The Temples of Jajpur
Jajpur in Odisha is house to some of the prominent Indian temples that amalgamate architecture, history and folklore.
By Jajpur
Jajpur Administration
Idol of Lord Vishnu on the wall of Mahabinayak Temple (1100-01-01/1199-12-31)Jajpur
Jajpur: The Land of Temples
Discover the spiritual heart of Odisha with a visit to Jajpur District - the 'Land of the Temples'. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of this region with a tour of the most beautiful, historic and religiously significant temples.
Main View of the Biraja Mata Temple Complex (1800-01-01/1899-12-31)Jajpur
Biraja Mata Temple
The Biraja Temple is the most important and significant temple complex in Jajpur . The temple is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Biraja Devi and is believed to have been established as far back as the 5th century CE, making it one of the oldest temples in the region.
The Vimana of Biraja Mata Temple (1800-01-01/1899-12-31)Jajpur
Furthermore, it is acknowledged as one of the 'Shakti Peethas', a set of temples where the goddess is worshiped as 'Shakti'.
A part of Biraja Mata Temple's interiors (1800-01-01/1899-12-31)Jajpur
According to religious belief, the 'Nabhi' or the navel of the goddess Sati is said to have fallen at this location, resulting in the Biraja Temple, being referred to as 'Nabhi Gaya'.
A man offering oblation to his forefathers at the Biraja Mata Temple (1800-01-01/1899-12-31)Jajpur
Each year, thousands of devotees visit the Biraja Temple to perform the ritual of Pinda Daan, which is the offering of food to the spirits of one's ancestors.
A religious tree at Biraja Mata Temple complex (1800-01-01/1899-12-31)Jajpur
Interestingly, the name ‘Jajpur’ can be traced back to the Biraja Temple. The town was historically known as 'Viraja Kshetra' which over time evolved to Jajpur.
Shrine dedicated to Baba Baidyanath (another name of Lord Shiva), visible from the Holy Tree at the Biraja Mata Temple complex (1700-01-01/1799-12-31)Jajpur
The present-day temple is believed to have been built between the 10th and the 13th centuries, during a period when the town served as the capital of the Somvanshi Kingdom.
The Sanctum of Biraja Mata Temple (1800-01-01/1899-12-31)Jajpur
Inside the main temple's inner sanctum, stands the idol of Goddess Biraja which is believed to date back to the reign of the Gupta Dynasty.
A religious tree at Biraja Mata Temple complex (1800-01-01/1899-12-31)Jajpur
The temple complex also boasts of several other shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Goddess Bagalamukhi and other Hindu deities for devotees to offer their prayers. Today, the Biraja temple is one of the most-visited shrines in Odisha.
Siddheshwar Temple (1300-01-01/1399-12-31)Jajpur
Siddheshwar Temple
The Siddheswar Temple is a 14th-century religious shrine located on the banks of the Baitarani River. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple contains a large Ekamukha Shivalinga that is revered as 'Hari-Hara' by local devotees.
Images carved on the surroudning wall of Siddheshwar Temple (1300-01-01/1399-12-31)Jajpur
The main temple is accompanied by the shrines of Parvati, Ganesha, and Kali. The temple compound also houses a plethora of fragmentary sculptures of gods, lions, and female deities that date back to the Somvanshi period.
Main Trilochaneshwar Temple (1300-01-01/1399-12-31)Jajpur
Trilochaneshwar Temple
Built in the 14th century CE, the Trilochaneshwar Temple is surrounded by architectural fragments, projecting lions, miniature temples, broken Amlakasila, votive Shivalingas, Nayikas etc. The presiding deity is an Ekamukha Shivalinga.
Images on the Vimana of the Trilochaneshwar Temple (1300-01-01/1399-12-31)Jajpur
A striking feature of the Trilochaneshwar Temple is its Jagamohana or the ceremonial assembly hall, which is adorned with intricate carvings of various Hindu mythological characters, such as Uma-Mahesvara, Hanuman, a two-armed Kartikeya, and many more.
General view of the Dashashwamedha Ghat (1000-01-01/1099-12-31)Jajpur
Dashashwamedha Ghat
The Dashashwamedha Ghat at Jajpur, located on the banks of the Baitarani River, is one of the most significant ritual bathing sites in Odisha. Each year, thousands of devotees visit this ghat to take a ritual bath in the Baitarani river and perform other religious ceremonies.
Entry towards Dashashwamedha Ghat (from the Saptamatruka Temple) (1000-01-01/1099-12-31)Jajpur
The Dashashwamedha Ghat holds a significant place in Odisha's history as it was here that the 11th century Somavanshi ruler Jajati Keshari-I performed the Ashwamedha Yagna, thereby making Jajpur the capital of his kingdom.
Lion motifs on the Pista (a platform on which the temple is built) of the Jagannath Temple, Jajpur Town (1700-01-01/1799-12-31)Jajpur
The Ghat is surrounded by several temples, such as the Saptamatruka, Jagannath, and Ganesha, making it an important pilgrimage site for devotees.
The idol of Lord Jagannath at the entrance of Chhatia Bata Temple (1100-01-01/1199-12-31)Jajpur
Chhatia Bata Temple
The Chhatia Bata temple near Jajpur town, is popular in local beliefs as the "second abode" of Lord Jagannath, after the famous shrine at Puri.
The entrance of Chhatia Bata Temple (1100-01-01/1199-12-31)Jajpur
The temple entrance features statues of Lord Jagannath and Balbhadra riding on black and white horses, each holding swords, making it a unique and interesting site to visit.
The Jagannath Temple at Garhmadhupur (1500-01-01/1599-12-31)Jajpur
Jagannath Temple, Garhmadhupur
The Jagannath temple at Garhmadhopur is another significant religious site in the region, located approximately 34 kilometers from Jajpur town. This beautiful temple, situated next to the royal palace, was built by the local ruler Narayan Chandra Dhir sometime in the 16th century
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