Virar is linked to Mumbai by local suburban railway with regular train service from Churchgate to Virar. It is the last station on the suburban railway. Virar is also connecting point for shuttle service to Palghar and Dahanu. First railway tracks were laid 1860′s and railway service began in 1869 on Bombay Baroda and Central India (BB&CI) Railway (presently Western Railway). The suburban railway service began in 1927 with electric locomotives.
The most significant landmark in Virar is the Jivdani temple located on the mountain (“Jivdani Donger”) visible from the railway station. The goddess is worshipped for providing relief to the suffering and new life to the dying hence the name of the goddess – Jivdani. The devotees used to return the “Navas” or blessing/favor by sacrificing goats and chickens. They also offer gold ornaments. Devotees believe that to return to have “Navas” granted they must climb the mountain and worship the goddess but not return the same way as they climbed the mountain.
Recently there has been a lot building activity in the Virar area. Almost all of it is unplanned with open sewers, lack of sanitation and lack of adequate water. It is sad to see all the farms gobbled up by the thugs and hodge-podge buildings built by developers in lure of quick profits.
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