:: JEJURI ::

Khandobachi Jejuri:
Jejuri is one of the famous temples in Maharashtra. Popularly known as ' Khandobachi Jejuri ' - it is one of the major Gods in Maharashtra. The God of Jejuri - Mhalsakant or Malhari Martand - is popular amongst the Dhangars. Dhangar is one of the oldest tribes in Maharashtra. Khandoba is known to be their god. Jejuri is to the South - East of Pune towards Phaltan. But the temples of Khandoba is situated on a small hill , so can be seen from the approaching road.

As the temple is on the hill, one has to climb almost 200 steps. But the climbing is not so tough and the wonderful view of Jejuri town is marvelous. One can easily see the view of Saswad and Dive Ghat if weather permits. One can enjoy number of ' Deep Mala ' ( Light Stands of Stones ) while climbing the hill. Jejuri is really popular for its old Deep Mala. The temple over the hill is pretty. Though a simple one, still looks beautiful. The temple can be divided into Mandap and Gabhara. The two bells and idols in the temple are good looking.

The idol of Khandoba in the temple is beautiful. Various weapons like Sword , Damaru and Paral are of historic remembrance. The competition of handling the sword on Dasera Day is very popular , as one has to lift the sword high for maximum time. The other idols of Khandoba , Mhalsa and Manimalla looks beautiful. Jejuri is historically an important place as Shivaji meet his father Shahaji here after a long period. The meeting is historically very important as both discussed the strategies against Mughals , here. At that period , Jejuri was one of the major hill forts in South region.

One must visit Jejuri to see the crystal stands. Jejuri is one of the important temples in Maharashtra with historical importance. ' Kandobacha Yelkot ',' Jay Malhar ' are some of the popular terms here. One can find many sculptures in and nearby the Jejuri temple.

Situated 48 kms away, Jejuri is known for its Khandoba deity and is considered a religious place by the Hindus. Large congregations attend the annual fair held here. There are eight Ganesh temples or `ashtavinayakas' in Maharashtra where the idol is Swayambhoo or self formed.
Five of these are in and around Pune Sri Moreshwar, Sri Chintamani, Sri Mahaganapati , Sri Wighnahar and Sri Girijatmak.

Khandoba, the deity at Jejuri is the fighter God of the Marathas. He is shown astride a horse and has a angry warlike look. This was reason enough for the Muslims to repeatedly destroy the temple. Even Aurangzeb attempted to destroy the temple a second time in 1690. He however was thwarted in this attempt when the Mughal soldiers while trying to attack the temple disturbed a nest of hornets. The hornets so harassed the besieging Mughal soldiers that Aurangzeb was forced to lift the siege and spare the temple.
The Bigoted but God-fearing Aurangzeb is said to have placated the angry bees by offering One Hundred and Twenty Five Thousand Silver Coins to the God Khandoba.

The Bigoted but God-fearing Aurangzeb is said to have placated the angry bees by offering One Hundred and Twenty Five Thousand Silver Coins to the God Khandoba.

Jejuri is one of the famous temples in Maharashtra. Popularly known as ' Khandobachi Jejuri ' - it is one of the major Gods in Maharashtra. The God of Jejuri - Mhalsakant or Malhari Martand - is popular amongst the Dhangars. Dhangar is one of the oldest tribes in Maharashtra. Khandoba is known to be their god. Jejuri is to the South - East of Pune towards Phaltan. But the temples of Khandoba is situated on a small hill , so can be seen from the approaching road.

As the temple is on the hill, one has to climb almost 200 steps. But the climbing is not so tough and the wonderful view of Jejuri town is marvelous. One can easily see the view of Saswad and Dive Ghat if weather permits. One can enjoy number of ' Deep Mala ' ( Light Stands of Stones ) while climbing the hill. Jejuri is really popular for its old Deep Mala. The temple over the hill is pretty. Though a simple one, still looks beautiful. The temple can be divided into Mandap and Gabhara. The two bells and idols in the temple are good looking.

The idol of Khandoba in the temple is beautiful. Various weapons like Sword , Damaru and Paral are of historic remembrance. The competition of handling the sword on Dasera Day is very popular , as one has to lift the sword high for maximum time. The other idols of Khandoba , Mhalsa and Manimalla looks beautiful. Jejuri is historically an important place as Shivaji meet his father Shahaji here after a long period. The meeting is historically very important as both discussed the strategies against Mughals , here. At that period , Jejuri was one of the major hill forts in South region. One must visit Jejuri to see the crystal stands. Jejuri is one of the important temples in Maharashtra with historical importance. ' Kandobacha Yelkot '..' Jay Malhar ' are some of the popular terms here. One can find many sculptures in and nearby the Jejuri temple.