The Biraja Temple, or Birija Kshetra is an ancient temple in Jajpur, Odisha, India. It is located on the banks of the Vaitarini River in Jajpur, about 77.3 km from Cuttack close to NH5. Biraja Temple is one of the Ashtadasha Shakti Peethas and the 11th Shaktipeeth. The Navel region of Devi is said to have fallen here. The present temple was built in the 13th century. The main idol is Devi Durga, who is worshiped as Viraja or Girija, and the temple gave Jajpur the nicknames “Viraja Kshetra” and “Biraja Peetha”.
The uniqueness of this goddess is that the idol is depicted as Mahishasuramardini, the Durga idol has two hands, spearing the chest of the demon Mahishasura with one hand and pulling the tail with the other. One of her feet is on a lion, and the other is on Mahishasura’s chest. Mahishasura is depicted as a water buffalo. The idol’s crown includes Ganesha, a crescent moon and a lingam. The temple is spread over a large area and has shrines for Shiva and other deities. According to the Skanda Purana, it cleans the pilgrims and is called Viraja or Biraja kshetra. Jajpur is said to have about a crore of Shiva Lingams. The shrine for Lord Shiva is said to have been installed by Adi Shankaracharya.
Nobody knows the exact time of the Girija Devi temples construction. But it was renovated in the 13th Century.
Another significant aspect of this temple is a well near the main temple of Girija Devi in which devotees perform ritual rites to their ancestors (Pinda Pradhan). 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 now.
Another interesting thing about this temple is a well near the main temple of Biraja Devi where devotees perform ritual rites to their ancestors (Pinda Pradhan). People believe that these Pindas will reach Kasi directly. The depth of the well appears to be approximately 4 to 5 feet but has never dried to date.
Maa Biraja Temple Darshan Timings:
Morning: 5:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Evening: 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Legend of Nabhi Gaya – Story Behind Gaya Kshetras:
Once a demon called Gayasura was stealing the Yagnaphala (fruit of Yagna) of several Yagnas which was to be taken by Lord Indra. Lord Indra went to Trimurthis (God Shiva, Sri Vishnu and Sri Brahma) and prayed to them to slay Gayasura to protect the Yagna Dharma.
Trimurthis demolished the demon Gayasura and thrown his body parts in various parts of India. His head was thrown in Gaya, the navel part was thrown in Jazpur and his feet part was thrown in Pithapuram (Andhra Pradesh). Hence Jazpur is called Nabhi Gaya (Nabhi means navel) and Pithapuram is called Pada Gaya (Pada means feet).
Lord Yamadharma Raja Temple – Vaitharini River:
At a small distance from Goddess Girija Devi temple, the 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.
Jajpur Maa Biraja Temple Address:
Devidwar,
Jajpur,
Odisha – 755007.
Phone: 078739 04563
