Jajpur in Odisha is truly a gem that is waiting to be discovered, as we found out on our visit to the heritage district. It is truly, Odisha’s best-kept secret. The architectural and engineering genius of the Konark Sun temple and the spiritual grandeur of Puri’s Jagannath Temple are well known, however, Jajpur awaits its moment in the sun. It is a place that you must visit, and here are the best places to visit in Jajpur and the best experiences that await you.

Jajpur has a timeless quality, it seems strangely connected to the glorious chapters of its rich heritage. The district seems to perfectly harmonize the past, present, and future. Here modern steel plants and shopping malls rub shoulders with ancient temples and ghats.

There is so much to see in Jajpur and lots to experience, Jajpur is indeed a compelling chapter in the story of Incredible India, that one must read.

Places To Visit In Jajpur District, Odisha

Jajpur district in Odisha is studded with heritage sites related to Buddhism and Hinduism, there are ancient temples like the Biraja Shakti Peeth, and the Buddhist sites of Pushpagiri, Ratnagiri, and Udayagiri. The district is also home to a rich repository of arts, crafts, and culture. It is the home of the famed GI-Tag, Gopalpur Tussar Silk fabric, and also has a rich tradition of sculpture, painting, and handicrafts.

Jajpur which, in ancient times was the capital of Odisha, continues to be a thriving hub of culture, art, and craft, and a living museum of heritage.

If you are looking for weekend getaways from Bhubaneswar within 100 Kms or weekend getaways from Cuttack within 100 kms or if you are looking for places to visit near Bhubaneswar for a day trip or places to visit near Cuttack for a day trip, then you are in the right place to decide about the best places to visit in Jajpur District and also the best things to do in Jajpur.   

About Jajpur District And History Of Jajpur

Jajpur District Map

The attractions in Jajpur are many, however before we take you on an exhilarating journey of the popular destinations in Jajpur, it is necessary to get an orientation of the district. To understand its present, we need to delve into its history and beyond.

Jajpur finds mention in ancient Indian texts including the Skanda Purana and other Puranas as well as the great Indian epic, Mahabharata. Jajpur has been referred to variously as Viraja, Baitarini Tirtha, and Parvati Tirtha. These mentions substantiate the antiquity of the region. In terms of historical accounts, the chronicles of the 7th-century Chinese traveller, Hiuen Tsang or Xuanzang mention a great university or Mahavihara, which archaeological evidence now suggests existed in the Langudi Hills of Jajpur District.

Ancient Jajpur was also a powerful centre of Tantra Shastra which focused on the worship of Mother Goddesses and Yoginis. The existence of Biraja Temple or Viraja Kshetra, which is considered a Mahashakti Peeth points towards the widespread prevalence of Devi worship in the region. Biraja Temple is one of the 18 Shakti Peethas that are mentioned in Adi Shakaracharya’s Ashta Dasha Shakti Peetha Stotram.

Jajpur gained prominence in more recent times during the reign of the Somavamhsi Dynasty, also popularly referred to as the Keshari Dynasty. King Yayati I also known as Jajati Keshari established Jajpur as the capital of the Somvanshi Kingdom. The city was then known as Guheshvarapataka, and was renamed Abhinava Yayatinagara, or the, “new city of Yayati.” It is believed that during the reign of Jajati Keshari, thousands of Brahmins migrated from Kanauj and settled on the banks of the river Baitarni with the King’s patronage.

Many great temples came up in and around Jajpur during the reign of the Keshari dynasty and the Ganga dynasty. It is believed that Jajpur was home to more than a crore Shiva Lingas. Many Yajnas or sacrifices were performed and it is believed that King Jajati Keshari, himself, performed the Dashaashwamedha Yajna on the banks of the river Baitarini. The existence of the Dashashwamedha Ghat lends credence to this theory.

In more contemporary history, Jajpur became an independent district in 1993, prior to this it was part of the Cuttack district. However, Jajpur Municipality came into existence as early as 1869, and the city celebrated 150 years of Jajpur Municipality in a grand manner with the Jajpur Mahotsav in 2020. Jajpur District too celebrated the silver jubilee of its birth in 2018.

