Jejuri Khandoba Temple Pune Blog History Turmeric Devotion Travel & Trek Guide
Prabhuling jiroli
The Jejuri Khandoba Temple, perched atop a hill in Jejuri town near Pune, is one of the most sacred temples dedicated to Lord Khandoba, a form of Shiva worshipped across Maharashtra and Karnataka. Famous for its vibrant turmeric celebrations, Jejuri is also known as Sonyachi Jejuri (Golden Jejuri).
🏛️ Historical Significance of Jejuri Temple
✨ Early to Medieval Period
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The temple is believed to be built around the 13th century.
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Khandoba is considered the kuldevata (family deity) of many Maharashtrian and Kannada communities.
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The legend of Lord Khandoba defeating demons Malla and Mani on this very hill forms the spiritual core of Jejuri.
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Over time, the Yadava kings and Maratha rulers supported the temple’s expansion and ritualistic tradition.
🙏 Religious & Cultural Significance
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Lord Khandoba is seen as a fusion of Shiva and local deities – a warrior god riding a horse, wielding a sword.
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Known for its Bhandara Festival, where turmeric is showered like gold – a unique expression of devotion.
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Attracts farmers, warriors, and devotees seeking strength, fertility, and protection.
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Symbolizes unity of Shaiva and folk worship traditions.
🚗 How to Reach Jejuri Khandoba Temple
| Mode | Details |
|---|---|
| By Road | From Pune (50 km) or Satara (125 km) via Pune-Solapur Highway. Buses and cabs easily available. |
| By Train | Nearest station: Jejuri Railway Station (3 km from base). |
| By Air | Nearest airport: Pune International Airport (55 km). |
🥾 Trekking & Temple Access
| Route | Distance | Difficulty | Description |
| Jejuri Base to Temple | ~300–400 steps | Easy–Moderate | Stone steps with railings, surrounded by vendor stalls and views |
🧘 Elderly or specially-abled visitors can opt for palanquins or doli services available near the entrance.
🧭 Temple Visit & Darshan Timings
| Session | Timings |
| Daily Darshan | 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Aarti Timings | 5:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 8:30 PM |
| Special Days | Sundays, Somvati Amavasya, Champa Shashti |
📸 Temple Highlights
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Massive stone entrance known as Chandoba Darwaza
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Ancient deepmalas (lamp pillars) and sculpted walls
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Idol of Khandoba with horse, sword, and consorts Mhalsa and Banai
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The entire complex glows yellow with turmeric during festivals
🌄 Why You Must Visit Jejuri Temple
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🌕 Experience the iconic turmeric showers – “Sonyachi Jejuri”
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🗡️ Seek warrior blessings from Lord Khandoba
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🧭 Climb the scenic stone steps for panoramic views
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🌼 Immerse in Maharashtra’s vibrant folk-Shiva traditions
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📿 Perfect pilgrimage near Pune for spiritual and cultural richness
⛅ Best Time to Visit
| Season | Experience |
| October–March | Cool weather, ideal for climbing and darshan |
| Champa Shashti / Somvati | Grand celebrations with massive Bhandara crowd |
| Summer | Avoid afternoon heat – plan early morning visits |
🧳 What to Carry
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Yellow clothes or scarf (symbolic for Jejuri)
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Turmeric packets for offering
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Comfortable footwear (must be removed at entrance)
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Water bottle and sun hat if visiting mid-day
✅ Do’s and ❌ Don’ts
✅ Do:
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Apply turmeric on self and friends – part of ritual
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Visit early morning for peaceful darshan and fewer crowds
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Capture views and temple complex from top platforms
❌ Don’t:
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Don’t disrespect traditions – be mindful of turmeric rituals
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Don’t litter the steps or temple surroundings
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Don’t use drone cameras without permission
Nearby Attractions
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🛕 Kadepathar Temple – Alternate Khandoba shrine nearby
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📜 Shree Renuka Mata Temple – Historic goddess temple
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🌳 Balaji Mandir, Narayanpur – Scenic drive from Jejuri
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🌄 Saswad Ghat – Beautiful hilly pass en route to Pune
📅 Quick Info Table
| Detail | Info |
| Location | Jejuri, Pune district, Maharashtra |
| Deity | Lord Khandoba (Martial form of Shiva) |
| Best Season | October to March |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Trek Route | ~350 steps from base with handrails |
| Nearest Airport | Pune International Airport (55 km) |
📸 Final Thoughts
The Jejuri Khandoba Temple is not just a sacred site but a celebration of color, courage, and cultural unity. Every visit here is steeped in devotion, turmeric, and divine blessings.
🚀 Visit Jejuri – where Khandoba rides high and turmeric rains from heaven!