Maa Biraja Temple is one of the important Maha Shakti Peetha among other 50 peethas. Goddess Durga is worshipped here as Mata Girija (Viraja) and Lord Shiva as Jagannath.
It is known that Sati’s navel fell here. Maa Biraja Devi is also worshipped as Trishakti, Mahakali, Mahalaxmi and Mahasaraswati.
The temple covers a large are with several shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and other deities. According to the Skanda Purana the temple cleanses the other pilgrims.
Interesting Fact about Jajpur:
“It is believed that there are
1 crore Shiva Lingas.“
History:
According to Brahmanda Purana, the creator of universe i.e., Brahma performed a great sacrifice on the river and due to that Parvati emerged from the Garhapatya fire and advised Brahma to name her Girija. Brahma then prayed Parvati to stay as the divine consort of Lord Shiva at the Kshetra. She then happily agreed and created Nine Durgas, Sixty-Four Yoginis, and Eight Chandikas and asked them to stay there permanently.
The Temple was built in the 13th century by Jajati Keshari, the ruler of Keshari Dynasty. The deity is 70ft tall and is said to be worshipped from 5th century. There are two lions above elephants which indicate the greatness of KeshariDynasty (symbol of Lion) than Gajapati Dynasty (symbol of elephant).
A great yagna was performed by Lord Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu to kill the demon named Gayasur who was the great demon devotee of Lord Vishnu and because of that Gayasur feet were in Pada Gaya, Navel in Jajpur i.e., in Biraja Temple, and head at Shiro Gaya.
Festivals:
The Sharadiya Durga Puja is the primary ritual there which is begins on the night of Krishna Paksha Ashtami which falls before Mahalaya, and ends on Ashwin Shukla Paksha Navami. This puja is known as Shodasha Dinatatmika Puja which lasts for 16days. The chariot festival is known as Simhadhwaja, and its flag bears a lion. During Durga Astami and Navami, an animal sacrifice performed as an offering to Goddess Girija.
Some other festivals which also take place are Nakshatra, Shravana, Raja Parva, Prathamastami, and Navanna whereas Devi is worshipped daily in accordance with Tantra and Agama traditions as Mahishasuramardini by the Brahmins of Jajpur.
Timings:
Open at 4:00 am to 1:00 pm and then 3:00pm to 10:00pm
How to Reach:
Rail- Nearest railway station is Keonjhar road railway station
Airport- Bhubaneswar airport
Bus- Jajpur bus stand which is about 2kms from the temple.
