Khandoba Temple, Jejuri

Last updated
Khandoba Temple
Khandoba temple Pune.jpg
Khandoba Mandir of Jejuri
Religion
Affiliation Hinduism
District Pune पुणे
Deity Khandoba खण्डोबा
Festivals
  • Chaitra purnima
  • Champashti cha utsav [1]
Ecclesiastical or organisational status Active
Governing bodyShree Martand Dev Sansthan Temple Trust, Jejuri [2]
Location
LocationJejuri, Purandar taluka, Pune district, Maharashtra, India
StateMaharashtra महाराष्ट्र
CountryIndia भारत्
India Maharashtra relief map.svg
Om symbol.svg
Khandoba Mandir in Maharashtra
India relief location map.jpg
Om symbol.svg
Khandoba Temple, Jejuri (India)
Geographic coordinates 18°16′20″N74°09′37″E / 18.27222°N 74.16028°E / 18.27222; 74.16028
Architecture
Style Hemadpanthi [3]
FounderUnknown
Specifications
Temple(s)3
Monument(s)One
Materials Stone and limestone
Elevation798 m (2,618 ft)
Website
Khandoba.com

The Khandoba Temple of Jejuri is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Khandoba, located on a hill in the town of Jejuri, Maharashtra, India. [4] [5] It is one of the most prominent Hindu pilgrimage centres of Maharashtra.

Contents

Jejuri's Khandoba is a Kuladaivata of many farming families, Brahmins and nomadic Dhangar tribe of the Maharashtra and Deccan region. [6]

According to legends and folklore, Khandoba was a human Avatar of Bhagawan Shiva; he used to live and rule the region from Jejuri-gad (transl. Jejuri fort), where the Mandir is now present. The Mandir is also known as Jejuri-gad. Khandoba killed the demon brothers Mani and Malla, when they harassed people. [7] [5]

History

The worship of Khandoba began in the 12th to 13th century. It was built by Yadavas in 12th century. The Khandoba temple was rebuilt during the reign of the Peshwas. [8]

In 1737–1739, Chimaji Appa, brother of Peshwa Baji Rao I, gifted Portuguese church bells from Vasai to the temple. He and his Maratha soldiers took the bells from Portuguese churches as conquest memorabilia, after defeating them in the Battle of Vasai (1737). [9]

Deity

The central deity Khandoba, also known as Khanderav, Khanderay, Malhari-Martand and Malhar, is one of the most popular deities of Maharashtra. [10] [11] [12] Khandoba is regarded as an avatar of the God Shiva. [6]

Khandoba is the Kuladevata (ancestral tutelary deity) of many people of Maharashtra. [13] The Kunbi-Marathas casts', Dhangar tribe, herdsmen, nomadic folks of Maharashtra worship Jejuri's Khandoba. [14]

Legends

According to legend, two rakshasa brothers, Mani and Malla, pleased the god Brahma with their austerities. By Brahma's boon, they became very powerful and started destruction on Earth, harassing people. This led the God Shiva to arrive on earth in the avatar of Khandoba to destroy Mani and Malla. In a fierce battle, Khandoba killed one demon, and forgave the other when he promised to serve the common people. [3] [11]

Jejuri village in foreground and Khandoba mandir on the hill in background at Jejuri, somewhere between 1855 and 1862 Temple of Kundoba Jajoori. (12488284523).jpg
Jejuri village in foreground and Khandoba mandir on the hill in background at Jejuri, somewhere between 1855 and 1862

Architecture

The temple is on a hill at an elevation of 718 m (2,356 ft).[ citation needed ] The temple can be approached by three flights of steps from the east, the west, and the north. The northern steps lead to the main entrance of the temple. [15] The temple is accessed by climbing nearly 200 steps.[ citation needed ] The steps have around 18 arches, 350 Deep-stambha (lamp-pillars) and several shrines bordering them. [15] Around a third of the way up, the steps split and rejoin 50 feet (15 m) higher. On one pathway going up, the pilgrims visit the shrine of Khandoba's minister, Hegadi Pradhan. The other pathway used by devotees going down, has the temple of Banai, Khandoba's second wife. [15]

This temple looks like a hill fort, and is known as Jejuri gad (transl. Jejuri fort). [6] The eight-sided, 350 yards (320 m) long fort boundary encloses a cloister courtyard, with the main temple shrine at the center. [15]

In the courtyard is a brass-coated tortoise, 20 feet (6.1 m) in diameter. [15]

The temple is built in Hemadpanthi architecture style,[ citation needed ] consisting of an outer square hall and an inner sanctum. The sanctum includes a linga (symbol of Shiva) and three pairs of images of Khandoba with his first wife Mhalsa. [15]

The temple also has a murti of Khandoba mounted on a horse in warrior form. [16] Khandoba is worshipped with turmeric, belfruit leaves, and by offering naivedhya made from onions and other vegetables. [14] The devotees offer flowers and turmeric to the deity. [3] Devotees throw turmeric in the air as an offering to the god, and as a result the steps of the hill temple and premises have a yellow hue. [17]

It is 50 km (31 mi) from Pune. [18]

The temple is a Maharashtra state government protected site. [8]

