Biraja Temple

Biraja Temple
Biraja Temple
Religion
Affiliation	Hinduism
District	Jajpur
Location
State	Odisha
Country	India
	Odisha
Geographic coordinates	20°50′1.55″N 86°20′17.32″E / 20.8337639°N 86.3381444°E

The Biraja Temple, or Birija Kshetra (

Shiva lingams

.

In Tantra

Goddess spearing an animal — Virajaa devi

The Brahmayamala Tantra has a hymn, "Aadya Stotra", dedicated to Shakti. In the hymn, Vimala is the goddess of Puri and Viraja (Girija) is the goddess worshipped in the Utkala Kingdom, which became Odisha.

According to the Tantra Chudamani, Sati's navel fell in the Utkala Kingdom, also known as "Viraja kshetra".

Vaitarani River

(an Oddiyana is an ornament worn by a woman around her navel).

Sree Bagalamukhi Deity

There is a separate shrine for Sree Bagalamukhi Devi, which is right of Maa Biraja. One can find very few temples for this Roopa of Dasamahavidya

Nabhi Gaya

Pitapuram holds the Pada Gaya, the Sira Gaya is found in Bihar, the Nabhi Gaya is found here in the form of a well. Pitru Pooja (Pinda Daan, Tarpan, Tithi) are performed here. The temple itself arranges the priests and the pooja items.

Rituals and festivals

The primary ritual in the temple is Sharadiya

Navratri

is celebrated as Aparajita Puja.

Other festivals include

Mahishasuramardini by the Brahmins of Jajpur

.

Transportation

The nearest railway station is Cuttack and Jajpur Keonjhar Road. From there regular buses can be availed to Jajpur town. Mostly private buses run regularly in Orissa. Autos connect Cuttack railway station to Barabati bus stand, which is hardly 3 km away. The bus from Cuttack to Jajapur town takes 2 to 2+1⁄2 hours. From Jajpur road to Jajpur town travelling time by road will be more than one hour. Also buses are available from Bhubaneswar. Buses which have express written on the buses are quicker than local buses.

Accommodation

A couple of lodges are next to the temple and another is being constructed.