Bhubaneswar, Oct. 19 -- Maha Navami is being observed at Maa Biraja Temple in Jajpur district of Odisha on Monday, with thousands of devotees gathering at the shrine to seek the blessings of the Goddess.

Special rituals are being performed at the temple on the occasion, while the temple administration has made arrangements to ensure devotees can offer prayers in an orderly manner.

The final shola kalasa sthapana, homa yajna and sandhi puja were performed at the temple on Sunday night.

Early Monday morning, water was brought from the sacred Baitarani River, following which the ritual bathing of Maa Biraja was completed.

During Navratri, devotees have been given the opportunity to enter the sanctum sanctorum for a close view of the Godd...