The current District Magistrate of Jajpur is Shri Chakravarthi Singh Rathore, IAS, and his illustrious predecessors include the likes of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, who was the author of the legendary, “Anandmath,” and Vande Mataram. Bankim Chandra Chatterjee was the District Magistrate of Jajpur between 1882 to 1884.

Here are the best places to visit in Jajpur district of Odisha, India including the famous Biraja temple and the Buddhist sites Ratnagiri and Udayagiri.

Places To Visit In Jajpur – Famous Temples In Jajpur

Jajpur District is a melting pot of religions that have existed and co-existed at different periods in history. Different branches of Hinduism including Vaishnavism, Shaivism, and Shaktism, have flourished here. The roots of Jainism and Buddhism too are firmly entrenched in the soil of Jajpur. It is no wonder, then, that the district is studded with ancient temples and sacred pilgrimage centres.

Biraja Mata Temple – Maha Shakti Peeth

Among the famous temples of Jajpur District, the Biraja temple is undoubtedly and almost literally, “The Mother of All Temples.” Here the Goddess Biraja Devi presides with her radiating luminescence. The Biraja temple is considered to be the most sacred and one of the best places to visit in Jajpur.

According to legend, Lord Brahma conducted a sacrifice on the banks of the river Baitarni, and out of the sacrificial fire, emerged Devi Parvati or Adishakti. She requested Brahma to name her as Biraja, she was in the form of a two-armed Mahishasuramardini. Brahma requested the divine power to sanctify the region with her presence.

Biraja Devi took her position near the banks of the Vaitarni river, and out of her energy emerged Nine Durgas, Eight Chandikas, and Sixty Four Yoginis. The presence of these divine energies made the Biraja Khetra, a Maha Shakti Peeth, that has been eulogized by the great Adi Shankaracharya in his Ashta Dasa Shakti Peetha Stotram.

In the main sanctum, the image of Biraja Devi is worshipped. However, within the temple complex, there are temples to Ganesh, Shiva, and other deities. One of the interesting features of the temple is the presence of a seemingly bottomless well, which is referred to as Nabhi Gaya. It is one of the sacred places in India for offering Pindas (oblations) to ancestors.

Maa Biraja Devi temple is a must-visit and one of the best places to visit in Jajpur.

Brahma Kund

There is a pond connected to the Biraja temple at a little distance from it. Traditionally all temples have an attached waterbody. This is known as the Brahma Kunda or Brahma’s Pond. It is believed that this is the place where Lord Brahma, once performed a Yagya in which the Goddess Girija Devi appeared from the sacrificial fire. The beautiful pond has ruined carvings on all four sides.

Dasaswamedh Ghat, Maa Baitarani, Jajpur

A pilgrimage to the Dasaswamedh Ghat is as important as a visit to the Biraja temple. Dasaswamedha Ghat, Jajpur, forms an integral part of any Jajpur itinerary. The Dashashwamedh Ghat reminds you of the ghat with the same name in Varanasi. The Dashashwamedh Ghat of Jajpur is inextricably linked with the mythology and history of the region. It is a Dasaswamedha ghat situated on the sacred Baitarani river.

It is believed that King Jajati Keshari had performed a Dasaswamedh Yagna, here, and hence the name. There are many ancient temples near the Ghats.

Saptamatruka Temple

The Saptamatrika temple stands on the southern bank of the Baitarani river, near the Dasaswamedh Ghat in Jajpur. It is a temple dedicated to the Seven Mother Goddesses, who are the female counterparts of the Male Gods, or the manifestation of their Shakti or energy.

Though the temple is known as Saptamatruka temple, you will actually find the images of Asthamatruka or 8 mother goddesses. The deities worshipped here are, Chamunda, Barahi, Indrani, Vaishnavi, Brahmi, Koumari, Maheshwari, and Narasinhi.

