Jajpur
The district takes its own name from the headquarters town Jajpur, which was founded by “JAJATI KESHARI”, the Somabanshi king in the early 10th century. From time immemorial, Jajpur has been identical with Viraja or Viraja Khetra. The place is sacred to Viraja, the symbol of Sakti (Power) on one side and Verah, the symbol of Brahma or Purusha on the other side. It is one of the traditional Pancha Khetras in Odisha dedicated to Brahmanical Pancha Khetras.
Let’s Explore JajpurTop 6 Attractions
1. Biraja Temple
Built in the 13th century and located at a distance of 125 km North of the capital city
Bhubaneswar, the temple is located in the holy district of Jajpur.
2. Chhatia
Located at a distance of 60 km from the state capital, Chhatia Bata is a sacred place of
pilgrimage famous for the Jagannath temple.
3. Mahavinayak Temple
Located at a distance of 68 km from the state capital, the Mahavinayak temple, as the name
suggests, is a place where Lord Ganesh is worshipped.
4. Udayagiri
Udayagiri, one of the three major Buddhist attractions of the State, situated in the
district of Jajpur, has assumed importance after recent excavations, which revealed that the
ancient name of the monastery was ‘Madhavapura Mahavihara’.
5. Ratnagiri
Located at a distance of about 100 km from the state capital, Ratnagiri was once an
important centre of the Mahayana form of Buddhism, situated in the Brahmani and Birupa river
valley in the district of Jajpur.
6. Gokarneswar Temple
Gokarneswar Temple is a well-known spiritual spot in Jajpur, located just 1 km from Jaraka
and 28 km from Jajpur town. The peaceful Bhramani River flows nearby, adding to the beauty
of the place.