Biraja Temple of Jajpur: A Shaktipeeth like no other!

Last Updated on February 20, 2023 by asoulwindow

About Maa Biraja Temple Jajpur

Maa Biraja Temple Jajpur which is also called as Biraja kshetra or just Viraja has immense importance in the lives of people of Jajpur and other places of Odisha. As per the Hindu scripture Skanda Purana, a mere visit to this holy temple cleanses the pilgrims.

Mention of Jajpur can also be found in Hindu epic Mahabharat and other ancient scriptures of India such as the puranas. As per the Vana Parva of Mahabharat, the Pandava brothers had paid a visit to this region when they were on exile.

This detailed travel guide on Maa Biraja Devi Temple covers all the information that you will ever need to visit here. It is easily the most comprehensive travel guide on Maa Biraja Devi Mandir on internet. Do share this information packed detailed travelogue with your friends and family. Here is all you wanted to know!

My Experience of visiting Maa Biraja Temple

Visiting the ancient Maa Biraja Temple was nothing less than a blessing for me. I firmly believe that only if Mata Rani wishes, you can pay her a visit and get all the blessings! Highly charged with positive energies, this Shaktipeeth left me with unprecedented experiences! It is for a reason that various Shaktas visit this temple in order to attain sidhi and enlightenment.

Because of my height, I stooped down a little as I entered the temple premises from a small door which opened from the bustling market outside. The entire temple complex is walled with thick stone structures. The grand temple buildings had me agape mouthed. I had not expected such grandeur as it hardly gets any press in the mainstream media.

Since, Biraja temple is much revered not only in Jajpur but all of Odisha. I witnessed massive crowds as the temple premises buzzed with activity. I paid the visit to the Devi temple in the morning and this gave me an opportunity to observe age old rituals being played out in the open.

The sweet smell of incense sticks wafted in the air as I slowly observed each and every big and small details around the huge temple complex.

Why is Maa Biraja Temple famous?

Why is Biraja Temple famous? It is a commonly asked question! Maa Biraja Temple is very famous because it is one of the Shaktipeeth in India. This is why thousands and sometimes lakhs of people visit the temple every day and offer their respects. Hindu devotees from not only Jajpur but also from nearby big cities such as Bhubanshwar, Cuttack, Puri and other parts of India visit the temple at least once in their lifetime.

Who is the main deity of Maa Biraja Temple

Who is Maa Biraja? Hindu deity Maa Durga is worshipped by the devout in Maa Biraja Temple in Jajpur. Durga Maa is worshipped as Girija or Viraja in Maa Biraja Temple.The idol of Maa Biraja Devi here measures a whooping 70 feet from the floor. At Biraja Temple, Vishnu Bhagwan is worshipped in his Varaha incarnation. It is an ancient temple. As per the recorded history of Jajpur, Maa Biraja has been continually worshipped here since 5^th century C.E.  

Every day, Hindu devotees visit the temple in large number to offer prayers to Maa Biraja Devi in the form of Trishakti Mahakali, Mahasaraswati and Mahalakshmi.

The much-revered beautiful idol of Durga Maa is dwibhuja or dwibhujamurthy which means she is shown here with two hands. The image of Durga Devi is depicted here as spearing the chest of the asura or demon known as Mahishasura with one hand.

Durga Maa is shown as pulling the tail of the demon who is represented here as water buffalo and not in his usual human form as he’s generally depicted in Hindu temples. On close inspection, I noticed a lingam, a crescent moon and depiction of Ganesha Bhagwan on the crown of the idol of Durga Maa. While one of her feet rested on the chest of Mahishasur, other feet rests on her vahana lion.

Is Maa Biraja Temple a Shaktipeeth?

Is there any Shakti Peeth in Odisha? Yes. Maa Biraja Temple is a Shaktipeeth. It is only after I paid a visit here, did I learn about the same. Now I know why it is one of the most important Hindu temples in not only Odisha but all of India. It was here that the navel of Sati Mata fell.

