The navel of Sati — at the ancient Viraja temple in Odisha, where the guardian Bhairav is none other than Lord Jagannath himself.
The Viraja Peetha at Jajpur, Odisha, marks where the navel of Sati fell. The Goddess is Vimla ("the Pure") and, remarkably, the Bhairav here is Jagannath — Lord of the Universe — one of the most significant theological identifications in all Shakta-Vaishnava synthesis. Jajpur on the Vaitarani river (the mythological river of death) is one of the most ancient sacred sites in Odisha, predating the Jagannath tradition of Puri.
The Viraja temple complex is one of the finest examples of Kalinga temple architecture, built over many centuries by the rulers of Odisha. The Vaitarani river flowing through Jajpur — whose crossing represents the soul's passage after death — is the site of Pitru Shraddha (ancestral rites) observed by Odishan pilgrims. The combination of Shakti Peetha, Jagannath-Bhairava and the river of death makes Jajpur one of the most layered sacred sites in eastern India.
By road from Cuttack: 90 km. By road from Bhubaneswar: 100 km. Jajpur Road Station is on the Kolkata-Chennai main line — frequent trains.
October to March. Combine with the Bhubaneswar temple circuit and Jagannath Puri for an Odisha sacred tour.
The Vaitarani Tarpana (ancestral water offering) at Jajpur is especially meritorious during Pitru Paksha (September–October) — plan a visit during this fortnight.
The Navel of Goddess Sati fell at Virja (in Utkal), consecrating this land as a Shakti Peetha. The Shakti here is Vimla and the guardian Bhairav is Jagannath.
One of the 51 sacred Shakti Peethas — explore its unique significance in the divine circuit.
Explore →One of the 51 sacred Shakti Peethas — explore its unique significance in the divine circuit.
Explore →One of the 51 sacred Shakti Peethas — explore its unique significance in the divine circuit.
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