Pavitra Baronda Devi Virar, Vasai, Palghar

The Jivdani Temple in Virar, Palghar District, is a revered shrine for millions of devotees. Baronda Devi is known as the elder sister of this very Jivdani. To the east of the Papadkhind Dam, adjacent to Jivdani Hill, on Baronda Fort, lies the ancient and vibrant abode of Baronda Devi. It is said that this is not merely the abode of Baronda Devi, but also the original dwelling place of Jivdani Devi. In this temple, Baronda Mata is enshrined together with her five sisters: Jivdani, Mahalakshmi, Mahasaraswati, Mahakali, and Shitaladevi. This significantly enhances the glory of this sacred site. Hundreds of devotees visit daily for darshan, firm in their faith that Baronda Devi fulfills their vows.

Baronda Devi, worshipped here as the Mother of Virar, is originally a local folk deity. Here, she is also associated with the three forms of Adi Shakti Durga Mata: Mahalakshmi, Mahasaraswati, and Mahakali. According to mythological beliefs, Shitaladevi is also a form of Devi Bhagavati. Jivdani Devi is worshipped for progeny, while Shitaladevi is considered the deity who eradicates childhood fevers, measles, and chickenpox. These are the younger sisters of Baronda Devi. All these deities have their abodes in various places, and Jivdani’s abode is on the nearby Jivdani Hill.

The legend associated with this is that in ancient times, some cowherds resided at the foot of Baronda Hill. One day, as the cowherds brought their cattle to graze on this hill, one calf lost its way. Searching for its mother, the calf went to the hill where the Jivdani Devi temple now stands. As evening fell, it began to bellow, distressed by hunger. At that time, Baronda Devi sent Jivdani there in the form of a cow. Jivdani quieted the calf by feeding it milk and then made her abode on that very hill. However, the memory of Jivdani’s original abode is still preserved in the form of an idol in the Baronda Devi temple today. Approximately ten years ago, the idol of Jivdani Devi was consecrated in this temple.

This Baronda Devi temple is located in the vicinity of Papadkhind Dam in Phulpada, Virar East. The municipal corporation has built a swimming pool near this dam. Standing on the footpath there, one can see Jivdani Hill behind on the left, and Baronda Hill in the opposite direction. After traveling some distance on a rough road from here, one reaches the foot of Baronda Fort. There are तीनशे पंचवीस steps to reach the temple from the base. After climbing more than half the steps through the naturally rich surroundings, there is a small pond. It has water throughout the year. Adjacent to this pond, in a small shrine, are idols of Ganapati, Mahadev, and Hanuman. After climbing a few more steps from here, the spire of the Baronda Devi temple begins to appear.

The temple’s structure consists of an open assembly hall with a tin shed and a sanctum sanctorum. The entire area is paved. There is a yagya kund in front of the temple’s sanctum sanctorum. The temple’s sanctum sanctorum is inside a cave. This indicates its ancientness. This sanctum sanctorum has an entrance with iron grilles. On the platform to the left inside the sanctum sanctorum is the abode of Hanuman. On the platform to the right, from left to right, are idols of Ganesh, Jivdani, Baronda Devi, as well as the symbolic representations (tandale) of Mahalakshmi, Mahasaraswati, Mahakali, and Shitaladevi. The rear part of the Devi idols is painted golden.

About सत्तर more steps up from this temple are small temples of Bholenath and Kalika Mata. From here, one gets a panoramic view of the beautiful natural surroundings. Devotees can have darshan of Baronda Devi in this temple daily from सकाळी सहा ते दुपारी एक and दुपारी तीन ते रात्री आठ. Devotees believe that this Devi is vibrant and fulfills vows. Therefore, hundreds of devotees from the surrounding area regularly come for her darshan. Earlier, a Bhandara (community meal) used to be held in this temple every Thursday. In recent times, various religious programs are held here during Mahashivratri and Navratri Utsav. At that time, hundreds of devotees come here for darshan. Bhandaras are also organized for devotees during these festivals.

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

This sacred temple stands as a testament to deep spiritual devotion, ancient architectural grandeur, and rich local cultural traditions.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum houses the divine idol consecrated according to ancient Vedic traditions, surrounded by serene courtyards and traditional temple architecture.

Sacred Darshan Gallery