Jajpur: Temple History and Textile Craft

Jajpur is defined by a long history of temples and a distinctive textile craft. The Biraja Temple, the story behind the name Chandikhole, and the hand-spun fabrics from Chhatisdebil give the destination a distinct cultural identity. The wider destination of Orissa offers additional themes, from dance and nature to cuisine.

Temple History and Religious Tradition

The Biraja Temple was built in the 13th century and is a prominent historical landmark in Jajpur. Chandikhole, too, is shaped by a religious tradition: the place was named after the goddess Chandi. Maa Chandi was established on a hill adjoining Barunei in 1932. Here, an explanation of the place name meets a precisely dated reference to the deity.

Hand-Spun Fabrics from Chhatisdebil

The weaving craft in Chhatisdebil offers another cultural perspective. The weavers make hand-spun fabrics, including lungis and scarves; the weavers’ association is also still active in producing hand-spun fabrics. Lungis and scarves were sold at Biraja Hat and in various places in Jajpur. These examples make the craft tangible and connect it with former places of sale in the region.

Orissa in a Wider Context

The cultural range of the wider destination of Orissa also includes Odissi. The dance developed from the ancient Mahari dance tradition, performed by Devadasi dancers at the Jagannath Temple in Puri. Odissi was later developed into Odisha’s classical dance form. The Odisha State Museum offers another perspective on cultural heritage: it has an extensive collection of old manuscripts, including ancient manuscripts engraved on palm leaves that are preserved there. An online catalogue complements the collection; check its availability before using it.

Forest Reserve and Lagoon

The Similipal Tiger Reserve is among the nature highlights of the wider destination of Orissa. It is located in Mayurbhanj district in northern Odisha and covers 2,750 square kilometres. The Baheripani and Joranda waterfalls plunge about 400 and 150 metres, respectively. Activities associated with the reserve include jungle safaris, guided hikes and birdwatching, all considered particularly worthwhile. If these activities affect your plans, check access and operating conditions in advance.

The Chilika Lagoon offers a different kind of landscape: it is Asia’s largest brackish-water lagoon, a wetland of international importance and a Ramsar site. It is also the only habitat of the Irrawaddy dolphin in India. In the broader context of Orissa, the forest reserve and lagoon therefore appeal to different nature interests.

Regional Cuisine

The cuisine, too, can be understood through specific traditions. Mahaprasad is the offering to Lord Jagannath in Puri. It is prepared over a fire in stacked clay pots, with the topmost pot cooking first. Pakhala consists of fermented rice left to soak in water overnight and eaten with fried vegetables and fish. In Odisha, the dish is considered a typical summer meal. These two examples show different sides of the food culture of the wider destination of Orissa.

If you are planning a family trip, you can start by deciding what you want to focus on: should Jajpur’s temple history and textile craft be at the centre of your trip, or would you also like to include the cultural, natural and culinary highlights of the wider region of Orissa? When looking for a holiday rental, this decision helps you define the kind of trip you want.

Discover more destinations: Jajpur Road, Khordha, Jajpur, Bargarh, Cuttack, Khordha, Bhadrak and Ganjam.

View the wider travel overview: Odisha.