Aadya is another name for Durga Maa. Maa Biraja also finds a mention in a hymn known as Aadya Strotra ofthe Brahmayamala Tantra. Utkala was the ancient name of Odisha, what was also known as Orissa during the days of British colonialism in India. Devoted to Shakti, Maa Biraja/Viraja or Girija is addressed in Aadya Strotra as the Hindu goddess who devotees pray to in the powerful Utkala Kingdom.

Nomenclature/Etymology of Maa Biraja Temple Jajpur

Maa Biraja devi is also known as Viraja devi and Girija devi. Maa Biraja Temple of Jajpur is also known as Birija Kshetra or Birajā Kṣetra. This holy region is also called as Baitarini Ksetra. In Odia language, it is written as ବିରଜା ମନ୍ଦିର. It is also called as Odhyana peetham.

As per the ancient Tantra literature of India, the Oddiyana Peetha is situated in east part of India in close proximity with the Vaitarani River. Did you know that an Oddiyana is a traditional ornament which women wear around their navel in Odisha?

Soul Window Facts

As per a local legend, this region is also called as ‘Gadakhestra’, because the gada (mace) of the most physically strong of all the Pandava brothers Bhima was lying in this holy place.

Where is Maa Biraja Temple located?

Maa Biraja Temple is located in the Jajpur district of Odisha. Situated near Bhubaneshwar, the capital of Indian state Odisha, Maa Biraja Temple of Jajpur is a must-visit place. This temple is located near the banks of Vaitarini River.

Area of Maa Biraja Temple Jajpur

Maa Biraja Temple Jajpur amazed me with its wide expanse and huge campus. Various big and small Hindu temples devoted to Devi, Shiv Bhagwan and other deities from the Hindu pantheon dotted the temple premises. Much like other temples of Odisha, Maa Biraja Templeis also spread across a large area.

Who built Biraja Temple at Jajpur?

Who built Maa Biraja Devi Temple? Maa Biraja Devi Mandir was constructed under the reign of Jajati Keshari, who was a ruler from the Kesari dynasty. Jajpur was known as Jajati Nagar in those days. He had built the temple during the Kalinga days in 13^th century C.E. As I strolled around the temple, I noticed the statues of two lions over elephant. It represented the greatness and power of the Keshari dynasty (lion) over Gajapati Dynasty (elephant).

When was Maa Biraja Temple constructed?

What is the history of Biraja Temple? The present structure around the campus of Maa Biraja Devi Temple of Jajpur was constructed in the 13^th century C.E.

I observed that the present temple structures were all painted in white. Some carvings also looked modern and lacked the finesse of the stonework seen in medieval Hindu architecture. On close observation, I realised that perhaps they painted the original stone structure.  I noticed some vestiges of the original unpainted temple structures.

Architecture of Maa Biraja Temple

What is the architecture of Biraja Temple? Maa Biraja Temple is constructed in typical Odia temple architecture style. Built in Nagara architectural style, this grand temple is one of the best places to visit in Jajpur. I saw clear difference between Nagara and Dravidian architectural styles in the temple complex of Pattadakal in the South Indian state of Karnataka on an earlier trip.

Legend of Maa Biraja Temple Jajpur

As per the Brahmanda Purana, once Brahma Bhagwan, the creator of the Universe performed a yagya or yajna (great sacrifice) on the banks of the Baitrani River. As a result, Maa Parvati manifested herself from the Garhapatya fire. She requested Brahma Bhagwan to name her as Biraja. Brahma ji offered prayers to Parvati Maa and requested her to continue to stay at the Kshetra as the divine consort of Siva. Parvati Maa agreed to stay and further created 9 Durgas, 64 Yoginis, 8 Chandikas and asked them to stay in the Kshetra forever.

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Places to see in Maa Biraja Temple Complex

Honestly, I had not even heard of Maa Biraja Devi Temple or even Jajpur till I ended up visiting this place. Jajpur is clearly off the touristy trail. I was surprised to see that there is so much to see and do in and around the huge campus of this ancient temple.

