Jivdani Devi Temple, Virar, Mumbai

The famous temple dedicated to Shree Jivdani Mata, an incarnation of the goddess Adi Shakti Devi, is in Virar, which is north of Mumbai. The temple is on a hill, 1460 steps above the ground. In the late 17th century, the Jivdhan fort was discovered on the temple hill.

Jivdani Temple

The famous temple of Jivdani Mata is in Virar, which is in North Mumbai. The temple is on a hill, about 1460 steps up from the ground. Jivdani Mata is a form of the goddess Adi Shakti Devi and has been around for almost 150 years. The temple is surrounded by the Satpura Range, which makes it a beautiful place to see in Virar. The word Eka-viraa is where the name Virar comes from. Just like Tunga Parvat turns into Tunga-ar, Vira is likely to become Vira-ar. There is a big temple of Eka-vira Devi on the banks of the Vaitarna River and on top of the hills. During the nine days of the Navratri festival, more people visit the shrine of Jivdani Mata. This is called DARSHAN. On Tuesdays and Sundays, a lot of people go to the temple to get Jivdani Mata’s blessing.

Before, only people who lived near this temple went there to pray. But as time went on, it became well-known in Mumbai and other nearby places. Now, a lot of devotees come here to see Mataji. Before, the temple was very small, and because it was on top of a hill, it was hard for people to get there because the path was so narrow. But the temple trust has worked on it and made it better. There are also places to live for people who come to worship. For the sake of the devotees, the Darshan Area was made bigger, and the way people waited in line was changed so that they can enjoy their Darshan of the goddess Jivdani in peace. A ropeway is also built for people who can’t walk or are old. Inside the temple, which is the main place of worship, there is a beautiful statue of Devi made of white marble. At the Dussherra festival every year, there is a fair that tens of thousands of people go to. People from all over the world often go to the fort on temple hill. Sri Krishna is also honoured at this temple.

The best thing about the temple is that it is on a hill, so people can have exciting and adventurous experiences there. Its clean air, beautiful views, and lots of greenery make you want to go to the temple. People can buy “Pooja Saamgri” like agarbatti, bangles, red chunni, coconut, sweets, etc. at the small Pooja shops on the way to the temple and outside the temple. Many people go barefoot, many people draw Swastik, and many people light candles on every step because they believe it has spiritual power.

Temple Legend

Stories from the past say that when the Pandavas lived in the forest, they prayed to Ekveera Devi in these mountains. They also dug out a cave and put the devi idol there. The name they gave her was “Bhagwati Jeevdani.” People also say that the Pandavas built a place called “Pandav Dongri,” which is about a mile away and where sages, hermits, and yogis live. Saints and yogis still stay here when they come to the temple.

Another story is about a Mahar, who was from a tribe that was once considered untouchable. He was grazing his cattle at the base of the hills. He saw a cow grazing with his flock, but he didn’t know who owned it. He went with the cow to the top of the hill to try to find the owner. At the top, a divine woman showed up and wanted to pay the Mahar, who was taking care of her cow. The Mahar knew the woman was the Goddess and told her, “Don’t touch me, mother. I can’t be touched. Give me something that can’t be ruined by touch, smell, or words.” The divine mother was so happy with him that she gave him Moksha, which is the real wealth of human life. She told him the cow’s name was Kamdhenu (revered cow). A woman who had come to pray to give birth was watching this happen. She also asked the Goddess to bless all of the women who can’t have children. So, the Goddess said, I will stay in this cave during the Kali Yuga, and all the women who pray to me with a pure heart and give me a beetlenut will be given children.

In the past, people thought that if you made a sacrifice, the Goddess would grant your wishes. So, people would bring a hen or a goat to the pier of sacrifice. This pier was in an open area, and the smell and sight of blood would make many devotees uncomfortable. The temple has stopped doing the “sacrifice” ritual recently.

Temple Architecture

People say that the Jivdani fort on the hill was built in the 1600s. There are many water tanks and caves inside the forts. The water in most of these tanks has now run out. In order to get to the temple, you have to climb about 1300 steps. It’s a great way to get in shape, and the climb isn’t too hard because the area is always windy. In the past, the temple was very small, and the path up to it was steep and narrow. The foundation for the temple built steps that are wider and better, making it easier to climb. From the top of the hill, there is a beautiful view of Virar and the areas around it. People who can’t climb up can now take a ropeway to the top.

For the benefit of the devotees, the viewing area (Darshan area) was made bigger, and the way people waited in line was changed. The Goddess’s statue is made of white marble. Near the temple, there is also a fort. There is also another temple in the area that is dedicated to Lord Krishna.

The view of the sun going down is lovely. We can see the Vaitarna river and some small villages near the temple from the back of the temple. At the end of the temple farthest from the sea, you can see the Arabian Sea.

Darshan time

Sunday and Thursday are special days for Jivdani Devi, so more people come for darshan on these days.

Every month of the year is a good time to visit this temple. The best time of day for darshan is between 5:30 AM and 7:00 AM in the morning or after 4:00 in the evening.

Temples Daily Rituals

Darsan Dresscode

Men & Women should dress modestly and stay away from shorts.

Famous Festival

• Navratri
• Dussehra

Local Culture

The culture of Mumbai is a mix of traditional food, music, theatre, and festivals. It is India’s most cosmopolitan and busiest city. Its culture has been around for a long time. Marathi is the language that most people in Mumbai speak.

Jivdani Mata Mandir Location Map