Once the prosperous and ancient capital of Utkal, Jajpur was an important and flourishing centre for trade and commerce in the olden days. Its diverse cultural cross-currents enlivened and enriched the city even in the clays of the visit of the Chinese traveller Huien T'Sang.

It is also one of the sacred pilgrim points in Orissa. Goddess Viraja ( Durga ) is the city's reigning deity. Jajpur is also known as Navigaya Kshetra where Pincla is offered by the Hindus for their ancestors. It lies 92 km from Cuttack.