PLACES TO VISIT IN JAJPUR
Jajpur, the place of the ancient Biraja Temple, was originally known as Biraja. Other names of the town in the ancient texts include Viranja, Varanja-nagara, Varaha-tirtha. The Bhauma-Kara kings established their capital city of Guhadevapataka (or Guheshvarapataka), identified with modern Gohiratikar (or Gohiratikra) near Jajpur. The later Somavanshi kings moved their capital from Yayatinagara (modern Binka) to Guheshvarapataka, and renamed the town Abhinava-Yayatinagara (“the new city of Yayati”).
Come and explore some of the places to visit in Jajpur:
Biraja Temple: The Biraja Temple is a historic Hindu temple with Devi Durga being worshipped as the main deity here. The primary usual in the temple is Durga Puja that begins on the night of ‘Krishna Paksha Ashtami’, which falls before Mahalaya, and ends on Ashwin Shukla Paksha Navami. One can visit throughout the year to enjoy the 13th century temple.
Lalitgiri: It is among the well acknowledged places among Hindus and Buddhist people and is at an about 90 kms distance away from Bhubaneswar city and is located in Mahanga block of Cuttack district. Also known all around as Nalitgiri, the prime attraction here is the museum where people can see the bones of Gautam Buddha and many other archaeological findings.
Ratnagiri: Situated nearby the Birupa River in the Jajpur district, it is another famous Buddhist centre built by the Gupta King Narasimha Gupta Baladitya during first half of 6th century. There is a main stupa here, encircled by many smaller and medium sized stupas. All the stupas are distinct in the form of their material, structure and construction. There are 2 monasteries also present here.
Udayagiri: Situated in the Jajpur district, it is another famous Buddhist pilgrimage centre and is at an about 5 km distance away from Ratnagiri. There is a big convent here with so many Buddhist statues and stupas available. The other attractions of the place are Dhayani Buddha figurines and Bodhisattva figurines and Buddhist monuments.
Chandi Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Chandi, Chandi temple is situated in the Chandikhole town in Jajpur district in Odisha. The temple is named after the goddess as she was worshipped by the late monk Baba Bhairabananda Brahmachari who founded the deity here among dense forests and beautiful adjoining hills of Barunei back in 1932. The languages spoken by locals here are Odia, Hindi or English. Holding much religious significance, a large number of tourists come by to seek the blessings of the deity and have a good time ahead.
Mahavinayak Temple: This temple is counted among one of the prime pilgrimage centres in the Chandikhole town in Jajpur district in Odisha. Being known as one of the oldest Ganesha temples of the state, five deities including Shiva, Durga, Vishnu, Sun and Ganesha are worshipped as one deity in the sanctum sanctorum here. This is why, there is no pahada here and rice prasadam is been offered here. A place known for holding both mythological and historical status, the temple was constructed during 12th century by the kings of Keshari Dynasty. Festivals including Makar Sankranti, Shiva Ratri and Raja are celebrated with full zeal and fun here, attended by travellers in large numbers.
Chhatia Bata: Being well known as one of the prominent Hindu temples of the state Odisha, it is located at Chhatia in Jajpur district in Odisha. Dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra, the prime fascination of the temple is the old Banyan tree that is also mentioned to as Bata in Odia language. The restrictions of the temple are supposed to be very big and the height of the boundary wall is approximate 20 to 22 feet. A beautiful temple to must visit by, each year, thousands of tourists flock from every corner of the world to come here and get the blessings of the deities.
Dasaswamedh Ghat: Located on the banks of river Baitarani, the ghat is very holy spot that has built during Jajati Kesari. The water here is regarded as sacred and they say that taking a dip here during any auspicious date in the Hindu calender brings about a lot of positivity in life. Baruni Snana is an important festival of the ghat when Hindus from all over the country come here to take a bath in the holy water.
Jagannath Temple: This temple’s architectural style speaks about the era it might have been constructed in. This is one of the most famous temples of Jajpur. It is believed that the last Avatara of Vishnu would come to this temple, take the sword and destroy the evil in the society.
Gokarneswar Temple: This temple is located on the banks of Brahmani river. It has link with the great epic of Mahabharat. They believe that the famous five Pandav brothers had come to the banks to pay homage to their ancestor.
Location: Jajpur
Nearest Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport (150km)
Nearest Railway Station: Jajpur Railway Station
Nearest Bus Stand: OSRTC Bus Stand, Jajpur
