Biraja Temple

The Biraja Temple, which is located in the city of Bhubaneswar, is an ancient Hindu temple in Jajpur (about 130 km away from Bhubaneswar), Odisha, India. The current temple was constructed in the period of 13th century. The most important god that is worshipped is Devi Durga, who is revered as Viraja and the temple was the one to give Jajpur the names "Viraja Kshetra" and "Biraja Peetha". The Durga idol is adorned with 2 hands (dwibhuja) which are pierced into Mahishasura's chest Mahishasura by one hand, and pulling his tail with the second. Her feet are mounted on a lion and the other one is on Mahishasura's chest.The goddess's crown features Ganesha and a crescent moon, and alingam. The temple is spread across a huge space, and contains a number of shrines dedicated to Shiva and other gods. Based on the Skanda Purana it cleanses pilgrims and is also known as"the Viraja also known as Biraja Kshetra. Jajpur can be believed to contain approximately one crore Shiva Lingams.
A separate temple is available dedicated to Sree Bagalamukhi Devi, which is situated right on Maa Biraja. Pithapuram is home to Pithapuram is home to Pada Gaya, the Siro Gaya is located in Bihar The Nabhi Gaya is located there in the shape of an underground well. Pitru Pooja (Pinda Dhaan, Tharpanam, Thithi) are performed in this temple. The temple itself organizes the priests and objects of pooja.

The most important ritual at the temple's rituals is Sharadiya Durga Puja, which starts at the time of the Krishna Paksha Ashtami. It falls prior to Mahalaya and is concluded with Ashwin Shukla Paksha Navami.Navratri is celebrated as Aparajita Puja.Other celebrations include Nakshatra, Shravana, Prathamastami, Pana Sankranti, Raja Parva and Navanna. Devi is worshipped every day in line with Tantra and Agama customs such as Mahishasuramardini in Jajpur's Brahmins from Jajpur.
The closest train station to Jajpur is Cuttack along with Jajpur Keonjhar Road. From there, regular buses can be accessed from Cuttack to Jajpur town. Most private buses operate regularly throughout Orissa. The autos run from Cuttack railway station with Barabati bus station that is just 3km away. The bus ride from Cuttack towards Jajpur town can take 2 to 2 and 1/2 hours. Then, from Jajpur Road to Jajpur town, the travel time via road is more than an hour. There are buses that can be accessed from Bhubaneswar.