Biraja
बिराज मंदिर
“Sati's navel fell here, on the bank of the Vaitarani at Jajpur.”
Direct from the trust
official channels — live today
These links go directly to the temple trust’s own services. DharmSetu is not the provider. If a link looks wrong or outdated, please let us know.
Introduction
he Biraja Temple, or Birija Kshetra (Odia: ବିରଜା ମନ୍ଦିର, Birajā Kṣetra), is a historic Hindu temple located in Jajpur (about 125 kilometres (78 mi) north of Bhubaneswar), Odisha, India. The present temple was built during the 11th century. The principal idol is Devi Durga, who is worshipped as Viraja (Girija), and the temple gave Jajpur the nicknames "Viraja Kshetra" and "Biraja Peetha". The Durga idol has two hands (dwibhuja), spearing the chest of Mahishasura with one hand and pulling his tail with the other. One of her feet is on a lion, and the other is on Mahishasura's chest. Mahishasura is depicted as a water buffalo. The idol's crown features Ganesha, a crescent moon and a lingam. The temple covers a large area, and has several shrines to Shiva and other deities. According to the Skanda Purana it cleanses pilgrims, and it is called the Viraja or the Biraja kshetra. Jajpur is believed to have about one crore of Shiva lingams.
Festivals
The primary ritual in the temple is Sharadiya Durga Puja, which begins on the night of Krishna Paksha Ashtami. This falls before Mahalaya, and ends on Ashwin Shukla Paksha Navami. The puja, known as Shodasha Dinatatmika Puja, lasts for 16 days. The ratha (chariot festival) is known as Simhadhwaja, and its flag bears a lion. During the lunar transition from Shukla Ashtami to Shukla Navami an animal sacrifice, Bali Daanam, is performed. Navratri is celebrated as Aparajita Puja. Other festivals include Nakshatra, Shravana, Prathamastami, Pana Sankranti, Raja Parva and Navanna. Devi is worshipped daily in accordance with Tantra and Agama traditions as Mahishasuramardini by the Brahmins of Jajpur.
Services & Support · सेवा
Soon, you can do more than read about Biraja.
We’re building the infrastructure for verified pujas, transparent donations, and trust-rated local help around every shrine. Tell us where you want us first.
पूजा बुकिंग
Book a Puja
Connect with verified pujaris at Biraja. Choose a puja, a date, and the offering — we handle the rest. Each pujari is KYC-checked and rated by the temple committee.
दान
Donate
Support Biraja’s maintenance, annadana programs, and community work. Every paisa receipted, every disbursement public.
स्थानीय सेवा
Hire Local
Trust-verified local services around Biraja — pujaris, drivers, cooks, tutors, plumbers — recommended by the temple’s community.
