Jejuri Khandoba Temple is one of Maharashtra’s most famous pilgrimage sites, Khandoba Temple is located in the Jejuri Hills, Pune, Maharastra State. The temple has special significance for the newlyweds, following a ritual in which the wife is carried to the temple in the arms of the husband. The whole place is sprinkled with turmeric which is used to praise Lord Khandoba, a popular tribal deity. One of the oldest castes in India, the community of Dhangar revere this god very strongly.
Jejuri Khandoba temple is dedicated to Khandoba, also known as Mhalsakant or Malhari Martand or Mylaralinga or Martand Bhairava. Though there are many temples of Sri Khandoba, particularly in Maharashtra and Karnataka some parts of Telangana, this temple in Jejuri is considered the foremost of them all. Khandoba is regarded as the ‘God of Jejuri’ and is held in great reverence by the Dhangars. The temple was the site of a historic treaty between Tarabai and Balaji Bajirao on 14 September 1752.
There are two hilltop shrines in Jejuri: one is Kadepathar and the other is Gad-kot temple. Khandoba is the main deity of agriculture, the shepherd, the hunter, the tribe, the warrior, the lingayat and some Brahmin communities. Locals believe that Khandoba is an incarnation of Lord Shiva. It is a strong belief that Khandoba married women from different communities to indicate the equality of different castes and communities. Khandoba’s fourth wife would be a gardener, while his fifth wife was of the oil press caste.
Free Darshan for Infants and parents. Senior Citizen’s Darshan entry is from Gate 1. Temple Break Timing: 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm. The ticket can be purchased on arrival at the counter for the same day Darshan.
Shiva Temple Timings:
| Timings | Pooja/ Darshan |
|---|---|
| 5:00 AM | Temple opening hours |
| 5:00 AM to 6:30 AM | Bhupali and Aarti |
| 6:30 AM to 12:00 Noon | Darshan |
| 12:00 Noon to 12:30 PM | Afternoon Pooja and Aarti |
| 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM | Naivedya |
| 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM | Maha Prasad |
| 1:00 PM to 8:45 PM | Darshan |
| 9:00 PM | Shej Aarti |
| 9:00 PM | Temple closing Hours |
How to Reach Jejrui Temple:
By Air:
Pune International Airport, Lohegaon is the nearest airport and the temple is 52.8 km. Taxis are available from the airport.
By Rail:
Jejuri Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Khandoba Temple (3.2 km). Trains are also available from Pune and Mumbai to reach Jejuri. From Railway Station private taxis and autos are available.
By Road:
Jejuri is about 50 km from Pune. It is well connected with other parts of the state. Devotees can take government buses from Pune or hire private taxis to travel to Jejuri.
Khandoba Temple Address:
Jejuri,
Puna,
Maharashtra – 412303.
Phone: 096890 10000