It is believed that the deities were installed by King Yayati Keshari after he had performed the grand Dashashwamedh Yagna here. The temple overlooks the Baitarini river and has the idols of the Matrikas arranged in a line, with separate doors, facing the river. There is a small temple to Ganesh just behind the sanctum of the Saptamatrukas.

Jagannatha Temple, Dasasvamedha Ghat, Jajpur Town

A serene structure in white, built in the typical Nagara style of temple architecture is the Jagannath Temple, which is located on the way to the Dasashwamedh Ghat in Jajpur. The temple is built atop a platform known as Jayati and consists of Mandapas and the Garbagriha. Beautiful images of Lord Jagannath, along with Bhalabhadra, and Subhadra, grace the sanctum.

Varahanatha Temple | Yajna Varaha Temple

The Baraha temple is a historic temple which is located on the opposite bank of the Dashashwamedh Ghat. The temple is dedicated to the Varaha avatar of Vishnu and is believed to have been built in the 15th or 16th century. The Indian Bhakti saint Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is believed to have visited this temple after visiting Puri.

The Varaha temple is the central temple in a cluster of temples that have stood the test of time and the vagaries of nature. The Jaganmohana or the main hall of the Varaha temple has a beautiful domed ceiling. In the sanctum, there are two images of Varaha, along with images of Lakshmi and Jagannath. The Barahanath temple is one of the famous temples in Jajpur.

There are many ancient and more recent temples within the Varaha temple complex. There are temples of Surya Narayan or Sun God, Lakshmi Narayan, Shiva, and other deities.

Chandikhol Chandi Temple

The Chandikhole Chandi temple is among the best attractions in Jajpur District. This temple to Chandi or Chandika, the fierce form of Shakti is located on the Barunei Hill, some 40 kilometres from Jajpur city. The temple which was established by Baba Bhairabananda Brahmachari is set in the midst of picturesque surroundings.

Chhatia Bata Jagannath Temple

Chhatia Bata Temple is a unique Jagannath temple that dates back to the 12th century and is located mid-way between Jajpur city and Bhubaneshwar. The temple’s uniqueness lies in the fact that apart from the main deities of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, the temple is also dedicated to the Kalki avatar of Vishnu. The Kalki avatar is of course the future avatar of Vishnu prophesied to take place in the Kalyuga.

Jajpur district is where you are sure to come upon temples, known and unknown, almost around every turn in the road. If you are passionate about ancient temples, then you should spend more than 3 days in Jajpur and embark on a temple-hunting spree.

Some of the other temples that you can include in your Jajpur exploration are the Siddheshwar Temple, Jajpur; Trilochaneshwar Temple;  Jagannath Temple, Garhmadhupur; Gokarneswar Temple, Jamubania, Jajpur, and Mahavinayak Temple, Jajpur district.

Buddhist Heritage Of Jajpur – Buddhist Circuit

Buddhism took root in Odisha, even before the epoch-making Kalinga War of Ashoka. There are important Buddhist sites scattered across the length and breadth of Odisha. Jajpur is also home to important Buddhist sites, two points of the famous Diamond Triangle Of Buddhism of Odisha are in Jajpur district. These are Ratnagiri, and Udayagiri.

In fact, it is even believed, that Buddha’s first two lay disciples who were the merchant brothers, Tapusa and Bhallika, may have been from Jajpur!

They were given the sacred hair of Buddha as relics, which they took with them and had a Stupa built, which was known as Kesh Stupa, and the remains of this may exist in Dharmasala, Jajpur.

Ratnagiri Monastery, Jajpur

The Buddhist site of Ratnagiri is easily one of the top tourist attractions near Jajpur. Ratnagiri along with Udaygiri and Lalitgiri form what is famous as the Diamond triangle of Buddhism in Odisha. Ratnagiri is the site where the ruins of a Buddhist Mahavihara have been excavated. The monastery is believed to have been built from the 5th century CE onwards and has its origins during the rule of the Gupta dynasty. The Mahavihara is said to have been active till about the 13th century. The Ratnagiri Buddhist monastery is located about 35 kilometres from Jajpur city.

