Jivdani Mata Temple

Overview

Jivdani Mata is a Goddess. The main temple of the goddess is situated atop a hill, in Virar, Maharashtra, India

About the temple

This temple is where people did their "Shurpaaraka Yatra", as noted in the Puranas and other legends. There is a large tank "Viraar Tirtha" on whose banks is a carved 3 ft. long stone, below which you can see the Yoginis. Near this is a carving of a cow and calf (Savatsa Dhenu) - the Govardhana Math which symbolizes eternity or Moksha. Near this you can see a cow's footprints (Go-Paad) - 2 of them - roughly cut in rock.

About the Deity

Ekavira Devi is the deity in this broken down temple at Virar, on the banks of the Vaitarna river, at the foot of the Tunga Parvat.

Legend and stories

The Pandavas came to Shurparaka and on their way to Prabhas stopped at the banks of the Vaitarni river and worshipped the Bhagavati Ekaveera. They built caves, installed and worshipped the Yoga Linga of Ekaveera devi in one of them, calling her Bhagavati Jeevadhani.

The built more caves are called "Pandav Dongri" about a mile from Shirgaon for hermits and yogis to stay. A man came to Jagadguru Shankaracharya Padmanabha Swami asking him to bless him so he would see his family deity. He told him to serve Go-Mata on the foothills of Jivadhani, and that he would see his Goddess. So he went there and was looking after the cattle in the village. He would see a cow grazing with his herd. He was never paid for taking care of her and so he followed the cow one day to find her owner. On top of the Jeevdhan Hill, he found a woman and realised that she was his Kuladevi Jeevdhani. He asked the goddess for payment that could not be spoilt by touch, words or smell. She pointed to the cow and said that it was Kaamadhenu who took his forefathers to moksha. He saw the cow leap, leaving 2 footprints on a rock and the other 2 in the heavens. And the Goddess gave him moksha. A barren woman who was watching this cried out to the goddess who blessed her with a child. She cried out asking for the same blessing to anyone who prayed to her for a child. The goddess said that she would live in a hole in the cave and that those who offered beetle nuts there would be blessed with children. The lady spread the word and people started to flock here.

Festivals

During the nine days of the Navratri festival many followers visit the shrine, and devotees also tend to visit on Tuesdays and Sundays.

Accommodation

The Jivdani Trust and Foundation has recently made lots of convenience for those who visit this temple from far/long distance. Their is a ‘Prasad Thali’ (Lunch) facilities that cost as cheap as Rs.10/- in day time afternoon hours. Accommodation facilities are also available which will help people looking to explore more places in virar and need some overnight stay options.

Significance

Since decades now, Jivdani Devi is known as Goddess of life blessing and devotees comes Daily, Weekly, Monthly and occasionally climbing till top. People are also attracted for one main reason being it’s on Top of mountain; it is fun and adventure to climb those 1300 footsteps early in morning or after 5:00 PM with family, friends and relatives. The best part and another specialty being the scenic aerial view from temple and surrounding location on top (See Video Below) of Mountain. Aerial view gives growing townships, Wide Arabian sea in west, Those tiny local trains and railway tracts till adjacent stations like Nalasopara and Vasai Road. The beautiful sunset view that adds to the charm watching wide open space and Arabian sea behind is not to be missed when climbing the mountain in evening.

Accessibility

Main Railway Station : Virar (Extreme North End, See Station Names of Mumbai)
Route : Western Railway.
Distance : About 65 to 70 km

Address

Jivdani Temple
jivdani road, Virar East, Katkari Pada,
Chandansar, Virar,
Maharashtra 401305, India