Jivdani Mata Temple is one of the famous temples of Mumbai, located in Virar. Thousands of devotees visit Jivdani Temple every day to have darshan of Jivdani Mata and make wishes. Situated on a high Jeev Dhan hill, 2 km from Virar Railway Station, Jivdani Temple is a major place for devotees and is known for its miracles. Thousands of devotees make wishes to Jivdani Mata every day, and it is believed that Jivdani Mata fulfils the wishes of all the devotees.
History of Jivdani Mata Temple, Virar
When we look at the story of the Jivdani Temple, we learn that years ago, Virar was known as Ekvira, and the goddess was named Ekvira Devi. However, the temple was later completely destroyed during the Mughal invasion. Subsequently, a group of people living in the city continued to visit the temple, and today, thanks to them, the temple stands at its peak.
Currently, the temple is known as Jivdani Mata Temple. Jivdani means “life-giving mother.” It is believed that the hills on which the Jivdani Mata Temple stands were home to life-giving medicinal herbs that could cure ailments. This led to the name Jivdani Mata.
According to mythology, it is believed that when the Pandavas went into exile, they had to build this temple on the Jeevdhan Mountains, and they established Ekvira Devi inside a cave where they worshipped Goddess Bhagwati. When the Pandavas lived here, they also built many caves for the saints to live in, due to which this place is known as Pandav Dongri.
Story of Jivdani Temple, Virar
Locals living in the villages surrounding the Jivdani Mata Temple, Virar, tell a story about the temple. In the village near the temple, a man of the Mahar caste, considered untouchable, used to come daily to graze his cows on the Jeevdhan hill. While grazing his cows, another cow would also come along with him to graze, but as evening approached, the cow would disappear.
When the Mahar observed this for several days, he set out to find the cow’s owner. As he was following the cow, the cow disappeared as soon as he reached the top of the hill, and a goddess appeared. When the Mahar saw the goddess, she said, “I graze your cow every day; pay me for it.” Hearing this, the goddess gave him a piece of coal.
The Mahar became angry and threw the piece of coal on the ground. Later, Mahar returned home. After some time, he told some villagers about the goddess giving him coal. The villagers told him that coal is auspicious. When he returned, the goddess told him that this cow was a Kamadhenu cow, which would grant him salvation.
How to Reach Jivdani Mata Temple, Virar
By Road:
Virar is well connected by road to Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and other nearby cities. Regular buses, trains, and private taxis are readily available. It is also accessible by motorcycle from Mumbai, Dahanu, and Surat. The Jivdani Mata Temple Road entrance is accessible via the Mumbai-Surat Highway. Borivali, Mumbai, to Jivdani Temple distance is about 42 kilometers.
By Train:
The nearest railway station to the Jivdani Mata Temple is the Virar Railway Station on the Western Line of the Mumbai Suburban Railway. The Jivdani Temple is just 2 kilometers from Virar Station. Auto-rickshaws are readily available as you exit Virar Station to the east. The auto fare is only 20 rupees from the station to Jivdani Temple.
By Air:
The nearest airport to Jivdani Temple, Virar, is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, which is approximately 56 kilometers from Jivdani Temple. From Mumbai Airport, you can reach Virar by local train or taxi.
Things to know about Jivdani Mata Temple, Virar
Below, we’ve tried to provide all the information that raises questions in everyone’s mind before visiting the Jivdani Temple in Virar. To make your visit to the Jivdani Mata Temple easier, we’ve provided all the information you can need to help.
- Jivdani Temple Steps: The Jivdani Temple has a total of 1,440 steps, which can be climbed to reach the top of the temple. Additionally, the temple also has a ropeway lift train, which allows you to reach the top of the temple.
- Jivdani Temple Virar Ropway Timings: Jivdani Temple Virar Ropway Timings are from 5 AM to 7:30 PM.
