Khandoba Temple Jejuri

Khandoba Temple Jejuri is a prominent Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Khandoba, an avatar of Shiva, located on a 758-meter hillock in Jejuri, Maharashtra. Built in Hemadpanthi architectural style, the temple resembles a fort and is accessed via approximately 200 steps lined with deep-stambhas. It is renowned for the Bhandara festival where devotees shower turmeric, creating a distinctive golden hue across the premises.

Visitors can expect a steep climb of nearly 200 steps flanked by stone arches and lamp pillars leading to a fort-like temple complex. The courtyard features a large brass-coated tortoise and shrines dedicated to Khandoba's consorts Mhalsa and Banai. Devotees frequently throw turmeric powder as an offering, resulting in yellow-covered pathways. The sanctum houses linga and idol representations of Khandoba. Portuguese church bells from the 18th century are also displayed within the temple.

Worship at Jejuri dates to the 12th-13th century; temple rebuilt during Peshwa era in 17th century. Chimaji Appa gifted Portuguese church bells in 1737-1739 after defeating Portuguese in Battle of Vasai. Site is a Maharashtra state government protected monument.

Khandoba is the Kuladevata (family deity) for many Maratha, Dhangar, Kunbi, and other farming and nomadic communities across Maharashtra and Deccan region. The Bhandara festival attracts up to six lakh devotees. Champa Shashthi and Somvati Amavasya are major religious occasions celebrated with processions and rituals.