Jejuri Temple

Introduction to the Jejuri Temple

Jejuri Temple is one of the most famous temples in Jejuri town, Pune, Maharashtra. It lies on top of a small hill. Devotees have to climb over 385 steps to reach the temple. The presiding deity of the Jejuri Temple is Khandoba, or Marthanda Bhairava, an incarnation of Shiva. The oldest tribal community, 'Dhangars,' worships Khandoba, their primary deity in Maharashtra.

Legend of the Jejuri Temple

The Jejuri Temple has an interesting legend. Two demon brothers named Mani and Malla performed severe penance to grab the attention of Brahma. Brahma was pleased and bestowed them with extraordinary powers. With the superpowers, both began terrorizing people. All the Devas begged Shiva to save the earth from havoc. Accepting their prayers and requests, Shiva descended to earth in the form of Khandoba. He slew one demon in the battle and pardoned the other after he swore to help the innocent people.

The Architecture of the Jejuri Temple

The Jejuri Temple was first built in 1608 AD. Maratha chief Ragho Mambaji had completed the construction of the hall and other parts in 1637 AD. The Holker rulers constructed other additions. Tukoji Holkar added the pillars in 1742 AD and completed the battlefields and the tank in 1770 AD.

Shepherds who had worshipped Khandoba as their family deity built staircases, lamps, cloisters, canopies, gateways, etc. People whose desires were fulfilled also added many structures that feature Maratha architecture. There are canopies and minarets around the temple’s corners. People can see an old Portuguese bell in the temple.

The Jejuri Temple features the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. It has a big Mandap. There is a huge statue of the presiding deity Khandoba with a big 'Khanda' (sword) in the sanctum sanctorum. Several stone images of elephants are on either side of the main gateway of the temple. The arched aisles cover the whole courtyard on all sides. The outer portion is an arched entrance consisting of a square Mandap. There are four giant lamp columns in front of the main temple. A brass-plated turtle 7m in diameter is used for some rituals. Devotees can see 150 Deep malas (stone light stands) on the way to the Jejuri Temple.

The weapons, including a sword, a damaru, and a paral inside the Jejuri Temple, have historical importance. Every year on Dussehra, the temple conducts a sword competition. There are two more temples in Jejuri dedicated to Khandoba – one is Gadkot temple, and another is Kade Pathar temple.

The Jejuri Temple priests worship Khandoba using Bilva leaves, turmeric, onion, and other vegetables. They also offer him a delicious brinjal and onion dish. A vegetarian meal is provided to Khandoba as Naivedya.

Festivals in the Jejuri Temple

Khandoba Shikar Khati Yatra is an important Yatra held in February. Jatra is an annual fair held in November in the Jejuri Temple. Over 40,000 people visit the temple to attend the grand festival.

Somvati Amavasya is another festival celebrated with pomp and show. People across the city participate in the palanquin procession from the Gadkot temple to the Karha River. Bhandara is an important ritual in which people throw yellow powder on the shrine. It attracts over five lakh people to the Jejuri Temple.

Benefits of Worshipping at Jejuri Temple

It is believed that Khandoba is a god of Sakamabhakti who fulfills all the desires of his devotees. Devotees believe that Khandoba can clear the sins of past births and give them a prosperous life.