- Jivdani Temple Virar Ropeway Tickets Price: Jivdani Temple Ropeway Tickets Price is 250 rupees for 1 person. This includes both bottom-up and top-down movements by the funicular train.
- Jivdani Temple, Virar East or West: Jivdani Temple is located 2 km from Virar station in Virar East.
- Jivdani Temple Distance: Virar station to Jivdani Temple distance is about 2 kilometers, and it takes about 15 minutes to reach the temple.
- Jivdani Temple Train Price: The local train fare to Jivdani Temple, Virar, is ₹20 from Churchgate, and if you’re coming from Dahanu, the train fare from Dahanu to Virar is also ₹20. The train fare to the upper temple within the Virar temple complex is ₹250.
- Jivdani Temple Timings: The timings of Jivdani Temple are as follows: the temple is open from 5 AM to 2 PM, the temple remains closed only from 2 PM to 3 PM, and after that, the temple remains open from 3 PM to 7:30 PM.
Jivdani Temple Aarti Timings
Aarti is performed three times a day inside the Jeevdani temple. Jivdani Temple Aarti Timings are:
Morning: 05:30 AM
Afternoon: 12:00 PM
Evening: 07:30 PM
Facilities available at Jivdani Mata Temple, Virar
- Parking: Parking is available within the Jivdani Temple complex, where you can park your bike or car. Bike parking costs 20 rupees, and car parking costs 50 rupees.
- Funicular train charges payment mode: To purchase a ticket for the funicular train, ropeway, you can pay with cash or UPI. Both are available.
- ATM: An ATM is also available in the Jeevdani Temple complex. If you need cash for any reason, you can withdraw cash from this ATM.
- Juta Chappl Stand: Before going upstairs to the temple, remove your shoes at the bottom. There are shoe stands below for this purpose, which are completely free. You can donate something to them if you wish.
- Bhojan: in 15 Rs. only: There’s also a restaurant below the Jivdani Temple complex where meals are available for just 15 rupees. If you’d like to eat there, you can do so.
- Tea & Popcorn: Tea and popcorn are available in the premises above the Jivdani Temple, where you can grab something to eat.
Temples in the complex above the Jivdani Mata Temple
After visiting Jivdani Mata, you can proceed to the top, where you can visit other temples. From the top of the temple, you can see spectacular views of Virar and Mumbai. The lush green mountains and the flowing Vaitarna River are captivating. Photography is also possible here. The temples at the top include four major temples.
1-Shri Mahakali Mata Mandir
2-Shir Kal Bhairav Mandir
3-Shri Barunda Mata Mandir
4-Gau Mata Mandir
Travel Tips for Devotees of Jivdani Mata
· Best Time to Visit – Navratri is the most vibrant time at Jivdani Temple, but you can also visit during the week for a peaceful darshan.
· Comfortable Clothing – Wear light clothes and comfortable shoes to visit the Jivdani Temple so that you don’t face any difficulty while climbing stairs or walking.
· Carry Essentials – Carrying a water bottle, hat, and energy-boosting snacks while climbing is helpful, as climbing requires a lot of effort.
· Photography – Photography is allowed outside the sanctum sanctorum, but avoid photography during busy hours to respect the devotees.
· Senior Citizens / Children– Use ropeway/lift services for the elderly and children.
Jivdani Temple Photos
Also read about: Mumba Devi Temple, Mumbai
Conclusion,
The Jivdani Mata Temple in Virar is not just a place of worship, but a confluence of spirituality, nature, and history. Whether you are a devotee seeking a vow or a traveler seeking peace, the Jivdani Temple offers a complete experience. With its rich mythology, captivating views, and divine aura, this temple remains one of the most important Shaktipeeths in Maharashtra. If you liked this article about Jivdani Mata Temple, Virar, Mumbai, then share it with your devoted friends. May Maa Durga fulfill all your wishes. You can share your experience with us in the comments! For more spiritual places and temple stories, keep following Mero Brajdham. Jai Mata Di.