12 Best Things to Do in Jajpur Odisha

Have you heard of Jajpur city? Can you guess where Jajpur city is located? Well, frankly I wasn’t aware about Jajpur in Odisha till I got the invite to explore the tourist attractions of Jajpur and experience the interesting things to do in Jajpur from Odisha Tourism.

My three days stay in Jajpur revealed that it is a wonderful offbeat destination of Odisha, India. As is the ritual I have written this elaborate essay / travel blog on this interesting place I have visited in Odisha.

Talk about Odisha, it is Bhubaneswar or Puri or the UNESCO site, Sun Temple Konark that first comes to mind. Well, with all the development works, destination promotions, very soon Jajpur will be on the tourism map of Odisha. Save this travel blog on Jajpur Odisha to plan a trip to the new gem of a place, a unique destination of India. Read more – 15 Unique Places in India.

Jajpur Odisha India

About Jajpur in Odisha

Before I delve further into the details of tourist attractions of Jajpur and the possible things to do in Jajpur, here is a little bit about Jajpur.

How Jajpur got its name? – “Jajpur pehle Yajnapura ke naam se jana jata tha”, said our guide Mr. Samantha as we started the tour of Jajpur. He went on to reveal more information about Jajpur; it was really good having such a knowledgeable guide with us during the tour.

Other names of Jajpur are Viraja, Baitarini Tirtha, Jajapur, and Parvati Teerth. King Jajati is said to have made Jajatipur as his capital and renamed the city as Jajapura.

(Incidentally the hotel in Jajpur, where we stayed for four nights is Jajati Courtyard, a beautiful hotel. More about the Jajati Courtyard hotel review in another post.)

Brief History of Jajpur

Before I walk you through Jajpur let me share the history of Jajpur in a few concise words.

The earliest recorded account of Jajpur is from 473 CE. Accounts by Chinese travelers mention Jajpur as capital in the 7th century, when it was the capital under the rule of Jajati Keshari, a king of the Somvanshi Dynasty. The period after the 7th century A.D saw the rise of the Bhaumkaras who ruled over Odisha with Guheswar Patak near Viraja as their Capital.

Religious significance of Jajpur – Jajpur finds mention in ancient Indian mythology texts and the Puranic literatures. It is considered as one of the most important tirthas of India. This place finds mention in many scriptures like the Kapilasamhita, Brahmanda Purana and more.

In the Mahabharata it is mentioned that the Pandava brothers had taken holy dip along with the saint Lomash in the banks of Baitarini, Viraja.

Places to Visit in Jajpur Odisha

Temples of Jajpur

This list of temples in Jajpur can be quite exhaustive, especially from a spiritually inclined tourists’ point of view! Nevertheless one can always choose out the top temples to visit in Jajpur to understand the history and the architectural styles of the temples.

Here is a list of 5 Jajpur Temples that you can include in your one day itinerary of Jajpur – Biraja Temple, Jagannath Temple, Barahnath Temples, Surya Dev Temple and Sapta Matrika Temple. They are located close to each other and can be covered in a span of a few hours.

Biraja Temple Shakti Peeth – Among all temples of Jajpura, the Biraja Temple is the most popular one. It is one of the 18 major Shakti Peetha in India. Located on the banks of Vaitarini River, the temple is easily accessible by road. The huge temple complex is dotted with several shrines, a huge Bakul tree (Spanish Cherry) and some new constructions. Plan to spend a couple of hours here to soak in the ambiance. Read more – Maa Biraja Temple, a Shakti Peetha

Barahnath Temple – This temple is dedicated to Barah (Varah, the Boar avatar of God Vishnu). The ceiling art is noteworthy, one of the reasons why this temple is a must visit.

Surya Dev Temple – A small but beautifully painted temple dedicated to Surya Bhagwan. The idol is stunning, depicted as seated on a chariot driven by 7 white horses.

Both Brahanath Temple and Surya Dev Temple can be done in a span of one hour. They are located in one spot. You can include smaller shrines around too. A huge statue of God Shiva is under construction nearby and is expected to be completed soon. So that too will be a top attraction of Jajpur.

