Discover Jejuri Temple Pune: Khandoba Temple History & Significance

Jejuri Temple Pune  is a famous temple town located about 50 km from Pune. It is the main worship place of Khandoba, also known by different names like Mhalsakant, Malhari Martand, and Mylaralinga. Khandoba is a special god for many Maharashtrian families, including warriors, priests, farmers, and herders.

The Jejuri Temple is on top of a hill that is 758 meters high, and the hill has a lot of lime deposits. These were used to build Shaniwar Wada Fort, a very important fort of the Maratha Empire.

One of the most exciting festivals here is the Bhandara Festival. It brings nearly six lakh people to the temple town! During the festival, people throw haldi (turmeric powder) while they climb the hill to the temple, making the whole place look bright yellow. Because of this, Jejuri is often called “sonyachi Jejuri” or golden Jejuri. This golden event happens three times a year. During the festival, a special idol of Khandoba is carried to the Karha River nearby, where it is immersed.

To reach the temple, you have to pass through seven arches and then walk down some steps. The temple has a big courtyard surrounded by walls. There are 63 verandahs (like open porches) in the temple complex. The temple is built like a fort, with three gates, and because of this, locals call it ‘kot’, which means fort. Everyone who visits has to enter from the northern gate.

Khandoba Temple Jejuri Pune:

Jejuri – The Golden Temple

Jejuri, located 48 km from Pune, is famous for its two temples – the ancient ‘Kadepathar’ and the easier-to-reach ‘Gad Kot’. The Kadepathar Temple requires climbing 750 steps to reach the self-manifested Linga of Lord Khandoba and Goddess Mhalsa. The Gad Kot Temple, with 450 steps, has 18 arches and 350 lamp pillars that fill the place with the yellow hue of turmeric, making Jejuri a truly vibrant destination.

Jejuri Temple Pune Significance:

The Jejuri Temple Pune worships Hindu gods, with  Khandoba God as the main deity. Khandoba is also famous as Khanderao, Khanderava, Malhari, Martand, and Mallu Khan. He is essentially an avatar of Lord Shiva and is revered in both Vaishnavas and Jain traditions. Khandoba is one of Maharashtra’s most popular deities, and Jejuri is the most important.

He is a benefactor deity for the agricultural caste, Brahmins, hunters, and Dhangar people, who live in the area’s hills and forests. The Khandoba cult links to both Jain and Muslim cultures. He is worshiped as a warrior riding a horse or bull, or as the figure of a Linga. The Jejuri temple is Maharashtra’s most famous place for Khandoba devotion.

Jejuri Temple History:

According to legend, two demons, Malla and Mani, were causing chaos on Earth and troubling the sages. When Indra and Vishnu couldn’t help, the sages turned to Shiva. Shiva took the form of Khandoba, rode Nandi (the bull), and led his army to battle the demons.

In this avatar, he had a third eye, a semi-circular moon on his forehead, and a turmeric-covered body. Khandoba ultimately defeated the demons after a fierce battle.

Mani ( demon ) begged for forgiveness and offered his white horse. He requested to be present in every Khandoba temple and to be served goat flesh.

Shiva granted his wish and turned him into a demon. Malla, worried about the potential destruction of the earth, angered Khandoba, who then decapitated Malla. Malla’s head fell at the shrine’s stairs and was trampled by devotees.

The Khandoba Temple has a rich history filled with legends and myths. Lord Khandoba, also known as Khanderaya, is a folk deity worshipped primarily in Maharashtra and Karnataka, representing the sun and fertility. This temple in Jejuri is one of the main centers for worshiping Khandoba, and its origin is linked to stories of Lord Shiva’s incarnation to defeat demons.

Jejuri Temple

The Khandoba temple Jejuri Pune built around 1608 AD. Ragho Mambaji, a Maratha chieftain, completed the central mandap and other elements in 1637 AD. The Holkar emperors constructed the outer chambers and other areas. Tukoji Holkar helped complete the tank and battlefield around 1770 AD.

Jejuri Temple Steps

Because the Jejuri Temple Pune is on a hill, Jejuri temple steps count is 200 stairs to climb. However, the ascent is not difficult, and the view over Jejuri town is breathtaking. If the weather permits, you may see Saswad and Dive Ghat.

While climbing the steps, you can appreciate the panoramic view of the surroundings and capture some wonderful moments. Along the way, you can also see the famous ‘Deep Mala,’ or ‘Light Stands of Stones,‘ which are simple yet beautiful.

