Vajreshwari City Map

Vajreshwari is a small temple town located in Maharashtra and is 75 kms away from Mumbai. The town is famous for the Shree Vajreshwari Yogini Devi Mandir, a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Vajreshwari. The town was earlier called Vadvali but was renamed Vajreshwari in reverence of the central deity of the temple.

Located on the banks of the River Tansa, Vajreshwari is situated in the Thane district of Maharashtra. The nearest railway station to the town is at Vasai and the temple is located near the Mandagiri hillock which was formed by volcanic eruptions. One of the most popular legends has it that Vajreshwari is mentioned in the Puranas (important Hindu scriptures). It is believed that this place was visited by the incarnation of Vishnu (the Hindu God of preservation), Ram and Parshuram. According to legend the three performed a "Yagna" (fire offering) and the volcanic ash in the area are remnants of that offering.

On of the most famous celebrations of this temple is the Navratri festival (a nine day festival dedicated to the mother Goddess). The festival beings from the first day of the fortnight of the waxing moon of the Hindu month of Chaitra (March) to the ninth day of Ram Navmi; then from the first day of the bright half of the Hindu month of Ashvin (October) to the tenth day of Vijayadashmi.

The Vajreshwari Temple is looked after by the Shree Vajreshwari Yogini Devi Public Trust. The members of the Giri Gosain sect are the members of this trust and have been responsible for the upkeep, worship and maintenance of the temple since its establishment in 1739.

One of the key attractions of this temple is the twenty one hot water springs that within a five km radius of the temple. It is believed that these hot springs. According to popular legend these hot springs are the blood of the demons and giants killed by the Goddess Vajreshwari. Thought according to scientists these hot springs are the result of their closeness to former volcanoes in the region. Devotees who visit this temple take a holy dip in these springs which ared "Kundas" in Sanskrit and are named after Hindu deities such as Surya, Chandra, Agni, Vayu, Rama, Sita and Lakshman. Vajreshwari is well connected by road and Rail and the closest airport is at Mumbai.


Last Updated on : 21 May 2013