Jagannath Temple of Jajapura – This temple is revered by locals as the second abode of God Jagannath, after the famous Puri Temple. The original temple here, built by King Anangabhimadeva of Ganga dynasty was destroyed by Muslim invaders. You can see the remains of the original temple on the platform on which the temple stands today, which is a good indication of how intricately carved the original temple would have been then. The temple façade that we get to see today was built by Maratha King Raghuji Bhonsle in the latter half of 18^th century.

Sapta Matrika Temple – The name translates to Temple of Seven Mothers(Goddesses). They are Brahmani, Vaishnavi, Narasimhi, Chamunda, Indrani and Varahi. The idols are depicted seated on lotus flowers in seven rooms lined up in a rectangular hall. They are attendants of Viraja Goddess.

Please note – Photography is strictly prohibited in this temple.

There are no tickets required for entering the above temples.

Temples of Jajpur Odisha

Dashashwamedh Ghat Jajpur

Like the Dashashwamedh ghat of Ganga River in Varanasi, this ghat on Vaitarini River is an important ghat connected to origin of Jajpur as capital city. In the 11th century Somavanshi ruler Jajati Keshari-I performed a yagna (ritual done in front of a sacred fire) here making Jajpur the capital of his kingdom.

There are steps leading to the river, pilgrims come here to perform rituals for their ancestors. The river flows silently holding many secrets including idols that were thrown in here by the priests of the surrounding temples to save them from being damaged by Muslim invaders. In April 2022 too many idols were found from the river bed. Read more: Six rare idols recovered from Baitarani River.

Dashashwamedha Ghat Jajpur

Buddhist Heritage of Jajpur

The Buddhist circuit in Odisha, popularly known as Diamond triangle, includes Lalitgiri of Cuttack district and Udaygiri and Ratnagiri in Jajpur district.

Udaygiri Buddhist Monastery – Of the three, Udaygiri is the biggest and the least excavated of the sites in the triangle. Scattered over a large area, you can explore ruins of two monasteries, stunning sculptures and remains of Mahastupas, prayer halls, mesmerizing panoramic views from the hilltop. This area is going to be developed in the coming years with a lot of cafes, solar powered vehicles that will make the approach to the far flung sites easy.

Bird lovers can find a variety of native bird species. I struggled with my 135mm lens; all I got was branches against the bright blue sky. Get your zoom lens here. This place can easily take 2 to 3 hours, if not more. Read more: What to see in Udayagiri Buddhist Complex Odisha.

Ratnagiri – This site is smaller compared to Udaygiri and can be covered in one hour. The site has ruined mahavihara. Historians have concluded Ratnagiri monastery to be once the major Buddhist monastery in India. It is located on a hill in between the Brahmani and Birupa rivers in Jajpur district, 13.5 km east of Udayagiri Buddhist Monastery. So much more is yet to be excavated.

We saw the curls of Buddha’s hair, just a portion of Buddha head I am sure. If the mound is excavated many more ruins can be found.

Another interesting structure to be noted is the blue-green chlorite robust door frame.

Tickets are required for both the above monasteries.

Udayagiri and Ratnagiri Monasteries Jajpur Odisha

Visit to Weavers’ Village in Gopalpur Jajpur Odisha

Gopalpur Tussar is special and stands out distinctly for its weave. The weaving technique has been carried forward for seven generations.

The silk threads for the handlooms are obtained from the silk cocoons of a wide winged yellowish-brown moth (scientific name: Antheraea Paphia).  Women (men too) of Gopalpur are highly skilled in producing the beautiful tussar silk cloth. It takes them three days to produce a 10 m tussar silk cloth.

Take a heritage walk through the village of Gopalpur to see how each household contributes to the weaving industry in one way or another, from rearing silkworms, to extracting threads from cocoons, dyeing the threads and finally weaving fabrics.

Gopalpur Tussar Silk GI Tag

What to eat in Jajpur

Try the delicious Odiya cuisine in the different restaurants of Jajpur. At Odiyanee Restaurant we had an Odiya Thali that had at least 24 items if not more. The dishes that you must try are:

Dalma – nutritious dal prepared differently. The delicacy is made with different kinds of lentils and vegetables and finally tempered with a range of spices.

