Jajpur is a historic place of India. It is a city and a municipality in Jajpur district of Odisha. Once, it was the capital of Odisha during the Kesari dynasty, later replaced by Cuttack. The primary language of this district is Oriya. Jajpur is also known as Navigaya kshetra where Pinda is offered by the Hindus for their ancestors. Jajpur is located in the Odhisha state of India. It is situated at 20.85 ° N and 86.33 ° E and has an average elevation of 8 meters above the sea level. The district is declared as a heritage district for exhibiting archaeological treasures dating from the pre historical time up to the end of the Muslim Rule. The excavation at Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, Trilochaneswar Mandir etc give evidence of the presence of a developed pre-historical civilization in Odisha.
History of Jajpur
The Jajpur came into being on 1st April, in the year 1993. Earlier, it was part of Cuttack which was divided into four districts. As per legends, Jajpur is believed to be named after the Somvanshi King `Jajati Keshari`, in early 10th century.
Demographics of Jajpur
According to the 2011 India census, Jajpur had a population of 37,458. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Jajpur has an average literacy rate of 82%, which is higher than the national average of 65%. Male literacy is 87%, and female literacy rate is 76%. In Jajpur, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Tourism in Jajpur
Jajpur is popular for having various religious places and temples. It has one of the ancient Hindu temples called Biraja Temple or Viraja Kshetra. The temple was built in 13th century and is situated in the Jajpur Township. It also has the famous temple of Lord Jaganath located on the Bank of river Baitarani. Chandikhole which is named after Goddess Chandi is another religious tourist spot situated in Jajpur. Mahabinayak, situated 6 km from Chandikhole to the west, houses the temples of Lord Vinayak.
Jajpur has the famous Gokarneswar temple located 1 km from Jaraka. The temple holds mythological significance since the days of Mahabharat. The holy place is called `Dasaswamedha Ghat`, which is also situated on the bank of river Baitarani in Jajpur. The Ghat was constructed during the rule of Jajati Kesari. The temple of seven goddesses which is known as Saptamatruka is on the Dasaswamedha Ghat. In addition to these religious places, Jajpur has an Archaeological museum which is one of the most important museums of Archaeological Survey of India. The museum was built on the northern crest of the Ratnagiri village.
Festivals in Jajpur
There are various festivals that are organised in Jajpur district including Dusshera, Kali puja, Kartikeshwar puja, and Kite flying etc. Dusshera is the festival of goddess Durga. During this festival, thousands of idols are worshipped in different parts of the state. Kali puja starts, just after Durga puja gets over. Kite flying too is celebrated with much enthusiasm which culminates with the Makar Sankranti.
Visiting Information to Jajpur
Jajpur is well connected to other major cities of the country via regular trains, air and road. Jajpur Keonjhar Road railway station and Savitri Jindal Airport in Angul are the nearest to Jajpur. Jajpur can also be reached by road via National Highway 16.
