Across a small bridge from the main bazaar, on an island formed by a bend of the Vaitarani, stands the Varahanatha Temple — the Sweta Varaha (white boar) shrine that gives Jajpur its alternate name Vaitarani Tirtha. Varaha is the third avatar of Vishnu, who lifted the earth from the cosmic ocean on his tusks; the icon here is shown in his theriomorphic boar-headed form rather than the better-known anthropomorphic version.
The temple compound is compact but atmospheric, with a sequence of pavilions stepping down toward the river. It tends to be much quieter than Biraja, even though it sits within walking distance, because most pilgrims focus their visit on the goddess. Walk the island's perimeter for a sense of how Jajpur sits in the curve of its sacred river — fishing boats below, kingfishers darting, washermen at the lower steps.