Jivdani Temple is at the top of the hill in Virar. It is famous throughout the country for its only temple of goddess Jivdani.

Districts/Region

Vasai Taluka, Palghar District, Maharashtra, India.

History

The temple of Jeevdani is located on a hill near the railway station of Virar, one of the suburbs of Mumbai.
Virar is home to Goddess Ekvira, Virar has a temple of 
Goddess Ekvira is known as Jivdani Temple. The name Jivdani and the origin of the temple has a story behind it dating back to Mahabharata!
Legend has it that Pandavas (the epic heroes) came to Shurparaka (modern-day Nalasopara) in their exile. It was a kingdom made by Lord Parashurama. Local legend describes Virar teerth as the final destination of the Shurparaka Yatra. Pandavas visited the Vimaleshwar temple consecrated by Lord Parashuram, on their journey they halted at Vaitarna River where they worshipped Bhagavati Ekvira and after seeing serenity and magnificent nature they decided to construct a cave, they did so on a nearby hill and worshipped Ekvira Mata in one of the caves. Pandavas called here “Jeevandani”[Goddess who is the real wealth of life] and thus the name Jivdani.
The temple of Jeevdani is located on the hill. It is a monolithic shrine. This is a small group of caves probably dating back to three centuries BCE. They are the simple Buddhist Vihara (monastery) with some of the water cisterns in the vicinity. These caves overlook the ancient port city and commercial centre of Sopara. The present temple of Jeevdani was a Buddhist Vihara (monastery), which in the due course was converted into a temple.
The goddess here is worshipped by the local communities like fisherfolks, etc. There are numerous folk songs in which the goddess appears. There was a lesser-known fort on the top of the hill

Geography

The Jivdani Mata Mandir is located about 656 feet above sea level on a hill near Virar, one of the important railway stations on western railways near Mumbai.

Weather/Climate

The prominent weather in the region is rainfall, the Konkan belt experiences High Rainfall (ranges around 2500 mm to 4500 mm), and the climate remains Humid and warm. The temperature reaches up to 30 degrees Celsius during this season.
Summers are hot and humid, and the temperature touches 40 degrees Celsius.
Winters in the region is a comparatively milder climate (around 28 degrees Celsius), and the weather remains Cool and Dry.

Things to do

Spend the day exploring the area and seeing some of the local attractions. At the top of the hill, there is a birdhouse and you can enjoy the ropeway and many more things. A fair is held on the day of  Dussehra which is attended by thousands of people.

Nearest tourist places

Tourist Attraction Near Jivdani temple:
●    Tungareshwar temple (17.4 KM)
●    Rajodi beach(11.9 KM)
●    Arnala beach (11 KM)
●    Vasai Fort(18.9 KM)
●    Sopara Stupa site (8.4 KM)

Special food speciality and hotel

Poha Bhujing, Sukeli (Dried Bananas), Seafood are some of the special cuisines available in this area..

Accommodation facilities nearby & Hotel/ Hospital/Post Office/Police station

You will find many hotels and accommodations within a few miles for a convenient home base.
●    Nearest Police station is Virar Police Station (2.2 KM)
●    The nearest Hospital here is  Sanjivani Hospital (2.5 KM)

Visiting Rule and Time, Best month to visit

●    One can visit this temple throughout the year.
●    The best time to visit in the day is between 5:30 A.M. and 7:00 P.M or in the evening.
●    Ropeways are constructed which costs around INR 100 and includes the return fare.

Language spoken in area 

English, Hindi, Marathi