Places to Visit in Jajpur: Jajpur, a quaint town in Odisha, is rich with historical and cultural heritage. While cities like Kashi, Ayodhya, and Haridwar are prominent pilgrimage sites, many lesser-known towns also hold significant historical value. Jajpur is one such town, renowned for the Biraja Devi Temple, a revered Shaktipeeth, along with other ancient temples and archaeological sites.
Biraja Devi Temple in Jajpur, Odisha
Between the 8th and mid-10th centuries CE, Jajpur served as the capital of the Odisha region before the capital was relocated to Bhubaneswar and other areas.
Initially, we were unaware of Jajpur’s historical importance, seeing it merely as a stopover en route to Bhubaneswar and Puri. Our understanding deepened during our visit to the Diamond Triangle in Odisha. Attending the Jajpur Mahotsav 2023 provided us with the perfect opportunity to explore Jajpur’s rich history and its notable sites. This blog aims to share insights into Jajpur’s historical and cultural significance, as well as its fascinating attractions.
Ancient History of Jajpur
Though Jajpur is known today for its mineral resources and nearby steel industries, its historical roots extend back to prehistoric times. The town is mentioned in the Mahabharata and various Puranas, and it bears different names, reflecting its historical significance. At times referred to as Biraja Khestra or Baitarini Ksetra, these names highlight the town’s esteemed status.
Jajpur in Puranic Times
The name Jajpur is derived from the Sanskrit term “Yajpur” or Yagnapur. The Brahmapurana recounts that Lord Brahma conducted a Yagna at Brahma Kund, from which Devi Biraja emerged. Lord Brahma is said to have installed the idol of Goddess Biraja at Jajpur.
The Legend of Sati and Shakti Peethas
The tale of Sati and the Shakti Peethas is well-known. Following Goddess Sati’s demise, Lord Shiva’s profound sorrow led him to wander the universe with her body. To prevent the universe’s destruction, Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshana Chakra to dismember Sati’s body into 51 pieces, scattered across the Indian subcontinent. These sites, known as Shakti Peethas, are sacred to Hindus, with Jajpur hosting the navel part of Sati’s body. Here, Devi Biraja, or Biraja Mata, is worshipped with deep reverence.
Baitarani Tirtha
Jajpur is situated along the Baitarani River, one of the oldest and most sacred rivers in Hinduism. Mythology suggests crossing the Vaitarani River to reach higher spiritual realms. Whether the Baitarani River is identical to the mythical Vaitarani remains unclear, but it is considered sacred locally, with several temples and fairs held along its banks. The river plays a significant role in Tarpan rituals, earning Jajpur the name Baitarini Tirtha.
Jajpur in the Mahabharata
Jajpur is also mentioned in the Mahabharata. The Vana Parva details the Pandavas’ visit to the region during their exile. Additionally, Duryodhana’s wife Bhanumati, a Kalinga princess, is believed to have been from Jajpur.
Odisha is divided into four sacred regions named after Lord Vishnu’s weapons: Puri (Sankha Kshetra), Konark (Padma Kshetra), Bhubaneswar (Chakra Kshetra), and Jajpur (Gada Kshetra).
Jajpur in Prehistoric Times
Jajpur and its surroundings are home to various archaeological sites from prehistoric times. Open-air paleolithic sites in the vicinity bear witness to ancient human activity, with numerous artifacts uncovered.
Jajpur in Medieval History
Throughout history, Odisha has been known by various names, including Kalinga, Utkala, Odra, Toshali, and Odisha. Jajpur remained the capital city through various dynasties. During the 4th century CE, Kalinga came under the Nanda dynasty of Magadh, later becoming independent before the Mauryan Empire’s rise.
King Ashoka of the Mauryan Empire, known for spreading Buddhism, ruled Kalinga. After the Mauryas, the Chedi Kings succeeded, shifting the capital to Sisupalgarh. In the mid-8th century CE, the Bhaumakar dynasty emerged, with Jajpur as their center. The Bhaumakars, including several powerful female rulers, fostered cultural growth during their reign.
