Uma Devi Shakti Peeth (Viraja / Jajpur, Odisha)

The Viraja (Biraja) Kshetra at Jajpur is one of the ancient Shakti pilgrimage sites of Odisha. The goddess Viraja (also Biraja) — a form of Durga/Mahishamardini — presides here. The Viraja Temple at Jajpur is considered one of the ancient Shakti Peethas of Odisha's sacred geography and is associated with the Uma Devi / Mahashira entry in various Shakti Peeth lists. Jajpur is considered a major Shakti Kshetra (Shakti sacred region) in Odisha, sometimes called "Viraja Kshetra." The Baitarani River flowing through Jajpur is considered sacred — performing rituals in the Baitarani is believed to free ancestors from suffering (it is one of the rivers considered to lead to Brahmaloka in the afterlife; a "Vaitarani" crossing concept in Hindu afterlife cosmology).