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The Biraja Temple or Girija Kshetra is one of the historic Hindu temples located in the Jajpur district of Odisha, India. The present temple was built in the 13th century.  The main idol is Devi Durga who is worshiped by the name of Viraja (Girija). This earned Jajpur the name Viraja Kshetra or Biraja Peetha. The Durga idol has two hands (dwibhuja); with one hand she pierces the chest of Mahishasura using a spear and with the other hand she pulls his tail. She rests one foot on the lion and the other foot on Mahishasura's chest. Mahishasura is depicted as a Buffalo rather than a regular human demon. The crown of the idol has symbols ofGanesha, the crescent moon and a Shiva linga. The temple covers a large area, and it has several Shiva lingas and other deities. According toSkanda Purana's Utkala khanda, it washes away the rajo guna of pilgrims. Hence it is called the Viraja or Biraja kshetra. It is believed that Jajpur has one less than one crore of Shiva lingas. It is atypical to Puri of Sri Jagannath as it is called the Pitru tirtha in ancient India. The only place where Dashashwamedha Yajna was organized by the then Jajati Kesari.The main ritual in this temple is Sharadiya Durga Puja which starts on the night of Krishna Paksha Ashtami. This falls before Mahalaya and ends on Ashwin Shukla Paksha Navami. The total Puja, which is called Shodasha Dinatatmika Puja, goes on for 16 days. The Rath Yatra of Devi's utsava murty is performed during Mahashtami and Mahanavami. The Ratha (Chariot Festival) is called Simhadhwaja (having the flag symbol of a lion). During the transition of the lunar phase from Shukla Ashtami to Shukla Navami, a special animal sacrifice called Bali Daanam is performed. The day of Dussehra is celebrated as Aparajita Puja. Other festivals include Devi's own Nakshatra, Shravana, which falls on Amavasya of Purnimanta month of Maagha, Prathamastami, Pana Sankranti, Raja Parva and Navanna.