Khandoba Temple

Introduction to the Khandoba Temple

Jejuri is one of the popular pilgrim spots in Maharashtra. The Khandoba Temple is famous in Jejuri and is dedicated to Lord Khandoba, an incarnation of Shiva. The temple lies at an elevation of 718 meters.

Khandoba

Khandoba, also known as Khandobachi Jejuri, Khanderav, Malhari-Mart, Khanderay, and Malhar, is one of the important deities worshipped by the oldest tribal community, Dhangar, in Maharashtra. Khandoba is the Kuladevata (tutelary deity) of many people of Maharashtra.

Legend of the Khandoba Temple

According to legend, two demons, Mani and Malla, were troubling the sages and causing chaos on Earth. When Vishnu and Indra could not help, they went to Shiva. Shiva took the form of Khandoba, mounted Nandi, and led his army in the fight against the demons.

Khandoba had a third eye, a semi-circular moon on his forehead, and a turmeric-covered body in this incarnation. He eventually defeated the demons after a fierce battle. The demon Mani begged for forgiveness and offered Shiva his white horse. He requested to be present in every Khandoba Temple and to be served goat flesh.

Khandoba granted his wish. However, the enraged Khandoba decapitated Malla's head, which fell on the steps of the Khandoba Temple, and devotees trampled it.

The Architecture of the Khandoba Temple

The Khandoba Temple was constructed in 1608 AD. Ragho Mambaji, a Maratha chieftain, built the central Mandapam and other structures in 1637 AD. The Holkar kings constructed the outer chambers and other areas. Tukoji Holkar assisted in completing the tank and battlefield in 1770 AD.

The Khandoba Temple is built on a hill. Visitors climb over 300 steps to reach the sanctum. On the way to the hilltop are many small shrines and Deepa Sthambams. Several stone images of elephants are on either side of the main gateway of the temple.

The Khandoba Temple displays the Hemadpanthi architectural style. It has a square hall with decorative pillars, two huge Deepa Sthambams, and an inner sanctum. A Shiva Lingam and three pairs of images of Lord Khandoba and his first wife, Mhalsa, grace the sanctum. There is one more statue of Khandoba mounted on a horse in warrior form. Three weapons are housed in the Khandoba Temple: a sword, a damaru, and a Paral. They are exquisite and also have historical importance. A brass-coated tortoise with a 6.1-meter diameter is installed in the courtyard. The temple has had some influence on Mughal architecture as well.

The Khandoba Temple conducts a sword competition every year on the occasion of Dussehra. The temple declares the one who lifts the sword the highest for the maximum time as the winner. This is a Maharashtra state-protected site.

Offerings to Khandoba

The Khandoba Temple priests worship Khandoba using Indian Bael leaves, turmeric, onion, and other vegetables. They also offer a delicious onion and brinjal dish. As Naivedya, Khandoba is served a vegetarian meal, although his followers regard him as a non-vegetarian. Devotees occasionally sacrifice a goat outside the temple.

Festivals in the Khandoba Temple

The Khandoba Temple is well-known for its Bhandara festival, which attracts over five lakh worshippers. The Bhandara festival, also known as Sonyachi Jejuri or Golden Jejuri, is held three times a year. During this occasion, devotees throw yellow powder on the temple, which is an important ritual.

An annual fair or Jatra is conducted every November in the Khandoba Temple. It attracts over 40,000 worshippers from Pune and surrounding areas.

The Khandoba Temple holds a six-day celebration in Margashirsha month (November – December) to memorialize Khandoba.