Three monasteries have been excavated, and exquisite sculptures and doorways that have survived tell the story of an era when the monastery must have resonated with Buddhist chants and the animated chatter of monks engaged in debate. The site is strewn with Votive Stupas and is still only partially excavated.

Some of the sights not to be missed when at the Ratnagiri Buddhist site include a beautiful standing relief panel of Vajrapani at the entrance gate along with exquisite motifs done in Blue-Chlorite stone. Also awe-inspiring are the massive heads of Buddha that one can see inside the monastery complex.

One can only imagine the magnificence of the Buddha statues when they would have stood tall and erect. The statue of a sitting Buddha flanked by Padmapani and Vajrapani, can be seen intact inside the main shrine.

For those with a keen interest in Buddhist history and heritage, as well as archaeology, Ratnagiri would definitely be one of the best places to visit in Jajpur District Odisha, literally a treasure trove of history.

Archaeological Museum At Ratnagiri

Museums are windows to the past and ASI has set up many museums across the country to house the relics of ancient India. The sculptural and epigraphic remains of the Ratnagiri Buddhist sites as well as other sites in the vicinity are housed in the 3-storeyed Archaeological Museum Ratnagiri, which is managed by the ASI (Archaeological Survey of India).

The museum comprises four galleries spread across three floors. The exhibits include a wide range of antiquities from between the 5th century CE to the 13th Century CE. You can see Votive Stupas, sculptures of varying sizes and sizes, inscriptions on copper and stone, remains of pottery, vessels, coins, and much more. A visit to the Ratnagiri Archaeological Park is sure to bring alive the Buddhist monastery of Ratnagiri alive in front of you.

Udayagiri Buddhist Complex, Jajpur

Udayagiri Buddhist complex is located around 35 kilometres from Jajpur city and is the second vertex of the Diamond triangle of Buddhism in Odisha. Along with Ratnagiri and Lalitgiri, it forms what is almost a perfect Isosceles triangle. In terms of dating, it is believed to be the latest of the three sites, having existed between the 7th century CE and 12th Century CE.

Udayagiri is spread across a vast area covered with woods and framed by hills. It is believed to be the site of an ancient Buddhist monastery named Madhavapura Vihara. Though a large portion of the Udayagiri Buddhist complex is yet to be excavated, what has been excavated gives an idea of the sheer size and grandeur of one of the great Buddhist Mahavihara of ancient times.

Two monastic complexes, and a large number of Stupas of different sizes, and sculptures have been excavated and can be seen at the site.

Do not miss the following, when you visit Udayagiri Buddhist complex in Jajpur. Lookout for, an exquisite sculpture of a standing Padmapani, a Bodhisattva who is a form of Avalokitesvara. Also, look out for the sculpture of a sitting Buddha, and the fine carvings at the entrance gate to the monastery, which has been named Udayagiri-II.

The carvings include intricate motifs and also human figures including a female dancer, and another human figure on a swing with eyes closed with an ecstatic expression.

Pushpagiri Vihara At Langudi Hills

Till recently it was believed that probably Udayagiri, Ratnagiri, and Lalitgiri were part of the great university or Mahavihara described by the Chinese traveller, Hiuen Tsang as Pushpagiri Vihara. However, excavations at Langudi Hill, some 35 kilometres from Jajpur, have uncovered the remains of what seems to have been the Pushpagiri Mahavihara described by Hiuen Tsang.

The site has been marked as Langudi Buddhist Archaeological Site by the ASI, and excavation is still to be undertaken on a large scale.

It is believed that Pushpagiri was one of the great universities of ancient India along with Nalanda, Takshashila, and others. It is believed to have been active between the 3rd Century CE and the 11th Century CE. Ruins of Stupas, including one which is believed to have been installed by Emperor Ashoka himself, have been found at the site. An inscription in the Brahmi script identifies the site as Pushpa Sabha Giriya or a hill filled with flowers.

Other Important Places To Visit In And Around Jajpur | Places To Visit In Jajpur District Odisha

Jajpur district is a place where heritage rushes to meet you seemingly, everywhere. However, it is equally blessed with natural beauty and is covered with verdant forests, cascading waterfalls, shimmering lakes and meandering rivers. Here are a couple of tourist places near Jajpur Road, that you must include in your Jajpur itinerary.

