioned by many saints including Adi Sankrachrya, Guru Nanak and Sri Chaitanya. Historically Jajpur dates back as the most ancient place in Orissa. There are five Kshetras (places where different deities of Vaishnavite importance rest) in Orissa. These are
Vinayakkshetra: Associated with Lord Ganesha is in Mahabinayak
Arkakshetra: Associated with Sun God, is in Konark
Padmakshetra: Different temples in Bhubaneswar
Sankhakshetra: Also known as Jagannathkhetra is in Puri
Virajakshetra: Also known as Gadakshetra is today’s Jajpur.
All these Kshetras emphasize the importance that the Vaishnavite Cult had on Orissa in the ancient days. Of all the Kshetras, Birajakshetra or Jajpur was considered the most sacred in the ancient times till 11 the Century AD when the Jagannath Cult started and slowly gained in prominence over the general masses of the state. In fact it was the cultural hub of Orissa and had hosted all sorts of religious movement in the state starting from Vaishnavite to Buddhism and Shaivaite to today’s Shakti.
Biraja Temple of Jajpur:-
Biraja Temple entranceThe temple of Maa Biraja is situated on the outskirts of the townships of Jajpur. Although the image of the Mother is believed to be of around 5th century AD., the present day temple is a later addition. Some historians opine that Maa Biraja was worshipped in a flat roofed square temple for a long time before the present day structure actually replaced the older edifice. Similarly there is no unanimity among historians over the original constructor of the temple. While many believe it to have been built by the Founder of Jajpur, the great king “Jajati Keshari”, others opine it to have been built by Zamindar Choudhury Sudarshan Mohaptra of Jajpur. The architectural design of the temple again reflects features from all the main ruling dynasties of Orissa – the Bhaumkaras (9th -10th century AD), the Somvamsis (10th-11th century AD) and the Gangas (11th – 12th century AD).
The temple of Maa Biraja confirms to the distinctive Kalingan School of architecture and consists of rekha Vimana and Pidha Jagmohana. It is about 21.15 meters tall.The Vimana stands on a stone base.the Vimana is coated with lime mortar.It consists of Bada or perpendicular wall, gandi or Curvilinear Spire and the Mastaka or the Crown. The Bada clearly shows the divisions those are so prominent of the Kalingan srchitecture; the pabhaga,lower jangha,bandhana,Upper jangha and the Baranda. The gandi is divided into five projections. The mastak or the crown of the temple has all the usual components – the Beki, the amalaka, the Khpuri,the Kalasha & the Ayudha.
The Jagmohna is built in the “Pidha” order. The Pidhas are arranged in continuous succession and topped by mastaka. The jagmohan is supported by Six pillars in the interior that support its tremendous weight. The exterior wall of the temple is bereft of any decoration.
The Simhadwara or the entrance gates of the temple are guarded by twin statues of a lion standing over the elephant. According to some historians, this has been deliberately done to depict the greatness of the Kesari dynasty ( whose state and dynastic emblem was Lion) over the Gajpati dynasty (whose state and dynastic emblem was Elephant). This fact is also taken into account to accentuate the fact that the temple had been constructed by King Jajati keshari of the Keshari dynasty.
Modern Paintings:-
Just at the entrance, inside the Simhadwara beautiful paintings that depict Puranic Storoies of Ramyana and Mahabharat have been done. These are recent additions to the temple.
Rudra Mela:-
The temple complex possess a series of over a hundred Siva Lingas. These are called Rudra Mela. These Rudra Melas have been restored under two flat roof complex close to the northern entrance of the temple.
Compound WallBiraja compond wall:-
The compound wall surrounding the present temple was built by Bhikari das, a saint who started the construction work in 1880 and completed it in the year 1895 by begging alms.
Parsavdevtas:-
Confirming to the prevalent architectural style, the Vimana of the temple consists of different parsvdevtas . Two Ganesha images lie in the southern niche. A two armed kartikeya image seated on a peacock holding sakti in one hand and Vijapurka in the other is placed as the northern Parsvadevata. Two Ekapada Bhairavas and Chamunda are present in the western part of the temple.
Ekpada Bhairava:-
The three feet Bhairava image stands on a prostrate human corpse. The hands are broken and the image is assigned to the 10th-11th century AD.
Chamunda:-
There is 2ft2inches image of a four armed Chamunda, wearing a garland of skulls and seated in Lalitasana in the temple. While two of her arms are broken, she holds karti and a trident on the other. A wolf to her right and a crocodile to her left decorate the pedestal under the corpse.
