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. 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 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.