Kusuma Pond and Park, Jajpur

The Kusuma Pond and Park is one of the most popular places in the heart of Jajpur city. Come evenings it transforms into a resplendent jewel, attracting locals and tourists alike. It is spread across a massive area of 27 acres and includes a water body where boating is available, musical fountains, and a park.

The park is studded with seventy different varieties of flowers and features well-maintained walkways and lawns. The place is brilliantly illuminated in the evenings and provides a spectacular visual experience. The place is impeccably maintained by the Jajpur Municipal authorities.

Ashokjhar Waterfall, Sukinda, Jajpur

Waterfalls have a special magic, the sound of water cascading down always has a soothing effect that never fails to lift the spirit and rejuvenate the mind. One such waterfall is the Ashokjhar Waterfall located near Sukinda in the Jajpur district. Sukinda is known for its Chromium deposits and silkworm rearing.

The Ashokjhar Waterfall is located about 8 kilometres from the town of Sukinda, and about 71 kilometres from Jajpur City. It is a beautiful place nestled in the midst of nature and is also great for trekking. The waterfall cascades down from near the roots of an Ashoka tree and that is how the waterfall gets its name.

Things To Do In Jajpur – Experience Art, Craft, Culture, Cuisine

Jajpur is a mesmerizing mosaic of experiences, there is so much to experience in the district, that there is never going to be a dull moment when you are there. An important aspect of Jajpur is its intangible heritage in the form of a rich tradition in music and dance, arts and crafts, and of course cuisine.

To get an immersive feel of the culture of Jajpur District, it is necessary to travel to its villages for an authentic experience, and what better place to visit than the village of Gopalpur, which is a hub of arts and crafts?

Visit Gopalpur Tussar Silk Weaving Centre

If you are in Jajpur, there is no way, you are going to miss the signature Gopalpur Tussar Silk fabric, which has a GI tag. Seeing the making of the famous Gopalpur Tussar Silk sarees and other fabrics in one of the weaving centres in Gopalpur is an experience in itself.

You can also buy the fabrics from the weavers themselves, when you are there and also interact with them. After all, there is much more to the fabric than mere thread. The fabrics have the history and culture of the people woven into them. Buying a Tussar silk fabric from the weavers directly should be one of the top things to do in Jajpur and thereby help and promote sustainable tourism.

Visit Golden Grass Craft Centre At Antia Village

The village of Antia, about 35 kilometres from Jajpur city is knitting a silent revolution. Its women are silently threading the golden grass which grows wild on the riverbanks into beautiful baskets, hats, showpieces, and much more. The craft utilizes the artistic skills of the women and fuels the local economy. It is a wonderful experience to watch women of different age groups sitting together in their colourful attire, patiently and meticulously giving shape to their dreams.

Experience Odia Music

Music has been the soul of the land of Odisha, since time immemorial. From the esoteric chants of the Vedas to the soulful singing of wandering minstrels, Odisha has music in its DNA. Jajpur is where you can experience the entrancing songs of Yogis singing songs of devotion to the accompaniment of the Kendara, Odisha’s own musical instrument. The sounds of Kendara Gita resonate through the villages and towns of the district.

Experience Odia Cuisine At Odianee

The cuisine of Odisha is sure to surprise you with its sheer range and variety, not to forget its delectable desserts. Odianee is a restaurant that serves authentic local cuisine in Jajpur district, located near the town of Panikoili on NH-16, some 10 kilometres from Jajpur City.

Though the restaurant serves both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food, vegetarians need not be disappointed as a bonanza awaits them. We were swamped with more than 10 different and even exotic types of curry along with rice and Chapatis.

The desserts served included mouth-watering dishes like Kakara and Sijha Manda, as well as Rabri. The food was excellent and changed all preconceived notions about Odia cuisine. If you are in Jajpur, do make it a point to head to Odianee for some pure and authentic Odia food.