Garbhagriha of Maa Biraja Temple

Garbhagriha or the sanctum sanctorum of Maa Biraja Mandir was full of devotees when I visited. When devotees walk from the main entrance, Nabhi Gaya falls first, followed by Garbhagriha of Maa Biraja Temple. The garbhagriha is the top place to visit in the Biraja Devi Temple complex of Jajpur. Apart from the idol of deity, I also noticed the walls and pillars which had beautiful carvings on them. The local pujaris offered prasad to the devotees as they made a beeline to pay their respects to Maa Biraja Devi.

Koti Linga: A room full of Shivalinga

It is said that there are as many as 1 crore Shivalingams across the Jajpur district of Odisha. Koti Linga was the first shrine on my left as I entered the Biraja Devi Temple complex from the small main door. The Sanskrit word Koti means 1 crore or 10 million. I spent most of my time in this pious room. There were two such rooms here. Where there is Shiv Bhagwan, there is Nandi bull too. It was the same case in this temple as well.

I paused to notice that many of the Shivalingas here were Sahastralingas which means that several miniature lingas were carved around one single big linga. Devotees could perform a parikrama or circumambulation around the small pathways around the rows of Shivalinga. I took great care not to touch the linga accidentally with my feet as I performed the parikrama and chanted Om Namah Shivay and Har Har Mahadev. Milk and fresh flowers were offered to the sacred lingas. While some lingas were small, some were big. While most Shivalingas didn’t have a hooded Naga or the serpent deity, some did.

Nabhi Gaya

Nabhi Gaya is the most unusual place to visit in Biraja Devi Temple Jajpur. Nabhi means navel in English. As per another Hindu scriptures, the Tantra Chudamani, the navel of Maa Sati’s navel landed on the very same spot of Utkala Kingdom where the Devi temple exists today. Not many people know that even Adi Shankara has mentioned the Goddess as Maa Girija in his work Ashtadasha Shakti Peetha Stuti.

There is a very interesting story associated with this temple. As per a legend, when Bhagwan Vishnu had killed the demon Gayasura by doing a yagya or yajna on his heart, his feet lied in Pada Gaya (Pithapuram in Andhra Pradesh), head at Siro Gaya (Gaya) and the navel, right here in Nabhi Gaya (Oddhyana peetha).

Devotees can still visit the exact same spot here which is in a well located just before the garbhagriha where Maa Biraja is worshipped. Devotees visit these holy sites in order to performing shradha karmas.

Seeing me wide eyed at an unusual and huge structure in one of the temples, the local priest told me in his broken Hindi, “While Sira Gaya is located in Bihar, Pitapuram has the Pada Gaya, the Nabhi Gaya is located in Jajpur in the form of a well.” I now realised the reason behind so much crowd here. Having said that, it was moderately crowded during our visit. This is why we had a good darshan here during our visit.

“There is a tunnel under this structure.” The priest told me! I looked at the unique structure again in bewilderment. Not many people are aware of the steps that lead to an underground chamber which houses a Shivalinga. It is located in the same shrine which is home to the nabhi structure. It is said that this chamber is connected with the Ganga River which is also the holiest rivers of Hindus.

Devotees and the local priests called as pandas in Odisha offer flowers and other sacred pooja samagri here once they finish rituals performed for their ancestors. This is where Hindus come to pray for the departed souls of their families. It is known as pind daan. Gaya is a more popular place to perform pind daan. However, not everyone has the time or money to visit Gaya. So, such devotees perform pind daan at Maa Biraja Mandir. This is why Nabhi Gaya is one of the best places to visit in Maa Biraja Temple Complex.

Bagalamukhi Temple

After paying my respects at the main temple of Biraja Devi, I visited other temples around the main temple. While walking, I stumbled upon the temple devoted to Maa Bagalamukhi. This temple is located towards the back of the main shrine.  Bagalamukhi Temple is one of the lesser-known temples here.

Perform Rituals at Maa Biraja Mandir

Devotees visit this ancient temple from near and far to offer their hair to Maa Biraja Devi. This entire holy region is also known for Shraddha karmas.

