Maa JivDani Temple : JivDani Mata

A very beautiful famous temple of goddess jivdani/jivadani mata on lovely mountain far away from mumbai in one of the thane district. People from very long distance come here to see ‘DARSHAN’ the beauty. With a awesome view all four side this mountain is also a place for para gliders with paragliding activities in some seasons. It has more than 2000 footsteps.

Jivdani Hill is a picturesque spot in Virar, 30 km north of Mumbai, in Thane District. The prime attraction here is a 150-year-old temple, dedicated to Goddess Jivdani. There is also a small garden on its eastern side. The hill provides a perfect base for paragliding and trekking.

The ancient famous Maa Jivdani temple is located on the Jivdani hill in Virar, a suburb of Bombay. In 17th century there was a fort by the name of Jivdhan on this hill. Within the fortifications there are some ancient looking caves and water cisterns, most of which have now practically dried up. They are believed to be the work of Pandavas. The hill is famous for the invisible Jivdani Goddess who is believed to have fled from the niche in one of the caves. Since then a temple of Maa Jivdani has come into being. Lakhs of women devotees, especially barren women, from the surrounding cities go to the caves to make offerings and invoke the blessings of the Goddess. Offerings of beetle-nuts are dropped into a hole in the niche in which the deity is believed to reside.

A fair is held on the Dusherra day which is attended by thousands of people. The fort is visited by tourists frequently. The temple of the Devi is completely renovated and there is a beautiful idol of Devi in white marble. There is also a temple dedicated to Sri Krishna Bhagwan.

Jivdani Hill is a picturesque spot in Virar, 30 km north of Mumbai, in Thane District. The prime attraction here is a 150-year-old temple, dedicated to Goddess Jivdani. There is also a small garden on its eastern side. The hill provides a perfect base for paragliding and trekking.

The goddess Jivdani Mata is an avatar of Adi Shakti Devi. Jivdani Mata’s temple is situated on a hill that has around 1375 steps. This hill also offers a very picturesque view of Virar and its vicinity. During the nine days of the Navratri festival many followers visit the shrine, and devotees also tend to visit on Tuesdays and Sundays.
Navratri
Navratri  is a Hindu festival of worship and dance. The word Navaratri literally means nine nights in Sanskrit; Nava - Nine and Ratri - nights. During these nine nights and ten days, nine forms of Shakti (metaphor for goddess Durga ) i.e. female divinity are worshipped.

Traditions of Navaratri

This year celebrate Navratra from Oct 12 to 20, 2007. Navratra is considered over on Oct 19, 2007.

There are five Navarathris devoted to the worship of Sakthi. Out of these only three are being celeberated now.

1. Sharad Navaratri - This is the Navaratri, which is celebrated during Sharad Ruthu (Sept-Oct). This is also called Maha Navaratri. Sharad became Sharada in some places. This celebrates slaying of Mahishasura by Durga. Observed in most parts of India - especially in the East and South. In South India some observe it as slaying of Bandasura.

2. Vasantha Navaratri - This is celebrated during Vasantha Ruthu (March- April). This Navaratri is celebrated in North India. Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu observes Navaratri during this period.

3. Ashada Navaratri - This Navaratri is particularly important for all Upasakas of Varahi- Celebrated in July-August. This is called Guhya Navaratri in Himachal Pradesh. Varahi is one of the seven Matrikas of Devi Mahatmya.

Forms of Shakti
“The nine forms of Durga”, Installation in Benares
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“The nine forms of Durga”, Installation in Benares

The following 9 forms of Durga are worshipped during these nine days:

* Durga, the inaccessible one
* Bhadrakali
* Amba or Jagadamba, Mother of the universe
* Annapurna, The one who bestows grains (an) in plenty (purna)
* Sarvamangala, The one who gives joy (mangal) to all (sarva)
* Bhairavi
* Chandika or Chandi
* Lalita
* Bhavani
* Mookambika
Jivdani Hill is a picturesque spot in Virar, 30 km north of Mumbai, in Thane District. The prime attraction here is a 150-year-old temple, dedicated to Goddess Jivdani. There is also a small garden on its eastern side. The hill provides a perfect base for paragliding and trekking.

Jivdani Hill is just a few blocks from Virar Railway Station.

The most significant landmark in Virar is the Jivdani temple located on the mountain (”Jivdani Doanger”) visible from the railway station.

The goddess is worshipped for providing relief to the suffering and new life to the dying hence the name of the goddess - Jivdani. Many people of Vasai especially - Mangayle, Koli and Bhandhari treat Javdani as their family goddess. The devotees return the “Navas” or blessing favor by sacrificing goats and chickens. They also offer gold ornaments.

Devotees believe that to return to have “Navas” granted they must climb the mountain and worship the goddess but not return the same way as they climbed the mountain.

Virar is at Far end of Mumbai and one of the place of attraction, not so famous in mumbai yet worth seeing a temple of lord Shiva hidden in small forest behind / Near / Adjacent of Famous Jivdani Temple. At about 3 kilometers from Virar Station East at far end of a small village location called ‘FULPADA / PHULPADA or PHOOLPADA ROAD’ however you can spell, you can see blessing of Nature With a beautiful Water Damn called papadkhandi damn from where for sometimes Virar gets Fresh Natural Water. This Damn is Surrounded with Beautiful Mountains and Lush greenery view, one will sure enjoy monsoon time here seeing Cows, Buffalos and Goats all grazing at near foot hills of Mountains touching Damn water, Best for Pictures and Photography. Also there are few Cashew nut trees and small hiking options on that safe mountains.

Virar is linked to Mumbai by local suburban railway with regular train service from Churchgate to Virar. It is the last station on the suburban railway. Virar is also connecting point for shuttle service to Palghar and Dahanu. First railway tracks were laid 1860’s and railway service began in 1869 on  Bombay Baroda and Central India (BB&CI) Railway  (presently Western Railway). The suburban railway service began in 1927 with electric locomotives.

The most significant landmark in Virar is the Jivdani temple located on the mountain (”Jivdani Doanger”) visible from the railway station.

The goddess is worshipped for providing relief to the suffering and new life to the dying hence the name of the goddess - Jivdani.  Many people of Vasai especially - Mangayle, Koli and Bhandhari treat Javdani as their family goddess. The devotees return the “Navas” or blessing/favor by sacrificing goats and chickens. They also offer gold ornaments.

Devotees believe that to return to have “Navas” granted they must climb the mountain and worship the goddess but not return the same way as they climbed the mountain.

The goddess Jivdani Mata is an avatar of Adi Shakti Devi. Jivdani Mata’s temple is situated on a hill that has hundreds of steps. This hill also offers a very picturesque view of Virar and its
vicinity. Visitors from all over India specially mumbai tends to visit the temple. Tuesday and Saturday are main days on which visitors pays visits to Maa Jivdani Temple.

Those who are abe to climb the steps can take a trolly to hill which cost around 150 Rs. for both sides.

Welcome to www.jivdani.org.