Can we perform Asthi Visarjan at Jajpur instead of Gaya?
Yes. Jajpur on the Baitarani river is known as Nabhi Gaya — the Gaya of the navel — because the navel of the demon Gayasura is believed to have fallen here per the Gaya Mahatmya in the Agni Purana. While Gaya in Bihar is the supreme site for Pind Daan (liberating 100 generations), Jajpur is the corresponding site for Asthi Visarjan and tarpan rituals, with the Odia puranic tradition recording that immersion in the Baitarani river liberates 21 generations. For families from eastern Odisha who follow the Shaiva tradition, Jajpur is often preferred over Gaya for the ash immersion ritual, though many families perform Pind Daan at Gaya and Asthi Visarjan at Jajpur on the same pilgrimage.