Virar and Jivdani
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.
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