Virar is home to the Maa Jeevdani Temple on Jeevdani Hill. Virar is most notable for its hilltop location. Devi Jeevdani is famous across the country for her temple. Situated at a height of about 1375 steps from the ground level, this hill is located in the eastern part of the city. The 150-year-old Jeevdani Temple in Virar attracts lakhs of devotees on Sundays and festivals. The Papadkhandi Dam, situated at the foot of the hill, was the main source of fresh water for the place.
Mahalakshmi is the `Kula Deity` (the protector of the Hindu household) of the tribals, so during the Anand period, the tribals arrange Tarpa dances. Every year a festival is organized, called Mahalakshmi Yatra. This Yatra starts from Hanuman Jayanti for 15 days.
This church was built in the 20th century and was the first under the Mumbai Archdiocese. Fr. Ismail da Costa built a hut near Arnala Beach in 1919. Later, with the help of local people of all religions, St. Peter’s Church was built. Archbishop Joaquim Lima (then Archbishop of Mumbai State) blessed the church on 27 December 1931. Other historical churches in the vicinity are St. James’ Church (Agashi) and Holy Spirit Church (Nandakhal).
This church was built in the 20th century and was the first under the Mumbai Archdiocese. Fr. Ismail da Costa built a hut near Arnala Beach in 1919. Later, with the help of local people of all religions, St. Peter’s Church was built. Archbishop Joaquim Lima (then Archbishop of Mumbai State) blessed the church on 27 December 1931. Other historical churches in the vicinity are St. James’ Church (Agashi) and Holy Spirit Church (Nandakhal).
A small piece of land was made available on which a 30 ft x 20 ft temporary shed was erected, 5 times daily prayers and Islamic lessons are preached. Later, land in the surrounding area was purchased and in the year 1982, a foundation stone was laid for a grand and very important building built by the descendants of the Gaushia Mosque, the holy hand of the great Muslim Saint of Baghdad Sharif, Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (RA) (Gaure Park). The two-storeyed mosque is now located in the heart of Koliwada Vasai. Koliwada Mosque has completed about 25 glorious years. The mosque authorities perform many religious services for the upliftment of Sunni Muslims. An Arabic school is also kept in the Gaushia Mosque. 50 students are provided with religious education in the school, all accommodation and boarding facilities are free of cost.
