Jajpur (Odisha)

Place : Jajpur (Odisha)
Part of the Body Fallen : Navel
Name of Shakti : Biraja Devi
Description :
The Biraja Temple, or Girija is located in Jajpur (about 125 kilometres north of Bhubaneswar), Odisha, India. The present temple was built during the 13th century. The principal idol is Devi Durga, who is worshiped as Viraja (Girija), and the temple gave Jajpur the nicknames “Viraja Kshetra” and “Biraja Peetha”.

The Durga idol has two hands (dwibhuja), spearing the chest of Mahishasura with one hand and pulling his 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 features Ganesha, a crescent moon and a lingam. The temple covers a large area, and has several shrines to Shiva and other deities. According to the Skanda Purana it cleanses pilgrims, and it is called the Viraja or the Biraja kshetra. Jajpur is believed to have about one crore of Shiva lingams.

About the Temple:

Location: R8MQ+F77, Jajpur, Odisha 755007
Country: India
Nearest Airport: Bhubaneswar Airport(BBI).
Built-In: 13th century
Deity: Devi
Architectural Styles:a Simha or a Lion on a stone pillar(Odia temple architecture style)
Festivals: Navratri
Temple Timings:6 AM and 5 PM
Best Time To Visit: Oct-Feb