Biraja Mata Shakti Peetha

Navel of Sati at Biraja Kshetra on the Baitarani — ancient Odia Shakti centre.

दर्शन महत्व: Less crowded than Puri-Konark; strong local Navakalebara-era devotion.

यात्रा का सर्वश्रेष्ठ समय: Oct–Feb

History

Biraja Mata at Jajpur, Odisha, is an ancient Shakti Peetha on the Baitarani, known as Biraja Kshetra or Viraja. The site predates much of coastal Odisha’s later temple boom and remains the heart of Jajpur’s identity. Navratri and local yatras keep the brick-and-stone shrine alive.

Legends

• The navel of Sati is believed to have fallen here; Biraja is also identified with Durga who slays Ghorasura in Odia lore.
• A dip in the Baitarani at this kshetra is compared by locals to a Varanasi funeral-shore punya.