History & Historical Heritage
The Biraja Temple (or Girija Devi Temple) is located in Jajpur, Odisha, on the banks of the Baitarani River. It is the eleventh of the Astadasa Shakti Peethas, where Sati's navel fell. The temple dates back to the 13th century and represents the Kalinga style of architecture. The deity of Goddess Biraja is depicted as Dwibhuja (two-armed) Durga, holding a spear in one hand piercing Mahishasura and holding the tail of the buffalo-demon in the other. Unlike other Durga temples, the vehicle here is a lion standing on the demon.
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Sacred Legend (Sthala Puranam)
"Jajpur is also known as Gadakshetra, where Lord Brahma performed a great sacrifice (Yajna). The navel of Sati fell at this spot, making it a sacred site for Shraddha rites. The goddess resides here as Biraja, meaning free from dust or passion."
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Comprehensive Route Guide & Logistics
Nearest Airport
Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI), Bhubaneswar - 120 km
Local Bus Routes
Available Bus Numbers: Regular state and private buses operating from Cuttack and Bhubaneswar to Jajpur Town
Railway Junctions & Connecting Trains
- Jajpur Keonjhar Road Railway Station (JJKR) - 30 km from Jajpur Town, connected to Howrah-Chennai main line.