About Biraja Temple
The Biraja Temple stands in the historic town of Jajpur in Odisha, near the Baitarani river. It is dedicated to Goddess Biraja, also called Viraja or Girija, a form of Durga. Jajpur is known as Biraja Kshetra or Biraja Peetha after her, and it is one of the oldest sacred towns of Odisha, once a capital of early dynasties. Pilgrims come both for the goddess and for ancestral rites at the town's Nabhi Gaya well.
The temple is counted among the Shakti Peethas, though the lists differ. Tradition says the navel of Sati fell here, which is why the place is called Nabhi Gaya, the navel of the sacred Gaya region. Another legend tells that Brahma performed a great sacrifice here and the goddess appeared from the fire. The Puranas praise the Baitarani river and Biraja Kshetra, and Jajpur was an important centre under the Bhauma-Kara and Somavamshi kings. The present temple is believed to have been built around the 13th century, during the Eastern Ganga period, with later repairs.
The image of the goddess is unusual: she has only two arms, holding a spear with which she pierces the buffalo demon Mahishasura while holding his tail, and she stands with one foot on a lion. The crown carries images of Ganesha, a crescent moon and a Shiva linga. The temple is built in the Kalinga style, with a tall rekha deula over the sanctum and a jagamohana hall in front, inside a large walled compound with many smaller shrines. The Nabhi Gaya well, where pinda offerings are made, lies within the precincts.
Biraja Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from early morning to evening, with a break in the afternoon at many times of the year. Check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning aarti | Early morning (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Biraja Temple
By air
Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar, is about 100 km away.
By train
Jajpur Keonjhar Road railway station is about 30 km away.
By road
Jajpur is linked by road to Cuttack, Bhubaneswar and the national highway at Chandikhol. Buses and taxis are easily available.
Festivals at Biraja Temple
- Durga Puja and Biraja chariot festivalSep/Oct
- Chaitra NavratriMar/Apr
- Pitru Paksha rites at Nabhi GayaSep/Oct
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing is recommended. Leather articles are not allowed inside the temple.
- Entry
- Free darshan.
- Mobile phones, cameras and leather items may not be allowed inside; use the deposit counters at the gate.
- If you plan to perform ancestral rites at Nabhi Gaya, arrange a local priest in advance.
- Durga Puja draws large crowds; mornings outside the festival season are quieter.
- Combine your visit with the Dashashwamedha Ghat on the Baitarani and the old temples of Jajpur.
Places to visit near Biraja Temple
- Dashashwamedha GhatBathing ghat on the Baitarani river, about 2 km away
- Varaha Temple, JajpurOld temple of Vishnu as Varaha, about 2 km away
- Chhatia BataPopular Jagannath shrine on the highway, about 30 km away
- Lalitgiri and RatnagiriAncient Buddhist sites of the Diamond Triangle, about 40 km away
Frequently asked questions
Is Biraja Temple a Shakti Peetha?
Yes. Tradition says the navel of Sati fell at Jajpur, and Biraja is counted among the Shakti Peethas, though lists of the peethas vary.
Why is Jajpur called Nabhi Gaya?
Jajpur is believed to be the navel (nabhi) of the sacred Gaya region, and pilgrims offer pinda for their ancestors at the Nabhi Gaya well inside the temple complex.
What is special about the Biraja idol?
The goddess has two arms; she pierces Mahishasura with a spear while holding his tail, with one foot on a lion.
How to reach Biraja Temple from Bhubaneswar?
Jajpur is about 100 km from Bhubaneswar by road. The nearest railway station is Jajpur Keonjhar Road, about 30 km away.
What is the aarti time at Biraja Temple?
Morning aarti: Early morning (approx.); Evening aarti: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
What are the Biraja Temple timings?
Usually open from early morning to evening, with a break in the afternoon at many times of the year. Check locally before visiting.
Is there a dress code at Biraja Temple?
Modest traditional clothing is recommended. Leather articles are not allowed inside the temple.
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