Biraja Temple

                     Biraja Temple 

                The Biraja Temple or Viraja Kshetra, (Devnagari Oddyana Peetha, (Devnagari, Oriya:,(Oriya) is one of the ancient Hindu temples located in the Jajpur district of Odisha, India. This present temple was built in 13th century. It is situated in the Jajpur township which is nearly 125 KM north from Bhubaneswar. The main idol is Devi Durga who is worshiped by the name Viraja.The idol is having two hands(dwibhuja),in one hand she pierces the chest ofMahishasura with a spear and in other hand she pulls the tail of the Mahishasura.The Durga idol is standing on Lion on one foot and other foot is on Mahishasura chest.The Mahishasura is depicted as a Buffalo, not as regular human demon.The crown of Devi has symbol of Ganesha, Crescent moon and a Shivalinga.The temple covers a large area, and it has several Shiva lingaand other deities. Jajpur is also known as Viraja Kshetra or Biraja Peetha.According to Skanda Purana,utkala khanda it washes all rajo guna of pilgrims.So called as Viraja or Biraja kshetra.