I noticed several rituals and ceremonies taking place around the Nabhi Gaya. People from all corners of Odisha and elsewhere in India visit Maa Biraja Temple to perform Hindu rituals such as Pitru Pooja, Tarpan, Pinda Daan, Tithi etc.

The Holy Tree

As soon as I entered Maa Biraja Temple Complex, I was welcomed by a huge tree, much of which was claimed by red chunaris tied by the devotees. As is common with other Hindu temples which I have visited, pilgrims come in large number here to tie the red chunaris to this huge tree hoping for the fulfilment of their wishes. While I didn’t tie any chunari, I rested here for a while and made interesting and colourful videos later.  

Holi Mandap or Dola Mandap

Holi Mandap or Dola Mandap is located right next to the sacred tree. It is s small platform where they told me that Devi comes here to play the Hindu festival of colours known as Holi. Holi Mandap is not to be missed!

Baba Vaidyanath Mandir

On the opposite side of the tree is another temple dedicated to Baba Vaidyanath.  Right in the middle of the temple complex is the main Biraja Devi Temple. However before entering the temple, we came across Nabhi Gaya.

Sweta Varaha Temple

Sweta Varaha Temple is devoted to the Varaha avatar of Vishnu Bhagwan. Do not forget to pay a visit to Sweta Varaha Temple which is located very close to Maa Biraja Devi Temple Complex.

Brahma Kund

I was travelling with a large group. After I returned from offering my prayers at Maa Biraja Mandir, I sat in the bus when someone called my name and asked me to come down to see a stepwell. I had no idea that it existed. Located a mere 2 minutes of walk away from Maa Biraja Devi Mandir, this hidden gem is a must-see place in Jajpur. I enjoy going off the beaten track, therefore, I prefer spending quality time at such offbeat places.

Hidden next to the pious Biraja Devi Temple Complex, Brahma Kund is top place top see in Jajpur. As per the Hindu beliefs, this was the exact spot where Hindu deity Brahma ji performed yagya or yajna (sacrificial oblation) and the Devi manifested herself. This is the reason why this temple tank is considered sacred even today. Needless to say, what was once surrounded by a dense forest Champak Van has been replaced by a concrete jungle. This unexplored water tank is cocooned away from the crowds.

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I also noticed several sculptures of deities from the Hindu pantheon at the entrance and the boundary walls of this pristine sarovar or kund (pond). I am sure that originally the kund was decorated with several more carvings. Sadly, much has been lost to time. I walked around imagining how the Brahma Kund must have looked originally when I noticed few more ancient sculptures plastered within the modern walls.

Despite being in the middle of a bustling town, I found Brahma Kund to be very peaceful and silent. Surrounded by tall palm trees, their reflections in the pond added to the beauty of this revered water tank. We stayed for some time at Brahma Kund, also known as Naabhi Kund, before moving to next major attraction of Jajpur town.

Soul Window Observations!

But before I left, I noticed some old houses built in the traditional architectural style. Juxtaposed next to the modern concrete buildings, it spoke volumes of the aesthetics strictly followed in the architectural designs of homes just a few decades ago. Unlike the homogenised and visually bland homes of today!

Jagannath temple complex

Jagannath temple complex is located at the other side of the bank of the famous Vaitarini River.

Siddheshwar temple

Did you know that Siddheshwar temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples devoted to Shiva Bhagwan in the Jajpur district of Odisha?

Top things to do in Maa Biraja Temple

What is there to do in Maa Biraja Devi Temple? There are many unusual things to do in Maa Biraja Temple. Some of the best things to do with family and kids here are:

• Pray
• Meditate
• Have darshan
• Take a free walking tour
• Do rituals like Pind Daan, Tithi
• Appreciate the architecture of the temple

Excursions from Maa Biraja Temple

Some of the best places which you can visit from Maa Biraja Temple are:

• Cuttack
• Koraput
• Baripada
• Sambalpur
• Chandipur
• Mangaljodi
• Chilika Lake
• Raghurajpur
• Bhubaneshwar
• Konark Temple
• Gopalpur Beach
• Khandagiri Caves
• Simlipal National Park
• Udaigiri Buddhist Site
• Lalitgiri Buddhist Site
• Ratnagiri Buddhist Site
• Shri Jagannath Puri Mandir