Chothru Poda – Mushrooms mixed with specially prepared curry paste, wrapped in banana leaves and roasted on fire. Never knew mushrooms could be made this way too.

Dahi Baigana – A lip smacking dish made with just two main ingredients: dahi(curd) and Baingan(brinjal).

Chenna Poda– (transl. Baked cheese) this is a cheese dessert, a sweet smoked cottage cheese pancake. I like the burnt portion more.

Nolen Guder Rosogolla – a seasonal sweet dish available during winters. Check out – How to eat Rasgulla?

Odiyanee Thali – This is just the beginning. More items were served after this first serve.

Things to Do in Jajpur Odisha

Souvenirs from Jajpur Odisha

There are many skilled artisans in the villages of Jajpur who make excellent handicraft items.

Stone carving – the sculptures in the Buddhist monasteries and temples of Jajpur speak volumes of their expertise in stone carving. If your luggage weight permits, these stone carved items are worth a buy.

Textiles – Tussar silk of Gopalpur are perfect as gifts for your loved ones back at home. You get sarees, stoles or just the fabric.

Golden grass craft items – This traditional craft pursued by women in their leisure time has passed down for generations. They make several kinds of utility items with the golden grass. With time these items may wear away but never lose their sheen or get infected with insects.

Jajpur handicrafts

Festivals of Jajpur

To soak in the festive spirit of Jajpur and interact with locals during your visit, time your visit with the festivals celebrated in Jajpur.

Jajpur Mahotsav – This is a yearly Jajpur district festival (Jajpur Zilla Mahotsav). I had the privilege of attending the Jajpur Mahotsav 2023. The festival had all exciting elements in the huge fair with numerous stalls selling street food, handicraft items and fun games for kids, including a big giant wheel. Bollywood and Olliwood(film world of Orissa) superstars doled out popular foot tapping melodies to the thrill of the audience.

Grand Festival of Jajpur District

Durga Pooja is the most important festival of Odisha state in general. Jajpur too reverberates in festive spirit during Durga Puja, which is celebrated in the month of September/October.

About Jajpur

During my short visit to Jajpur District I found it to be a confluence of history, religion, and culture.

Jajpur district, located in the eastern state of Odisha, India, is a land steeped in ancient history and religious significance. Known traditionally as Viraja Kshetra, the region is home to the Biraja Temple, one of Hinduism’s most venerable shrines. The temple, dedicated to Goddess Biraja Devi, stands on the right bank of the Baitarani River and dates back to the 5th century CE, making it one of the oldest temples in the area.

The etymology of Jajpur traces back to the early 10th century when it was named after King Jajati Kesari of the Somavanshi dynasty. The place is not only recognized as Jajpur but also referred to as Jajapur and Viraja Kshetra, the latter name being mentioned in the epic Mahabharata, denoting it as the sacred abode of Goddess Biraja.

Jajpur holds a prestigious position in ancient Indian mythology and Puranic literature. It is revered as one of India’s key tirthas (pilgrimage sites), with scriptures like the Kapilasamhita and Brahmanda Purana attesting to its sanctity. According to legend, Jajpur is one of the Shakti Peethas, where the navel of Sati, the consort of Shiva, fell. This sacred site, known as the “Navi Sthal,” adds to the district’s spiritual allure, drawing countless pilgrims seeking to cleanse their souls, as suggested by the Skanda Purana.

The district’s religious significance is paralleled by its contributions to cultural heritage and economic prosperity. Jajpur hosts the Balada Jatra, or Bullock Festival, an annual event celebrated on Dussehera, reflecting the rich traditions and communal harmony of the region. Economically, the Daitari mines contribute substantially to the state’s revenue through their extensive mining operations.

Agriculture is another cornerstone of Jajpur’s economy, with the district ranked third in Odisha for sustainable agricultural practices, following Bargarh and Jagatsinghpur. Additionally, Jajpur’s proximity to the great Buddhist monastery complexes of Ratnagiri and Udayagiri, which form part of the Diamond Triangle of Buddhism alongside the Lalitgiri complex, underscores its historical and archaeological significance.

