In the city of Jajpur, Odisha, beside the river Vaitaraṇi,
stands an ancient temple dedicated to the power of Goddess Shakti. Here, in the
Baraja temple, the Devi is depicted as Mahishasuramardhini, the destroyer of
the demon Mahisha. No historical data is available regarding the exact origin
or age of the temple. The temple is described in the Vanaparva of Mahabharatha.
She was initially worshipped as an altar, later as a pillar, and it was in
Gupta period in the 4th century that her idol was created. The original temple
is believed to have been destroyed and later renovated during the rule of
various dynasties. There are many inscriptions in the temple from 4th to 15th
centuries, many of them significant of the Bhaumkara period.
Location Odisha, Jajpur, Bhubaneswar
Legend
The legend of the Shakthipeethas is associated with the
immolation of Sati devi. When her father Daksha insulted her husband Shiva,
Sati jumped into the yagna fire and immolated herself. Shiva, his wrath
manifesting as Veerabadhara killed Daksha. The Lord's ire then translated into
the celestial dance, the Tandava, and the universe trembled under his feet.
Lord Vishnu, with his Sudarshana Chakra cut the corpse of Sati into various
bits, to calm the Lord down. The body parts fell at various parts of the sub
continent where rose temples dedicated to her divinity. In Jajpur, where the
Devi's navel, stands the Biraja temple.The temple is also regarded as the
places where the navel of Gayasura fell and thus considered Navigaya.
This temple is part of famous Shaktipeethas.
Architecture
The Durga idol in the Biraja temple, has two hands
(dwibhuja), one hand pushing the spear into the chest of Mahishasura and the
other pulling his tail. She is on a lion with one of her feet on the chest of
the buffalo demon. The temple covers a large area, and has numerous shrines for
Shiva and other deities.There are 108 Shivlingams in the temple. The
Nabhigaya/Navigaya is the place where rituals to the ancestors are offered and
is inside the temple complex. There are various inscriptions in the temple
through various eras.The walls of the temple are adorned with beautiful
sculptures.
Culture
Jaipur was once the capital of Kalinga Kingdom. It is today,
an archeologically as well as religiously prominent site.
Darsan Info
Biraja temple timings : 5.30 AM to 9.30 PM. Since the temple
is regarded as Navigaya, 'pind dhan' or rituals to the departed are performed
here.
Darsan Dresscode
Devotees are advised to wear clean and conservative attire
Famous Festival
March - Dola Purnima
April - MahaVishuva Sankranti, Akshaya Trithia
September -Pitripaksha (Sept/Oct)
October - Navarathri
November - Diwali
December - Vakula Amavasya
Temple Rituals
The priests perform regular pujas and rituals to the
deities.
Special Rituals
Devotees bind colourful threads in the sacred tree to fulfil
their wishes
Additional Info
Ananta Vilasha
Green Chilli
Supermarket : Available
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