Biraja Temple (Shakti Peeth)

Dedicated to Goddess Shakti (Amman), this temple is a significant destination for devotees seeking darshan and spiritual solace. The temple also houses various forms of Lord Shiva, Ganesha depicted on the crown, and the sacred Nabhi Gaya well, making it a unique confluence of divinity.

The Biraja Temple stands as a fine example of Kalinga architecture and boasts a rich history dating back to the Chola period. Originally built by the Somavamsi dynasty between the 11th and 13th centuries and later restored by Tryamvaka Agnihotri, it holds the status of a state heritage monument.

The temple’s central location in Jajpur town makes it easily accessible for pilgrims and tourists alike. Darshan at the Biraja Temple is available free of charge, with temple timings from 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

The best times to visit are early mornings (5–8 AM), during the winter months from November to February, and throughout the vibrant festival season, especially during the annual brahmotsavam.

Poojas are conducted in Sanskrit and Odia, including the General Darshan, Panchopachara Puja & Bhoga in the early morning and evening, and Special Archana or Sankalpa during temple hours.

The temple observes several major festivals, such as Shodasha Dinatatmika Puja & Sharadiya Durga Puja (September–October), Triveni Amavasya or Brahmostava (January–February), Varuni Festival (March–April), Dola Purnima (February–March), and Savitri Amavasya (May–June), drawing large gatherings of devotees.

Visitors are required to adhere to a traditional dress code: men must wear modest attire, removing shirts or upper garments in the inner sanctum, with dhotis or full-length trousers; women should wear sarees or salwar kameez covering shoulders and legs.

Photography and mobile phones are strictly prohibited inside the inner sanctum, though casual photography of the outer domes and courtyards is generally tolerated.

Reaching Biraja Temple is convenient: fly into Biju Patnaik International Airport (Bhubaneswar, 99 km away) or take a train to Jajpur Keonjhar Road (JJKR, 30 km away). From there, taxis, buses, and local auto-rickshaws provide easy access to the temple.

Ample parking and wheelchair accessibility are available near the premises. For accommodation, Jajpur town offers hotels, guest houses, and state-run Panthaniwas, including Royal Odisha Hotel, Taj Guest House, and OTDC Panthaniwas.

Nearby attractions include Nabhigaya Tirth, Dasashwamedha Ghat, Trilochaneswar Temple, Chandikhole, and the Buddhist Circuit (Lalitgiri, Langudi, Ratnagiri). Devotees can partake in free kumkum prasadam, traditional Odia meal prasad for a fee, and large-scale free Annadanam during major festivals. For more information, visit the official website at https://maabiraja.com or contact 06728-223900.