The Biraja Temple, also known as Birija Kshetra (Odia: ), is a medieval Hindu temple in Jajpur, Odisha, India, about 125 kilometers (78 miles) north of Bhubaneswar. The current temple dates from the 13th century. The temple gave Jajpur the nicknames “Viraja Kshetra” and “Biraja Peetha” after Devi Durga, who is worshipped as Viraja (Girija). The Durga idol has two hands (dwibhuja), one for spearing Mahishasura’s chest and the other for pulling his tail. One of her feet is on Mahishasura’s breast, while the other is on a lion. Like a water buffalo, Mahishasura is represented. Ganesha, a crescent moon, and a lingam are all depicted on the idol’s crown. The temple is huge and has multiple shrines dedicated to Shiva and other gods. It is known as the Viraja or Biraja kshetra, according to the Skanda Purana, and it cleanses pilgrims. Around one million Shiva lingams are said to exist in Jajpur.
In Tantra :
The hymn “Aadya Stotra” is dedicated to Shakti in the Brahmayamala Tantra. Vimala is the goddess of Puri in the hymn, while Viraja (Girija) is the goddess of the Utkala Kingdom, which later became Odisha.
Sati’s navel fell in the Utkala Kingdom, also known as “Viraja Kshetra,” according to the Tantra Chudamani. In his Ashtadasha Shakti Peetha Stuti, Adi Shankara refers to the deity as Girija. The Oddiyana Peetha (Devnagari:) is a Tantra pilgrimage site in eastern India near the Vaitarani River (an Oddiyana is an ornament worn by a woman around her navel).
Festivals and Rituals :
Sharadiya Durga Puja, which begins on the night of Krishna Paksha Ashtami, is the temple’s most important ritual. This begins on Ashwin Shukla Paksha Navami and concludes on Mahalaya. The Shodasha Dinatatmika Puja takes 16 days to complete. Simhadhwaja is the name of the Ratha (chariot festival), and its flag features a lion. An animal sacrifice, known as Bali Daanam, is done during the lunar change from Shukla Ashtami to Shukla Navami. Aparajita Puja is held during Navratri.
Nakshatra, Shravana, Prathamastami, Pana Sankranti, Raja Parva, and Navanna are some of the other festivals. The Brahmins of Jajpur worship Devi as Mahishasuramardini daily, according to Tantra and Agama traditions.
Transportation :
Cuttack and Jajpur Keonjhar Road are the closest railway stations. Regular buses to Jajpur town are available from there. In Orissa, mostly private buses run regularly. Cuttack railway station is connected by autos to Barabati bus stand, which is only 3 kilometers away. It takes 2 to 2+12 hours to get from Cuttack to Jajapur town by bus. Traveling by road from Jajpur road to Jajpur town will take more than an hour. Buses from Bhubaneswar are also available. Buses with the word “express” inscribed on them are faster than regular buses.