Festival of Maa Biraja Temple

The Brahmin priests or pujaris of Jajpur worship Devi Maa every day in accordance with Tantra and Agama traditions such as Mahishasuramardini. Several festivals take place at the temple complex throughout the year. Apart from the major festivals, some of the other festivals which are celebrated in Maa Biraja Temple are Shravana, Nakshatra, Navanna, Prathamastami, Raja Parva and Pana Sankranti. Let me talk about the main festivals of Maa Biraja Mandir now in the below section:

• Chariot festival or Rath yatra of Maa and Navratra are the biggest festivals celebrated in the temple complex here. The Ratha Yatra here is called as Simhadhwaja and its flag bears a lion.
• Navratri is celebrated in Maa Biraja Devi Mandir as Aparajita Puja.  Thousands of pilgrims gather at the temple premises for several days and celebrate the festival with much fanfare.
• Sharadiya Durga Puja, which commences on the night of Krishna Paksha Ashtami is the main ritual observed at Maa Biraja Devi Mandir. It continues from before Mahalaya till Ashwin Shukla Paksha Navami. The pooja which is called as Shodasha Dinatatmika Pooja, lasts for as many as 16 days. It is a long festival.
• As an animal lover, I am pleased to see that animal sacrifice has been banned from most places in India but it still continues in some places in India and neighbouring country Nepal where I have visited several times. Bali Daanam is the annual animal sacrifice ceremony which takes place during the lunar transition from Shukla Ashtami to Shukla Navami.

Vegan and Vegetarian Food in Maa Biraja Temple

There are not many cafes and restaurants outside the temple complex. However, you can grab some small eats from the shops outside. I love the temple food of Odisha. I sampled amazing temple food in Shri Jagannath Puri Temple, Anant Vasudeva Temple of Bhubaneshwar and even at a local function at the Pattachitra crafts village Raghurajpur. Do not miss reading my viral blog on Mahaprasad of Puri.

They clearly have the best Odia Thali in Jajpur. Most of their dishes were vegetarian and vegan by default. They also have a superstore, just in case you want to buy something! Address: NH-16, Near Toll Plaza, Panikoili, Odisha 755043.

I had another enjoyable Odia meals at Nirvana Hotel and Banquets. It is a unit of Dharmasala Bhawan). Address: Neulpur, Chandikhol, Odisha 754024

I had a memorable meal at Odianee Restaurant and Supermarket. This ‘eat all you can’ thali was one of the best Odia meals and deserts such as the Maharashtrian modak like pitha. I have had! Do visit Odianee Restaurant and Supermarket for that authentic Odia flavours. This restaurant is located right on the highway.

Frequently asked question

Is it safe to visit Maa Biraja Temple

Yes, it is absolutely safe to visit Maa Biraja Devi Mandir. It is a very busy and friendly place. You will not get into any trouble here but just in case you do, a help is just a call away. People of Jajpur and Odisha in general are very friendly, helpful and mild mannered.

Souvenirs Shopping Guide to Maa Biraja Temple

There are several shops outside Maa Biraja Devi Temple from where you can buy pooja samagri, flowers, incense sticks and souvenirs.

What currency is used in Maa Biraja Temple

INR is used in case you want to make offering, donations or buy pooja samagri at Maa Biraja Temple. This is why you must carry cash in INR.

ATM in Maa Biraja Temple

There are many ATMs in and around the Jajpur district and Maa Biraja Mandir. ATM of State Bank of India or S.B.I. can be used to withdraw some cash. Not all places in Jajpur as well as the temple accept digital payment, so it makes sense to carry some cash. The devotees will need a lot of loose change and cash if they wish to make offerings and perform rituals in the temple precincts. You can also visit some of the few nationalized banks of Jajpur.

Photography Tips for Maa Biraja Temple

The golden hour, i.e. sunrise and sunset is the best time to capture the images of temples of Maa Biraja Devi Temple in all its architectural glory!