Jajati Keshari and Jajpur
In the mid-10th century CE, Jajati I of South Kosala defeated the Bhaumakars, leading to a period of political upheaval. Chandihara of the Somvanshi dynasty, later known as Jajati Keshari, assumed power, rebuilding Jajpur and renaming it Abhinava Jajatinagara. Jajati Keshari commissioned several temples, including the Viraja Mata temple. His son later constructed the Lingaraja Temple in Bhubaneswar.
Despite the subsequent decline under Kalapahad, who devastated the region in the 16th century, Jajpur remained a focal point for over a century before moving to Cuttack.
Modern Jajpur
Jajpur became an independent district in 1993, now recognized for its mineral reserves and steel factories. The town blends modern industry with traditional cottage crafts and is renowned for its handicrafts, including Tussar silk and golden grass crafts. It also preserves dying arts such as Kendara Gita.
Having explored Jajpur’s rich history and present-day charm, let’s delve into the notable places to visit in the town.
Places to Visit in Jajpur
Situated on the banks of the Baitarani River, Jajpur is dotted with temples. The Biraja Devi Temple, a prominent Shakti Peeth, is central to the town’s attractions. Here are some key places to explore in Jajpur:
- Biraja Devi Temple Complex
The Biraja Devi Temple is Jajpur’s most significant worship site, drawing large crowds. The temple complex features a boundary wall, and the temple itself is renowned for its grandeur.
Inside the complex, visitors can see the Koti Linga, a room filled with numerous Shivalingas. Jajpur is said to be home to a vast number of Shivalingas, including Sahastralingas with miniature carvings.
A prominent feature is a large tree where devotees tie red Chunris, hoping for their wishes to be granted. The Dola Mandap, or Holi Mandap, is a platform where the Devi is celebrated during Holi. Another temple within the complex is dedicated to Baba Vaidyanath.
Nabhi Gaya
Nabhi Gaya is an important feature of the Biraja Devi Temple, used for performing rituals for deceased ancestors. It includes a structure where flowers are offered in reverence. A small opening within this structure leads to a Shivalinga, believed to be linked to the Ganga River.
Brahma Kund
Located a short distance from the Biraja Devi Temple, Brahma Kund is the site of Lord Brahma’s Yagna and is surrounded by a bustling town today, unlike its former forested setting.
Varaha Temple
The Varahanatha Temple, or Varaha Temple, situated on the left bank of the Baitarani River, was built in the 15th to 16th century AD. The temple features a central Varaha shrine along with smaller shrines for various deities.
Jagannath Temple
Crossing the river, we visited the Jagannath Temple, renowned for its Odiya architecture and deities of Lord Jagannath, Balarama, and Subhadra. The original temple, built by Anangabhima Deva III, was later destroyed but rebuilt by Raghuji Bhonsle-I in the 18th century AD.
Saptamatrika Temple
The Saptamatrika Temple, located near the Dashashwamedh Ghat, is dedicated to seven mother goddesses who protect Jajpur. Though initially large, the temple suffered damage during invasions, and the idols were thrown into the river but later recovered and reinstalled.
Siddha Ganesh Temple
Adjacent to the Saptamatrika Temple, the Siddha Ganesh Temple houses a large image of Lord Ganesha along with depictions of Jain Tirthankara Shantinatha and other figures.
Dashashwamedh Ghat
The Dashashwamedh Ghat, on the Baitarani River’s banks, is a tranquil spot with several temples. It offers a serene environment ideal for early morning or evening visits.
Kusuma Lake
Kusuma Lake, a large, well-maintained lake in the town’s center, is surrounded by trees and provides a peaceful retreat with a walking path.
Exploring Jajpur took us half a day, followed by an enjoyable evening at the Jajpur Mahotsav, featuring local and Bollywood performances.
Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, and Lalitgiri – The Diamond Triangle of Odisha
If time permits, visit the Buddhist trail of Odisha, consisting of Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, and Lalitgiri. These sites underscore Odisha’s significance in Buddhism and are detailed in our blog.
Handicrafts of Jajpur
Jajpur is known for its Tussar silk and other traditional crafts. Weaving is a major craft, contributing significantly to local culture.
Conclusion
Jajpur, though lesser-known, offers a rich blend of history, culture, and spirituality. From ancient temples to serene lakes, the town provides a unique experience. We hope this guide helps you appreciate Jajpur’s treasures. If you have any questions or comments, please share them below.