Biraja Shaktipeeth, Jajpur, Odisha: History, Reason, Significance

September 18 2025, 7 min reading time

Biraja Shaktipeeth Temple in Jajpur, Odisha is the testament to the place where the Nabhi or naval of Goddess Sati's lifeless body fell thereby making sure that the worshippers are not devoid of blessings.

Biraja Shaktipeeth, Jajpur, Odisha: History, Reason, Significance

When we talk about the Shaktipeeths of India, we are not just referring to temples, but to living stories of faith that have been passed down for thousands of years.

Each Shaktipeeth carries with it a myth, a memory, and a deep spiritual pull that continues to draw devotees even today. Among these sacred sites, the Biraja Shaktipeeth in Jajpur, Odisha holds a special charm.

Unlike the more popular temples that are often crowded with tourists, Biraja stands quietly in its own grace, steeped in mythology and tradition. It is believed to be the very place where the navel of Goddess Sati fell, giving it the name Nabhi Gaya.

But beyond legends, this temple has been a center of ancestral rites, goddess worship, and cultural identity for centuries. To step into Biraja is to step into a space where history, devotion, and daily life are inseparably woven together.

What are the ancient myths related to Biraja Shaktipeeth?

One of the most well-known myths linked to Biraja Shaktipeeth comes from the story of Goddess Sati and Lord Shiva.

When Goddess Sati immolated herself at her father Daksha’s sacrificial ritual, Lord Shiva, devastated by grief, wandered across the universe carrying her lifeless body.

To restore cosmic balance, Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra to cut Goddess Sati’s body into pieces, which fell in different parts of the Indian subcontinent and became sacred Shaktipeeths.

At Jajpur, it is believed that the navel (nabhi) of Goddess Sati fell, giving the temple its unique identity as Nabhi Gaya.

Because of this, the site is not just a Shaktipeeth but also a place where devotees perform rituals for their ancestors, believing that the navel, being the source of life, carries deep symbolic importance in connecting souls across generations.

Another fascinating myth ties the temple to the legend of Gayasura, the demon blessed with extraordinary powers. According to folklore, Gayasura’s body was used as a sacrificial altar by the gods, with different parts of his body spread across India.

His navel, it is said, lies at Jajpur, further reinforcing the title Nabhi Gaya. This story beautifully overlaps with the Shaktipeeth narrative, blending two layers of mythology into one sacred site.

On one hand, it is the resting place of Goddess Sati’s divine energy, and on the other, it is the point where Gayasura’s navel rests, sanctifying the ground for rituals of liberation.

Together, these myths elevate Biraja Shaktipeeth beyond the idea of just another temple as it becomes a cosmic junction where the stories of gods, goddesses, and ancestral spirits converge.

What is the significance of the Biraja?

The significance of Biraja lies in the way she represents both power and compassion, making her more than just a deity to the people of Odisha.

Unlike the usual image of Goddess Durga with ten arms, Biraja is worshipped in a two-armed form, which itself holds a deep message as strength does not always come from grandeur but from focus and balance.

She is shown defeating Mahishasura by piercing him with a spear and holding his tail, symbolizing the ultimate triumph of good over evil.

For devotees, this form of the goddess becomes a guiding light, teaching that evil and negativity can be overcome not just with force, but also with determination, patience, and clarity.

This unique depiction makes Biraja Mata stand apart from other goddess temples and adds a spiritual depth that devotees can easily connect with in their personal lives.

Beyond her symbolic form, Biraja’s significance also stems from her role as the presiding deity of Nabhi Gaya Tirtha.

Jajpur is considered one of the three most important sacred spots for performing pinda daan (ancestral rites), the other two being in Bihar and Andhra Pradesh.

This gives the temple a rare dual importance as devotees not only come here to worship the goddess for blessings but also to offer peace to their ancestors.

This belief that Biraja Mata grants liberation to departed souls while also protecting her living children makes the shrine an all-encompassing spiritual destination.

For locals, she is the protective mother who watches over their lives and livelihoods, while for pilgrims, she becomes a bridge connecting them to both divinity and their ancestral roots.

How to visit Biraja Shaktipeeth?

Visiting the Biraja Shaktipeeth is quite convenient, as Jajpur is well-connected by road and rail with the major cities of Odisha. The nearest big city is Cuttack, about 80 kilometers away, and Bhubaneswar, the state capital, is around 100 kilometers from the temple.

Travelers can hire a cab or take buses that frequently run from both Cuttack and Bhubaneswar to Jajpur town. For those who prefer trains, the nearest railway station is Jajpur-Keonjhar Road (Jajpur Road), situated about 30 kilometers from the temple.

From there, one can find taxis, auto-rickshaws, or local buses heading towards the temple. If you’re flying in from another state, the closest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, which makes the journey smooth for pilgrims coming from far-off places.

The temple itself is located right in the heart of Jajpur town, so reaching it once you’re in the city isn’t a challenge at all.

Many visitors prefer to plan their trip around Navratri or Durga Puja, when the temple celebrates the grand sixteen-day-long festivities, though it’s also the busiest season.

If you want to avoid heavy crowds but still experience the temple’s serene atmosphere, visiting in the early mornings or during weekdays is a good idea.

Since Biraja Shaktipeeth is also a major site for performing pinda daan rituals, you’ll often find families accompanied by priests who help them with ceremonies.

It is advisable to check in advance with local priests or temple authorities if you’re planning to perform specific rituals, so that your visit is well-prepared and meaningful.

Above all, carrying a sense of devotion and respect is the best way to experience Biraja Mata’s shrine.

Therefore, visiting Biraja is not like visiting a museum. It is a vibrant, living testament to faith. The air resonates with the constant chants of priests, the ringing of bells, and the sincere prayers of thousands.

The temple complex, with its intricate carvings depicting scenes from epics, its ancient Kalpavata (wishing tree), and its massive compound wall, feels like a world unto itself.

For a layperson, the experience is overwhelming in the best way. You don’t need to know all the scriptures to feel the energy of the place.

It’s in the eyes of the devotee lost in prayer, in the ancient stones worn smooth by countless touches, and in the silent acknowledgment that you are standing at a spot chosen by the universe itself for its divine power.

Written by: Nikita, Article and Content Writer, Editor, Strategist at Rudraksha Hub

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