Hire local tourist guide in Maa Biraja Temple

I explored the temple complex with a local guide and that made a difference to my experience!

Languages spoken in Maa Biraja Temple

Odia and Hindi are spoken and understood by everyone in and around Maa Biraja Temple Complex and Jajpur in Odisha. English is also understood by some people, especially those with jobs in the tourism sector of Odisha.

Toilet facility in Maa Biraja Temple

I didn’t see any public toilet nearby but you can ask around!

Entry fee for Maa Biraja Temple

No Hindu temples have an entrance fee. Maa Biraja Temple is free to visit. I had a free walking tour in and around the temple complex.

How To Book a trip to Maa Biraja Temple

You can either independently make a trip to Maa Biraja Temple or book with a tour agency.

Backpacking Budget Travel Tips for Maa Biraja Temple

Since visiting Maa Biraja Temple is a free thing to do in Jajpur, you do not need to worry about the entry fee costs. It is possible to visit the temples here under a small budget. If you reach here by bus and other modes of public transport, then you can further cut down the cost.

Solo Trip Tips for Maa Biraja Temple

Maa Biraja Temple is apt for solo travellers like me. There is so much to see and observe here which is best experienced when traveling solo. With less distractions, you absorb more. Budget friendliness of Jajpur also makes things easy for solo travellers.

Luxury travel Tips for Maa Biraja Temple

Mine was a luxury trip to Maa Biraja Temple. I was escorted to Jajpur from Bhubaneshwar in an air-conditioned car. Once in Jajpur, I stayed in the luxury hotel Jajati Courtyard. From hotel, I visited the temple in an air-conditioned tourist bus since we travelled in a group.

Where to stay Maa Biraja Temple

There are several accommodation options in Jajpur town near the temple complex. In fact, a few lodges are situated right next to the temple.

During my 3-4 days trip to Jajpur, I had stayed in the luxurious Jajati Courtyard. I had come to Jajpur to attend the Jajpur Mahotsav and was delighted to see Hindi film actress Neha Dhupia staying in the same hotel. Neha was the official host for the stage performances of others from Hindi film industry such as Sona Mohapatra, Shreya Ghoshal, Amit Trivedi etc. It is a luxurious property with modern amenities and cozy rooms. Food is also great here though I wish they had Odia food in buffet as well.

What to wear in Maa Biraja Temple

Since Maa Biraja Temple is a highly respected Shaktipeeth, it is needless to say that you must dress appropriately. While women must avoid wearing revealing outfits, hot pants and short skirts, men must avoid short pants etc. We must respect the local sentiments and dress accordingly. Odisha can get very hot and humid in day even in winters, so carry light cotton clothes.

Timings of Maa Biraja Temple

Maa Biraja Temple is open from sun rise to sunset and even beyond that.

Best Time to visit Maa Biraja Temple

I visited Maa Biraja Temple in the second week of February. The weather was pleasant but can get hot and humid on some days of February as well. The best months to visit Biraja Devi Temple in Jajpur are December and January. This is when the temperature is the best. It can get very hot and humid in March, April, May and June in Jajpur.

Duration of Visit in Maa Biraja Temple

How many days to spend in Maa Biraja Temple? What can I do in 1 day in Maa Biraja Temple? What can I do in 2 days in Maa Biraja Temple? These are some frequently asked questions. Well, I took around 1.5 hours to visit all the shrines of this ancient temple complex. I spent most of the time, observing little details, having darshan and photographing!

You may need to spend a full day or at least half a day, in case you want to perform certain pooja, rituals and ceremonies! If a darshan and temple complex tour is all that you want to do, it will take anything between 30 minutes to one hour, depending on the crowd during your visit.

Local Transport for sightseeing Maa Biraja Temple

Since Maa Biraja Temple is centrally located, it is easy to find auto rickshaws and other low-cost modes of local public transport right outside the temple complex.

How to reach Biraja Devi temple?

Biraja Devi Temple is a major sightseeing attraction in Jajpur. This is why it is convenient to reach here. It makes for a great weekend getaway from nearby places of interest such as Puri, Bhubaneshwar, Konark Temple and Cuttack. So, how to reach Maa Biraja Temple? It is fairly easy to visit Maa Biraja Temple. Here is how!