Temple Details and Information

The Jejuri Temple Pune priests worship Khandoba using Indian Bael leaves, turmeric, onion, and other vegetables. They also provide a delicious onion and brinjal dish. As Naivedya, he is served a vegetarian meal, although his followers regard him as a non-vegetarian.

Devotees may occasionally sacrifice goat meat, but this rite happens outside the temple not inside the temple. The temple holds a six-day celebration in the Hindu month of Margashirsha as a memorial to Khandoba.

Bhandara Festival

Jejuri Khandoba Temple is well-known for its Bhandara festival, which attracts over five lakh worshipers. Showers of haldi (turmeric), known as ‘Bhandara,’ turn the entire temple grounds and stairs yellow. The Bhandara festival, also called ‘Sonyachi Jejuri’ or Golden Jejuri, happens nearly three times a year.

Every November, an annual fair, commonly referred to as Jatra, attracts around 40,000 worshipers from Pune and surrounding areas. Dussehra is also a significant event here, featuring a popular sword-holding competition.

Story of Lord Khandoba

Lord Khandoba had two wives: Mhalsa, from the merchant (Vani) community, and Banai, from the shepherd (Dhangar) caste. Mhalsa is seen as a symbol of culture, known for her traditional cooking skills, while Banai represents nature. Their relationship is a well-known folklore story, showcasing how Khandoba balanced his love and devotion between them.

Architecture of Khandoba Temple

Built on a hilltop, the Khandoba Temple is an architectural marvel with a blend of Maratha and Hindu temple styles. The temple is famous for its golden spires (Kalasas), which shine brightly in the sunlight, earning Jejuri the nickname “Sonyachi Jejuri” (Golden Jejuri). The temple is adorned with intricate carvings and mythological statues, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere.

Religious Significance

Lord Khandoba is revered by warriors, farmers, and herders, symbolizing strength and bravery. The temple becomes the focal point of large religious festivals, especially the Bhandara Festival, where turmeric powder (Bhandara) is showered on both the deity and devotees, representing gold and prosperity. This unique practice gives the temple its second name, the “Turmeric Temple”.

Lord Khandoba Temples Across the Deccan

There are over 600 temples dedicated to Lord Khandoba across the Deccan region, stretching from Nasik in Maharashtra to Devangere in Karnataka and from Konkan to Western Andhra Pradesh. Among these, Jejuri is the most prominent, often referred to as the capital of Khandoba’s kingdom, known for its fort-like temple.

Entry Fee and Facilities

There is no entry fee to visit the temple, ensuring all can seek blessings. The temple provides basic amenities such as water and sanitary facilities for the convenience of visitors.

Darshan and Timings

The temple is open all year round with darshan timings from 5 am to 9 pm every day, including:

• Saturday to Friday: 5 am – 9 pm

Morning rituals start with the Kakad Aarti, while the evening ends with the Dhoop Aarti and Shej Aarti.

Festivals and Celebrations

Jejuri celebrates many vibrant festivals, such as:

• Somvati Utsav (Bhandara Festival): Turmeric is offered to Lord Khandoba as a symbol of fertility and prosperity, and newlyweds often seek blessings here.
• Champa Shashti: A six-day festival in honor of Lord Shiva, filled with traditional rituals like offering bilva leaves and red roses to the deity.

How to Reach

Jejuri is well connected by road and rail:

• By Air: The nearest airport is in Pune, about 48 km away.
• By Rail: The closest station is Jejuri railway station, linked to major cities.
• By Road: State buses and private vehicles frequently travel to Jejuri from Pune.

Nearby Attractions

• Jejuri Fort: Offers beautiful views of the town and temple.
• Siddheshwar Lake: A peaceful spot for relaxation and picnics.

Jejuri Temple Pujari Contact Number

Jejuri Temple Pune is a famous temple in Maharashtra famous as the “Golden Temple” due to its yellow turmeric spread. It offers a deeply spiritual experience. For religious activities like Puja, Jagran, or other rituals, you can contact Pandit Ulhas Barbhai at 9850740276. ( Jejuri Temple Contact Number )

Conclusion

The Khandoba Temple in Jejuri is more than just a place of worship; it is a significant part of Maharashtra’s spiritual and cultural heritage. From its golden spires to its vibrant festivals, the temple offers an unforgettable spiritual experience, attracting devotees and travelers alike to explore its deep-rooted traditions.

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