The 11th Shakti Peetha, Jajpur was consecrated as Dakshayanis navel part fallen here. The presiding deity of Jaipur Asta dasha shakti peetha is Goddess Girija Devi. Goddess Girija Devi is also worshipped with various names such as Goddess Birija Devi, Goddess Virija.
Shrine’s History
The temple of Sri Girija Devi is a very small construction when we compare it to Puri Jagannath Temple or Lingraja Temple of Bhubaneshwar. Nobody knows the exact time of the Girija Devi temples construction. But it was renovated in the 13th Century.
Legends Associated with This Shrine
Once a demon called Gayasura was stealing the Yagnaphala (fruit of Yagna) of several Yagnas which was to be taken by Lord Indra. Lord Indra went to Trimurthis and prayed them to slay Gayasura to protect the Yagna Dharma. Trimurthis demolished the demon Gayasura and thrown his body parts in various parts of India. His head was thrown in Gaya, navel part was thrown in Jaipur and his feet part was thrown in Pithapuram. Hence Jaipur is called as Nabhi Gaya (nabhi means navel) and Pithapuram is called as Pada Gaya (Pada means feet).
Architectural Relevance of This Shrine
The whole idol of Goddess Girija Devi is decorated with flower garlands and gold jewellery. We can see only the face of Goddess Birija. The idol is decorated with the silver crown full of jewels. Goddess Girija Devi blesses her devotees with her pleasant smiling face and charming looks. Another significance aspect of this temple is ? a well near the main temple of Girija Devi in which devotees perform ritual rites to their ancestors (Pinda pradhan). People believe that these Pindas will reach Kasi directly. It seems the depth of the well is somewhere around 4 to 5 feet but it never dried up till now.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
Tourist can reach to the spot by availing bus from Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata and other small cities of Odisha. The journey can be more comfortable if tourists hire a four wheeler to visit the spot.
By Rail
Nearest Railway Station :Jajpur Keonjhar Road
By Air
Nearest Airport :Bhubaneswar
Shrine Timings
All days of the week 5:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
The primary ritual in the temple is Sharadiya Durga Puja, which begins on the night of Krishna Paksha Ashtami. This falls before Mahalaya and ends on Ashwin Shukla Paksha Navami. The puja, known as Shodasha Dinatatmika Puja, lasts for 16 days. The Ratha is known as Simhadhwaja, and its flag bears a lion. During the lunar transition from Shukla Ashtami to Shukla Navami an animal sacrifice, Bali Daanam, is performed. Navratri is celebrated as Aparajita Puja.
