Arnala Fort
Arnala Fort is located approximately 8
miles North of Vasai. It is built on a small island off the
Arnala port. Since the fort is built on an island and
surrounded on all sides by water it is also known as
"Jaldurg" or "Janjire Arnala" Portuguese called the island
"Ilha das vocas". Before the Portuguese control of the
island, the island was controlled by the Muslim rulers of
Gujarat.
The island is near the mouth of Vaitarna
river and the Portuguese used it to observe and control
shipping and navigation along the western coast. The
Portuguese captain of Bassein donated the island to a
Portuguese nobleman. The nobleman tore down the old fort and
began construction of 700 foot by 700 foot fort. The fort
was never completed by the nobleman but remained under
Portuguese control.
Vasai (Bassein) Fort
The Portuguese established a fort in
Bassein, present day Vasai, on the mainland just north of
the Bombay archipelago. The fort was fronted by a harbour.
With this as the main base, they built other smaller forts,
and strong houses in many of the islands. In the 18th
century the fort was attacked by the Maratha army under Baji
Rao Peshwa, and fell in 1739 after a three year long
campaign.
The remains of the fort can be reached by
bus or taxi from the Vasai railway station. The ramparts
overlook Vasai creek and are almost complete, though
overgrown. Several watch-towers still stand, with safe
staircases leading up.
Vajreshwari Temple
Vajreshwari is famous for its temple and
hot water springs. It is mentioned as a in ancient "Puran"
or holy books as a place blessed by the footsteps of Lord
Rama and Lord Parshuram.
In medieval ages
Vajreshwari was known as Vadvali. It was called Vajreshwari
after reincarnation of Vajrayogini in the Vajreshwari area.
There are 52 steps to climb up to the main temple. It offers
a commanding view of surrounding area from the temple. The
view is beautiful during monsoon when all the surrounding
fields are cultivated with rice fields and all the
vegetation is emerald green.
There are hot water
springs in the Vajreshwari area as well as in Ganeshpuri and
in Akoli. The hot water springs are a must bathe for
Vajraeshawari devi devotees. The springs have high sulfur
content and is believed to cure many skin
ailments.
Jivdani Temple
The most significant landmark in Virar is
the Jivdani temple located on the mountain ("Jivdani
Doanger") 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. Many people of Vasai especially - Mangayle, Koli
and Bhandhari treat Javdani as their family goddess. The
devotees 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.
