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Maharashtra Khandoba Temple Jejuri
Location of Khandoba temple is in Jejuri, the historical spot where Chhatrapati Shivaji got opportunity to meet his father Shahji after a long interval. This temple is exactly located at 38 kilometers far from Pune. Due to the domination of religious faith of Khandoba, the entire place is called as “Khandobachi Jejuri”, which has a referral meaning of the place of Khandoba. This temple is one important pilgrim place in Maharashtra and the oldest tribe of the state “Dhangar” has idol of Lord Khandoba. The presiding deity of the temple is also considered as incarnation of Lord Shiva.
History
Khandoba was also known in public by the various names like Khanderao, Khanderaya, Mallhari Martand and Mallu Khan. Khandoba has various wives in his life. One of his wives was from Muslim family and this is the reason of being having the large numbers of Muslims devotees too. Worship of God king Khandoba was started at about 10th century AD. Worship started here in the form of a Linga but later portraits and idols of Lord Khandoba established in the temple properly. In various places he is displayed in the traditional form of a king riding on a horse with the waving sword. He has also killed the demons named Mani – Mall with his wife riding on one horse.
Architecture
Khandoba temple is double storied and well constructed within the high boundary wall. The temple is an example of mixed traditional Islamic architecture and Hindu temple construction methods. But in one sight, the temple looks like the replica of Taj Mahal of Agra. More than 12ft high boundary wall provides an antique look to the temple. Ground floor of the temple has three large arches with a wide verandah while first floor of the temple has main attraction of the building. On the first floor, the dome of the temple is surrounded with four Minarets and every minaret has carving on it. Two minarets adjoining the main dome are of high scale in comparison to other two minarets. A small boundary wall is supported well on the first floor as wide open space is for the devotees who meditate in the feet of Lord Khandoba. In front of the main temple another small dome is erected displaying the importance of Lord Shiva. Large and one of its kind, the huge candle stand is placed there. It is believed that before entering the temple, a little ray of light is must and Lord Khandoba bless that devotees who do so.
Festivals
In this temple a festival last for six days is celebrated and called as Marghashirsha. This festival is organised on the occasion of first lunar day. The main reason to organise this festival is the joy of killing the demon Mani- Malla. On the occasion of Somvati Amavasya, a Jatra festival is also organised at this temple. In this Jatra, the images of Lord Khandoba are taken away to the River Karha and their bath ceremony is performed and located back the idol in Khandoba temple. The Pali-Pember festival is one of the most famous festivals organised at this temple. On this occasion the marriage ceremony of God King Khandoba is performed with his consort Mhalsa every year.
How to Reach
This temple is accessible by all the means of transportation.
By Air
Pune is the nearest airport to reach this temple. From airport, taxies are available to reach at this temple.
By Rail
Pune is the nearest railway station located at 41 kilometers distance from the temple. All the major trains of Broad Gauge are well connected to this railway station.
By Road
Road connectivity is also good as taxies, and state transport buses are easily available from Pune as well as from other cities of the state. Geographical coordinates of this temple are between 18°16'20"N and 74°9'37"E.
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