About Khandoba Temple, Jejuri
The Khandoba Temple crowns a hill above Jejuri town in Purandar taluka of Pune district, about 50 km south-east of Pune. Khandoba, also called Malhari Martand, Khanderaya and Malhar, is regarded as a form of Lord Shiva and is the family deity of a great many Maharashtrian households, from farmers and shepherds to warrior clans. The sanctum holds a linga and images of Khandoba with his first wife Mhalsa, while his second wife Banai has her own shrine on the path. Because devotees throw handfuls of turmeric as an offering, the steps and courtyard glow yellow, and the town is known as Sonyachi Jejuri.
According to legend, the demon brothers Mani and Malla gained great power from a boon of Brahma and began to torment people. Shiva took the form of Khandoba and fought them, killing one and forgiving the other, who promised to serve the people. Worship of Khandoba at Jejuri goes back to the 12th–13th century. The temple was rebuilt in the Maratha period under the Holkars and Peshwas. After the Battle of Vasai in 1739, Chimaji Appa, brother of Peshwa Bajirao I, presented one of the captured Portuguese church bells to the temple, where it still hangs.
Pilgrims climb about 200 steps up the hillside, passing under a series of arches and beside hundreds of stone lamp pillars, called deepmalas or deep-stambhas, which are lit on festival nights. The steps divide partway up and join again higher up. At the top the temple stands inside an eight-sided, fort-like wall, built in the Hemadpanthi style with an outer hall and an inner sanctum. In the courtyard lies a large brass-plated tortoise, and the ramparts give wide views over the plateau. Offerings of turmeric, bel leaves and simple food are made to the deity.
Khandoba Temple, Jejuri timings & aarti
Usually open from about 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning aarti | Early morning (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | At sunset |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Khandoba Temple, Jejuri
By air
Pune airport is the nearest airport, about 55 km away.
By train
Jejuri station is about 4 km from the temple; Pune Junction is about 50 km away.
By road
Jejuri is about 50 km from Pune by road via Saswad, with frequent state transport buses and taxis.
Festivals at Khandoba Temple, Jejuri
- Somvati Amavasya (Bhandara)On Monday new moons
- Champa ShashthiNov/Dec
- Chaitra PurnimaMar/Apr
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing is recommended; expect to be dusted with turmeric on festival days.
- Entry
- Free.
- Start the climb early in the morning, before the heat.
- Wear clothes you do not mind getting stained with turmeric, especially on festival days.
- Somvati Amavasya draws enormous crowds; plan travel and parking in advance.
- Stop at the Banai shrine on the way down.
Places to visit near Khandoba Temple, Jejuri
- Banai TempleShrine of Khandoba's second wife, on the path down the hill
- Morgaon Mayureshwar TempleFirst of the Ashtavinayak Ganesha temples, about 20 km away
- PuneMajor city, about 50 km away
Frequently asked questions
How many steps are there at Jejuri?
Pilgrims climb about 200 steps, lined with arches and lamp pillars, to reach the temple.
Why is Jejuri called golden Jejuri?
Devotees shower turmeric (bhandar) as an offering, turning the steps and temple yellow, so the town is called Sonyachi Jejuri.
What are the Jejuri temple timings?
It is usually open from about 5 AM to 9 PM. Times may vary; check locally.
How far is Jejuri from Pune?
About 50 km south-east of Pune, reachable by road or by train to Jejuri station.
Who is Khandoba?
A form of Shiva, worshipped as Malhari Martand, and the family deity of many Maharashtrian households.
What is the aarti time at Khandoba Temple, Jejuri?
Morning aarti: Early morning (approx.); Evening aarti: At sunset. Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Khandoba Temple, Jejuri?
Modest traditional clothing is recommended; expect to be dusted with turmeric on festival days.
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