What To Eat In Jajpur

Are you thinking about vegetarian food, Odia cuisine is full of tasty vegetarian fare and delicious desserts. Jajpur is the place where you can experience the authentic taste, flavours, and aromas of Odissa. Some of the dishes that you must try are:

• Dalma
• Pakhala
• Chenna Poda
• Pitha
• Sijha Manda
• Nolan Gur Rosgolla
• Nolan Gur Icecream
• Kakara

Images of Jajpur

Here are some images that bring alive the vibes of the Jajpur district.

Best Time To Visit Jajpur

Jajpur can be visited any time of the year, but the best months to visit are from around October to February, as the weather will be pleasant. Summers are bound to be hot and hence not that comfortable for sightseeing.

However, for people looking for weekend getaways from Bhubaneswar within 200 Kms or weekend getaways from Cuttack within 200 Kms, throughout the year, there are many things to do in Jajpur and many places to visit in and around Jajpur.

Weather In Jajpur | Temperature In Jajpur

In the summer months, between March to June, the climate of Jajpur is hot and also humid. Summer temperatures can rise to over 40 degrees centigrade. Winters are mild and the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.

Tips For Visiting | Information To Help You Plan Your Visit

• Odia is the main language spoken in Jajpur District, but Hindi is followed everywhere
• Afternoons can be quite sunny even during winter, so make sure you have protection against the sun
• Jajpur involves a lot of walking, especially in the Buddhist sites, so be prepared accordingly and travel with good footwear, shades, and headgear
• Carry your refillable water bottle
• There is an entry ticket to visit Ratnagiri
• Carry your camera or mobile phone to click photos
• It is advisable to hire a guide for visiting the monuments
• Dress modestly while visiting the temples
• Click here to check out good restaurants in the area
• The weather between October to February is cool and the best time to travel
• One would require a minimum of 2 days to 3 days to cover all the places of interest
• Booking a cab either from Bhubaneswar or Cuttack would be ideal for visiting the places within this region
• You can buy Tussar silk from the weavers and golden grass handicraft items directly from the artisans to help sustain tourism

How To Reach Jajpur

Jajpur is a municipality and a district in the eastern Indian state of Odisha. Jajpur was the capital of the Keshari or Somavamshi Dynasty which ruled over the region between the 9th and 12th centuries CE. It is a district rich in heritage, art, craft, and culture. Click here for a route map from Bhubaneswar to Jajpur in Odisha.

• Bhubaneswar to Jajpur distance is about 100 kilometres
• Cuttack to Jajpur distance is about 76 kilometres
• Puri to Jajpur distance is about 153 kilometres
• The Konark Sun Temple is about 154 kilometres from Jajpur

Reaching Jajpur By Air

The nearest airport to Jajpur is the Biju Patnaik Airport in Bhubaneshwar, from where you can get flights to and from places like Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, etc., From Bhuvaneshwar you can easily travel to Jajpur by road.

Reaching Jajpur By Train

The nearest railway station to Jajpur is the Jajpur-Keonjhar Railway Station near Byasnagar. The station is near Jajpur Road, where most of the hotels are located.

Reaching Jajpur By Road

Jajpur is well connected with a good network with other cities and towns of Odisha including Bhubaneshwar, Cuttack, and Puri.

If you are planning a visit to  Jajpur, you can book your flight tickets right here through Cleartrip or Makemytrip or CheapAir or Priceline and fly to Bhubaneswar. If you are thinking of a road trip, do check out the rental car options.

Where To Stay In Jajpur

Jajpur Road is a highly-developed area near Jajpur town and has many hotels that offer luxury accommodations. We stayed at a lovely and comfortable hotel called Jajati Courtyard. We were lucky to experience its hospitality, even before its official opening.

If you are planning to book any of the hotels in Jajpur or anywhere else in Odisha, India you can book right here –  TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or  makemytrip or  goibibo or  Booking.com or  HotelsCombined and save a lot by getting the best deals on booking your stay.

Click to book the best hotels in Jajpur or hotels in Bhubaneswar

Places To Visit In Jajpur District Odisha – FAQ

Where is Jajpur?