Chandimandapa:-
The Chandimandapa is situated on the front of the jagmohan. It has three entrances, one on to east while the other two are tp the north and south respectively. A small Shiva linga named Rudhiresvara is located on the north east corner. In the center of the Chandimandap, a five feet tall lion pillar is erected. An image of Hara-parvati and Vishnu are attached in the interior of the eastern wall. One inscribed hero stone and six armed Mahissurmardini images are restored on the left front part of the Jagmohan.
Nabhigaya:-
Biraja TempleThe Nabhigaya is a well just to the left of the Chandimandap. Mythological anecdotes provide that the nabhi(navel) of Maa Sati (Consort of lord Shiva fell at this place after being dismantled by the disc of Lord Vishnu. Another anecdote relates to Gaaysura, the great demon devotee of Lord Vishnu who offered his body for the performance of a great Yagna by the Lords Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu. The nabhi (navel) of Gayasur is said to have rested on this place.Agin since the avel is supposed to have been stabilized by the Lord Vishnu himself by putting on his gada (mace) over it. The place Jajpur is thus also known as Gadakshetra. The presence of Nabhigaya in Jajpur makes it a place for Pitrupinda – a place where ancestors are offered oblations. It is a belief among the Hindus that one who offers pinda (offerings to departed ancestors) here, gets his twnty one generation of ancestors liberated ; attain Moksha.
Ardhanariswara:-
An image of the Ardhanariswara lies to the outer eatern wall of the Chandimandap.
Lakulisa:-
The outside northern wall of the Chandimandap, has the image of a seated Lakulisa image. The crossed leg image holding lakuta between two hands is decorated with an image of Gajalaxmi and Navgraha unto its top.
Muktimandap:-
The Muktimandap lies in close proximity to the Simhadwara.
Dolamandap:-
Strategically important because of the Biraja calendar that is prepared annually at this place, Dolamandap is also the spot where the festival of Dolapurnima is performed every year. This is located unto the northern side of the Biraja temple.
Lord Yamadharma Raja Temple – Vaitharini River:-
At a small distance from Goddess Girija Devi temple, Vaitharani River flows. But now the river is full of polluted water. ‘Dashashwametha Ghat is the most important ghat among all the ghats here. The temple of Lord Yamadharma raj is located here. People believe that one who dips in the holy river Vaitharini and worships Lord Yama would easily cross the River Vaitharini after death. It also said that the water of river Vaitharini has a magical power to treat diseases and can remove all the sins of devotees.
Some other Prominent Temples near Jajpur Shakti Peetha:-
Another prominent temple in Jajpur is Sri Shwetha Varahaswami temple. When the Earth was going to be destroyed by a great deluge, Lord Sri Maha Vishnu incarnated as Lord Varahaswami and rescued the earth. Some more important temples of Jajpur are – Lord Jagannatha temple, Satyavrata Temple, Lord Sri Rama Mandir, Lord Sri Siddeshwara Temple, Lord Sri Beleshwara Temple, Varuneshwara temple, and the Sapthamathrukla temples.
Body part :- Devi's navel has fallen here.
Nabhi Gaya:-
It is heard from Puranas that Gaya is having mouth of Gayasura & the navel is in Jajpur inside Biraja Temple. Whereas padagaya is in Pithapuram of Andhra Pradesh. God Brahma did 10 Ashwamedha yagna here on the bank of Baitarani Or Vaitarani. It is called as Dakshina(south) Vedi of Brahma.Others being Gaya(east); Kurukshetra, (north); Pushkar, (west) & Prayag Allahbad, (centre) according to Vamana Purana. Many pilgrims gather here for Shraaddha during Mahalaya. A Holy dip commenses in Vaitarani river on the day of Chaitra krishna chaturdasi called as Varuni Snan Yoga. It becomes auspicious if the day is saturday and the star is Shatabhisha.
How to reach Jajpur:-
Jajpur is a district capital and a major city in Orissa. There are many direct buses starting from various places in Orissa. If we want to reach through Railway route, we have to stop at Keonjhar Road Railway station and from there travel in Bus or Taxi to Jajpur bus stand. It’s a journey of 30 mins or more. There is big Lord Shiva’s temple on the main road only. From there it’s better if one can take a reserved auto for visiting all these temples. It will take around Rs. 120/- for an hour or so. The atmosphere around the temple is very calm and tranquil and is far away from din and bustle of the city.
Nearest Bus Stand:-
Jajpur Bus stand.
Nearest Railway Station:-
Keonjhar Road Railway station.
Nearest Airports:-
Bhubaneswar
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