In the sacred land of Odisha, nestled amidst the verdant beauty of Jajpur district, lies the ancient abode of divinity, the Maa Biraja temple. Here, on the auspicious day of Tribeni Amavasya, the cosmos converges to celebrate the birth of Goddess Biraja, revered as Goddess Sabitri on this sacred occasion.
As the moon retreats into the velvety darkness of the Magha month, devotees from far and wide embark on a pilgrimage to the holy rivers, their souls aglow with reverence and devotion. With each dip in the sacred waters, they cleanse their beings, purifying their spirits in preparation for the divine darshan of the celestial deities.
At the heart of this spiritual gathering stands the majestic Maa Biraja temple, its ancient spires reaching towards the heavens, a testament to the timeless devotion of generations past. Here, amidst the fragrance of incense and the melodious chants of hymns, devotees offer their prayers to the benevolent Goddess, invoking her blessings with the sacred Gayatri Mantra.
“उज्जनिन्यां महाकाली पीठिकायां पुरुहुतिका
As per many Tantra books, the Oddiyana Peetha (Devnagari:ओड़्याण पीठ) is located in eastern India near Vaitarani river. The place signifies its name. Oddiyana is an ornament worn by women around navel, as the navel fell down here the area surrounding the peetha is called Oddyana Peetha, and the land is known as Odra Desha.
ओड़्याणे गिरिजा देवी माणिक्य दक्ष वाटिके॥”
Legend whispers of Goddess Biraja’s divine origins, her navel descending upon this sacred land, infusing it with her radiant presence. In her honor, the devout gather, their hearts ablaze with the fervor of devotion, as they pay homage to the Divine Mother who watches over them with boundless love and compassion.
“रामेश्वरी सेतुबन्धे विमला पुरुषोत्तमे
विरजा ओड्रदेशे च कामाक्ष्या नीलपर्वते ॥
[आद्या स्तोत्र-ब्रह्म यामल तन्त्रम्] It is believed that sati’s navel also fell here as Tantra Chudamani says that the navel fell in Utkala which is called Viraja kshetra.Adi Shankara in his Ashtadasha shakti peetha stuti describes this peetha as Oddiyana Peetha and the goddess as Girija.Here is the verse from his Ashtadasha shakti peetham.
Yet, Tribeni Amavasya is not only a celebration of Goddess Biraja’s divine birth but also a day of profound significance for another revered soul – Thakur Aviram Paramhansha, affectionately known as Binori or Shree Thakur. A spiritual luminary, a freedom fighter, and a patriotic writer, his legacy shines brightly in the annals of history.
In the tranquil village of Ichhapur, nestled amidst the rustic beauty of Cuttack district, Shree Thakur penned the timeless verses of the historic masterpiece, “Kali Bhagabata.” This revered scripture, infused with the essence of patriotism and spiritual wisdom, stands as a testament to Shree Thakur’s indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication to the cause of freedom.
Through the pages of “Kali Bhagabata,” Shree Thakur eloquently voiced the aspirations of a nation yearning for liberation, condemning the oppressive reign of the mighty Britishers with unyielding courage and conviction. His words resonated with the hearts of millions, igniting the flames of resistance and inspiring future generations to strive for justice and righteousness.
On this sacred day of Tribeni Amavasya, as the divine and the mortal converge in a symphony of devotion and reverence, let us honor the legacies of Goddess Biraja and Shree Thakur, whose lives continue to illuminate our path with the eternal light of truth, love, and freedom.