Road Trip

I made a 2-hour long road trip from Bhubaneshwar to Maa Biraja Temple on baby bottom smooth roads. While the route is not visually picturesque, I did pass through some interesting villages, towns and dhabas. I was even surprised to see some cool and trendy cafes catering to young people.

Bus

Jajpur Bus stand is located only 2 kilometres away from Maa Biraja Temple. You can reach here via buses from nearby tourist attractions of Odisha such as Shri Jagannath Puri, Bhubaneshwar, Gopalpur, Cuttack etc.

Several Government run and private buses ply regularly between many cities in Odisha. The bus journey from Cuttack Railway Junction to Jajapur main town can take you anything between 2 to 2.5 hours. It may take up to an hour to travel from Jajpur Road to Jajpur town by road. You can also hop on a bus to Jajpur town from the capital of Orissa, Bhubaneswar. Here is a travel tip! The local buses run a bit slow as compared to the buses which have ‘Express’ mentioned on them.

Autorickshaw

You can also hire a private autorickshaw from the busy Cuttack railway junction to Barabati bus stand, which is located only 3 kilometres away from the Biraja Temple.

Railway

Which station is near to Biraja Temple? Nearest big railway station from Maa Biraja Mandir is located at Keonjhar Road Railway station and Cuttack. Buses to the bus stand near the temple and Jajpur Town in general from these railway junctions are available all day at good frequency.

Airport

To reach Maa Biraja Devi Temple, I got down at the impressive Bhubaneshwar airport known as Biju Patnaik Airport. Shri Biju Patnaik, who was also an aviator was also the former Chief Minister of Odisha which was then known as Orissa.

Distances from Maa Biraja Temple

Distance from Cuttack to Maa Biraja Temple in Jajpur is 77 kilometers and it takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes via NH16.

Distance from Bhubaneshwar to Maa Biraja Devi Temple of Jajpur is 99 kilometers and it takes around 2 hours via NH16.

Distance from Konark Temple to Maa Biraja Mandir Shaktipeeth of Jajpur is 153 kilometers and it takes around 3 hours and 40 minutes via NH16 and SH60.

Distance from Shri Puri Jagannath Temple to Maa Biraja Temple Shakti Peeth of Jajpur is 154 kilometers and it takes around 3 hours and 15 minutes via NH16 and NH316.

Distance from Mangaljodi to Maa Biraja Devi Mandir Shaktipeeth of Jajpur is 166 kilometers and it takes around 3 hours and 40 minutes via NH16.

Distance from Gopalpur Beach to Maa Biraja Temple Shaktipeeth of Jajpur is 269 kilometers and it takes around 5 hours and 40 minutes via NH16.

Distance from Koraput to Maa Biraja Devi Shaktipeeth of Jajpur is 601 kilometers and it takes around 12 hours and 30 minutes via NH16.

Conclusion: Is Maa Biraja Temple worth visiting

Why visit Maa Biraja Temple? Here are my final thoughts! This important Maha Shakthi Peetha of Odisha is the main attraction of Jajpur city. Located near the Bhubaneshwar city, it is easy to visit this temple. In a nutshell, Maa Biraja Temple is a centre of faith which attracts devout Hindus from all corners of Odisha. It is a great weekend break from other nearby tourist places of Odisha such as Cuttack, Puri, Bhubaneshwar, Konark Sun Temple, Koraput and Raghurajpur.

To summarize, not only can you have a divine darshan of Maa Biraja here but you can also perform Hindu rituals such as pind daan and tithi. Even if you are not ritualistic, Maa Biraja Temple is a great place to soak in the atmosphere.

You can do people watching, immerse in the rich culture and heritage of Jajpur and admire the grand architectural marvels across the temple premises. Jajpur is still not as famous as Bhubaneshwar or Puri. But that doesn’t make it any less significant. Do share this blog with your friends and family so that more and more people are aware of this spiritual center.

The view from my Soul Window is ancient!

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