Jajpur’s rivers, particularly the Brahmani and Baitarani, are vital to the district’s ecology and economy, supporting both agriculture and local livelihoods.

For visitors, Jajpur offers a blend of spiritual enrichment, historical exploration, and cultural immersion. The accommodation facilities, available at Jajpur Road through various hotels and lodges, ensure a comfortable stay for pilgrims and tourists alike.

In summary, Jajpur district stands as a testament to India’s rich cultural tapestry, historical depth, and religious diversity, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a deeper understanding of the country’s spiritual and historical landscape.

FAQs for Jajpur Odisha

What is the best time to visit Jajpur?

The months of September to March are considered the best time for visiting Jajpur.

How many days do you need in Jajpur?

Depending on your interests you can plan 3D/2N or 2D/1N in Jajpur. Less than would be injustice to this offbeat destination of Odisha.

Is Jajpur worth visiting?

Right from the soothing river banks dotted with medieval era temples to the Buddhist monasteries and their museums, their art and culture, there is no end to the marvelous upcoming tourist attractions in Jajpur which reflect the untouched brilliance and makes Jajpur a good choice for tourists to visit in Odisha.

What is special in Jajpur?

The Biraja Temple, a shakti peeth and ruins of Buddhist monasteries in Udayagiri and Ratnagiri are famous places to visit in Jajpur. Jajpur is Odisha’s best kept secret, a must visit for spiritual experience and archaeological finds.

Is there any dress code for temples of Jajpur?

Do bathe and wear clean clothes before you enter the temple. Footwear is not allowed inside. Wearing socks or stockings in these places is usually permissible.

A pujari (priest) in Jajpur

Jajpur Trivia

• Shri Bankim Chandra Chaterjee, the writer of the national song, worked as the Deputy Magistrate in Jajpur from1882 to 1884 during his three decade long stint as a deputy magistrate in Bengal and Orissa as during that period Orissa was under the Bengal province.
• The noted writer penned ‘Devi Chaudharani’ based on a real story, here in the tranquillity of the riverside in his official residence at Jajpur. It was published in 1884.
• It’s believed that the first disciples of Lord Buddha, Tapasu and Bhallika, hailed from the modern-day city of Jajpur.
• Jajpur is the birthplace of sprint queen Dutee Chand, who is the first Indian to win a gold medal in 100m race in a global competition.

How to reach Jajpur

By Air – Biju Patnaik International Airport (IATA: BBI, ICAO: VEBS) a domestic airport and international airport is the closest airport to Jajpur. Distance from Bhubaneswar to Jajpur is 102 km, takes 2 hr 17 min.
By Train – Jajpur Keonjhar Road Railway Station (station code – JJKR) is well-connected to all major Indian cities. It serves Jajpur district and Kalinganagar in the Indian state of Odisha.
By Road – Jajpur is well connected by road to other major cities of Odisha India.

Where is Jajpur located?

Geography – The Jajpur District is located in between 20 degree 30′ to 21 degree 10′ North Latitude and 85 degree 40′ to 86 degree 44′ East Longitude. Jajpur is located in the eastern part of Odisha.

Where to stay in Jajpur?

Jajpur has a wide range of hotels that suit all budget ranges. I stayed in Jajati Courtyard, courtesy Govt. of Odisha. The hotel has good amenities, and service. There are 5 star, 4 star and 3 star hotels in Jajpur if you are looking for luxury range hotels. More options are – 1 resort and 16 budget hotels in Jajpur.

Hotel Pankaj with Google rating of 4.4, Hotel Dew Plaza with GR of 4.1

Interested in More Destination Guides of India?

Check these: Varanasi Travel Guide, Bhopal Travel Guide

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Indrani Ghose is an Indian Travel Writer and Blogger based in Bangalore, India. She has written for numerous publications across the globe – including Lonely Planet, The National UAE, Whetstone Asia, Deccan Herald. You can follow her on her social media handles Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook to see the wonderful destinations, beautiful offbeat places and get instant updates about them.