Jajpur is a city and district in the state of Odisha and makes for great weekend trips from Bhubaneshwar as well as great weekend trips from Cuttack.

What is famous in Jajpur District?

Jajpur district is famous for its rich heritage, arts, crafts, and culture. It is home to the GI tag Gopalpur Tussar Silk Fabric, and also to the Buddhist sites of Ratnagiri and Udayagiri. The famous Biraja Devi Shakti Peeth is also located in Jajpur.

What is special in Jajpur?

Jajpur was an ancient centre of Tantra and one of the 18 Mahashakti Peeths, the Biraja temple or Biraja Kshetra is located here.

Why is Jajpur Road famous?

Jajpur Road near the town of Jajpur has seen a lot of recent development. Many shopping malls, restaurants, and hotels have come up here. The place is also close to the Jajpur-Keonjhar railway station.

Which food is famous in Jajpur Odisha?

Authentic Odia food is available in Jajpur. Some of the Odia food that you must eat while in Jajpur include the famous Kakra Pitha.

Which temple is famous in Jajpur?

Jajpur District and Jajpur city are both full of ancient and sacred temples. The most famous of these is the Biraja temple in Jajpur city, which is a Shakti Peeth.

Why Biraja temple is famous?

Biraja temple is one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas and is a sacred and powerful temple, known as Biraja Khetra.

What is Biraja Khetra?

The Biraja Khetra or Biraja Temple is an ancient temple to the Goddess Biraja Devi or Girija Devi, a form of Parvati or Durga. It is one of the 18 Maha Shakti peeths eulogised by Adi Shankaracharya, himself in his Ashta Dasha Shakti Peetha stotram.

Which river is near Biraja Temple?

The river Baitarani or Vaitarani flows near the Biraja Temple of Jajpur.

Which river flows in Jajpur?

The river Baitarani flows through Jajpur.

What is the old name of Jajpur?

Jajpur in ancient times has been variously known as Vaitarani Tirtha, Varaha Tirtha, Biraja Tirtha, Parvati Tirtha, and Yayatinagara.

Who built the Biraja temple at Jajpur?

Mythologically the Biraja temple was established by Brahma himself, and the Biraja Kshetra is an ancient temple. The first reference to the temple is found in the Mahabharata. However, the idol in its current form may date back to the 4th century when it was installed by the kings of the Gupta dynasty. A temple was built during the 10th or 11th centuries by the Somavamshi ruler Yayati II.

Who is the famous king of Jajpur?

The famous king of Jajpur is the Somavamshi ruler Jajati Keshari who ruled during the 10th century.

Which part of Sati fell in Jajpur?

It is believed that the Navel or Nabhi of Sati fell at Jajpur, and hence it is considered as one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peeths.

Is there any Shakti Peeth in Odisha?

Of the 18 Astadasha Maha Shakti Peethas, one is in Odisha, this is the Biraja Temple in Jajpur.

Why is Biraja famous?

Biraja is famous as one of the Maha Shakti Peethas, it is also known as Biraja Kshetra, Vaitarani Tirtha, and Biraja Khetra.

Jajpur is a saga of India’s heritage. It is the land where the wind whispers stories from long-forgotten chapters of history. It is also a fast-developing hub of commerce while being rooted in tradition and culture. It is a place that has a unique ethos, hard to find anywhere else. We hope that this post about things to do in Jajpur – places to visit in Jajpur succeeds in conveying at least a part of this ethos.

Jajpur needs to be experienced with all the senses, for which you would need to get there. And when you do get there, we hope this post comes in handy as a Jajpur tourist destination guide.

Were you aware of the rich heritage of Jajpur and its arts, craft, and culture? Do let us know your thoughts through the comments section.

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Our visit to the District of Jajpur in Odisha was part of a familiarization trip organized by the Jajpur District Administration. The views and opinions expressed in this blog post are our own. #Jajpurodisha #HACTJajpur #visitjajpur #Odishatourism #UNWTO #jajpur #Odisha

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