Maa JivDani Temple : JivDani Mata

The name Viraar comes from Eka-viraa. Just as Tunga Parvat becomes “Tunga-ar”, similarly “Vira” becomes “Vira-ar”.There is a huge temple of Eka-vira Devi on the banks of Vaitarna River at the foot hills Tunga Parvat, (this is now totally broken by the continuous raids of Mohamedeans and Portuguese in last 400 years), where people used to conclude their “Shurpaaraka Yatra”, as described in the Puranas and local legends. There is a huge tank here dedicated to Eka veera Devi called “Viraar Tirtha”, i.e. “Eka- Viraa Tirtha”.

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.

Papadkhandi Damn , Small Old Fort Of Shivaji Maharaj Next Mountain, You have A Famous Beach called Arnala beach with Resorts like Anand Resort virar, Swagat resort Virar, Sea Lord Resort, C Beach Resort, L D Resort etc.

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 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.

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.The 150-year-old Jivdani Temple at Virar, which attracts thousands of devotees on Sundays and during festivals, is getting a facelift. And the man entrusted with the job is the Mumbai-based traditional temple architect, Hariprasad H. Sompura.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.

The legendary story of Jivdani Devi is as follows: During their forest journey, Pandavas came to Shurparaka. They visited the holy temple of Vimaleshwar consecrated by Lord Parashuram and on their journey to Prabhas halted on the banks of Vaitarni river. There they worshipped the Bhagavati Ekaveera on the banks of Viraar Tirtha and seeing the serenity and lofty nature decided to carve caves in the nearby mountains. They did so on the hills nearby and installed and worshipped the Yoga Linga of Ekaveera devi in one of the caves. They called her Bhagavati Jeevadhani (That is Goddess, who is the real wealth of life). Doing so Pandavas also made a set of small caves now known as “Pandav Dongri” about a mile from Shrigaon for the hermits.Many yogis used to stay in Pandav Dongri and have darshan of Jeevdhani De

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.

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 :

The name Viraar comes from Eka-viraa. Just as Tunga Parvat becomes “Tunga-ar”, similarly “Vira” becomes “Vira-ar”.There is a huge temple of Eka-vira Devi on the banks of Vaitarna River at the foot hills Tunga Parvat, where people used to conclude their “Shurpaaraka Yatra”, as described in the Puranas and local legends. There is a huge tank here dedicated to Eka veera Devi called “Viraar Tirtha”, i.e. “Eka- Viraa Tirtha”.

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.