Happy TravellerWelcome to Virar, a coastal city in the Palghar district of Maharashtra, India. Located in the Vasai-Virar city, Virar is an important part of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. With its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning attractions, Virar is a must-visit destination for any traveler.
Geography:
Virar lies on the western coast of Maharashtra, to the north of Mumbai and experiences warm, humid climate throughout the year. The average annual temperature in the city hovers around 26.5 to 27.0 °C (79.7 to 80.6 °F). July is the wettest month while January is the driest. The closest airports to Vasai-Virar are Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) 37.15 km (23.08 mi) Pune Airport (PNQ) 148.81 km (92.47 mi) Surat Airport (STV) 188.29 km (117.00 mi).
History and Culture:
The name Virar comes from the Hindu Goddess Ekvira, mother of the immortal sage Parshuram. Virar is also home to the ruins of a grand temple of Goddess Ekvira Devi on the banks of Vaitarna River at the foothills Tunga Parvat which according to folklore was gradually destroyed amidst the raiding and looting by Mohamedeans and the subsequent rule by Portuguese. Virar has been home to Agri (caste) Samaj primarily involved in fishing, salt-making and rice farming. Large number of Koli people are inhabitants of the region as well. Virar and several other nearby regions including the coveted Vasai Fort was under the direct control of the Portuguese during the 16th century before being recaptured by the Maratha Empire in a hard-fought Battle of Vasai led by Chimaji Appa against the odds in 1739.
Demographics:
According to the 2011 India census, Virar has a population of 1,221,233, of which 649,535 are male and 571,698 are female. Virar has an average literacy rate of 91.95%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; male literacy rate is 81%. Over a period of time Virar has become a cosmopolitan suburb with approximately 50% population being Marathi speaking and the rest a mix of other communities, mainly the Gujaratis and the Catholics. 70% of the population is below 30 years.
Education:
The city’s public school system is managed by the education ministry of the Government of Maharashtra. Hence the syllabus is under the state pattern devised by the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education. There are also other private schools that offer syllabi under Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) guidelines besides the state pattern. The late Shri Vishnu Waman Thakur Charitable trust (VIVA College) and the Agashi-Virar-Arnala Education Society are the two most prominent bodies which have opened many institutes offering education ranging from kindergarten to PhD degrees in Virar. One can get graduate and post graduate degrees in Arts, Commerce, Science, Management studies and Technology through these institutes.
Tourism and Places of Attraction:
Despite being in close proximity to the ever busy lifestyle of Mumbai, Virar manages to be a well known tourist place for many reasons.
Jivdani Temple:
This temple of Goddess Jivdani is located around 1375 steps above the ground level, atop a hill in the eastern part of the city. It is very crowded especially during the Navratri festival. Many people in the region especially the Dhiwar, Aagri, Mangelas, the Kolis and the Bhandaris, worship the goddess as their family deity. The Papadkhind dam situated at the foothills, was one of the major source of fresh water in the location and was managed by Dhiwar community, but it was not enough because of the growing population of Virar.
Vajreshwari Temple:
Vajreshwari is known for its temple and hot water springs. It is mentioned in ancient Puran or holy books as a place blessed by the footsteps of Lord Rama and Lord Parashuram. In medieval ages Vajreshwari was known as Vadvali. It was called Vajreshwari after reincarnation of Vajrayogini in the Vajreshwari area