Side view of this temple Jejuri gadkot.jpg
Side view of this temple
Deepstambha at Khandoba Mandir, Jejuri Deepstambha jejuri.jpg
Deepstambha at Khandoba Mandir, Jejuri

Literature

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bhimashankar Temple</span> Jyotirlinga in Maharashtra

The BhimashankarMandir is a Shiva mandir situated in its eponymous village, Bhimashankar, in Pune district of Maharashtra. It is a key pilgrimage centre and one of the 12 Jyotirlinga in the world. The temple's Shiva lingam is one of the three Jyotirlinga of Maharashtra. The mandir is situated on a mountain. It is 110 kilometers away from Pune. The temple's vicinity has rare plant and animal species. The mandir is located in Khed taluka, in the Bhimashankar forest range.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ashtavinayaka</span> Pilgrimage to eight Hindu temples in Maharashtra, India

Ashtavinayaka is a Sanskrit term which means "eight Ganeshas". The Ashtavinayaka Yatra refers to a pilgrimage to the eight Hindu temples in the state of Maharashtra, India, centered around the city of Pune. The eight temples house eight distinct idols of Ganesha, the Hindu deity of unity, prosperity, learning, and removing obstacles. Each of these temples has its own individual legend and history, as distinct from each other as the murtis in each temple. The form of each murti of Ganesha and his trunk are distinct from one another. There are other temples of eight Ganesha in various other parts of Maharashtra; however, the ones around Pune are more well known and visited. To complete the Ashtavinayaka Yatra, one must revisit the first temple after visiting all the eight temples.

The Dhangars are a herding caste of people found in the Indian states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. They are referred as Gadariya in Uttar Pradesh, Kuruba & Hattikara in Karnataka, Gavli in southern Maharashtra, Goa and northern Karnataka, Golla in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka and Ahir in northern Maharashtra. Some Gavlis live in forested hill tracts of India's Western Ghats. Gavli, also known as Dange or Mhaske, and Ahir are a sub-caste of Dhangar. However, there are many distinct Gavli castes in Maharashtra and Dhangar Gavli is one of them.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Battle of Vasai</span> 1739 conflict between the Portuguese and Maratha Empires in India

The Battle of Vasai or the Battle of Bassein was fought between the Marathas and the Portuguese rulers of Vasai, a town near Mumbai (Bombay) in the Konkan region of the present-day state of Maharashtra, India. The Marathas were led by Chimaji Appa, a brother of Peshwa Baji Rao I.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Varadvinayak</span> One of the Ashtavinayak temples of the Hindu deity Ganesha.

Varadvinayak, also spelt as Varadavinayaka, is one of the Ashtavinayak temples of the Hindu deity Ganesha. It is located in Mhad village situated in Khalapur taluka near Karjat and Khopoli of Raigad District, Maharashtra, India. The temple was built (restored) by Peshwa General Ramji Mahadev Biwalkar in 1725AD.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Khandoba</span> Hindu god

Khandoba, also known as Martanda Bhairava,, Malhari and Malhar, is a Hindu deity worshiped as a manifestation of Shiva mainly in the Deccan plateau of India, especially in the state of Maharashtra and North Karnataka. He is the most popular Kuladevata in Maharashtra. He is also the patron deity of some warrior, farming castes, 96 kulin kshatriya marathas,shepherd community and Brahmin (priestly) castes as well as several of the hunter/gatherer tribes that are native to the hills and forests of this region. The sect of Khandoba has linkages with Hindu and Jain traditions, and also assimilates all communities irrespective of caste, including Muslims. The character of Khandoba developed during the 9th and 10th centuries from a folk deity into a composite god possessing the attributes of Shiva, Bhairava, Surya and Kartikeya (Skanda). He is depicted either in the form of a linga, or as an image of a warrior riding on a bull or a horse. The foremost centre of Khandoba worship is the temple of Jejuri in Maharashtra. The legends of Khandoba, found in the text Malhari Mahatmya and also narrated in folk songs, revolve around his victory over demons Mani-malla and his marriages.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vithoba</span> Hindu god considered as a manifestation of Vishnu

Vithoba, also known as Vitthala, and Panduranga, is a Hindu god predominantly worshipped in the Indian state of Maharashtra and Karnataka. He is a form of the god Vishnu. Vithoba is often depicted as a dark young boy, standing arms akimbo on a brick, sometimes accompanied by his consort Rakhumai.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jejuri</span> Town of Pune district in Maharashtra, India

Jejuri is a city and a municipal council in the Pune district of Maharashtra, India. Khandoba Mandir is an important Hindu temple to the Hindu Lord Khandoba, one of the most visited tirtha in Maharashtra.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Saptashrungi</span> Pilgrimage site in India

Saptashrungi or Saptashringi is a site of Hindu pilgrimage situated 60 kilometres (37 mi) from Nashik in Indian state of Maharashtra. According to Hindu traditions, the goddess Saptashrungi Nivasini dwells within the seven mountain peaks. It is located in Nanduri, Kalwan taluka, a small village near Nashik in India. The Marathas and some Hindu tribes worship the goddess from a long time and some worship as their kuldaivat. There are 510 steps to climb the gad. Devotees visit this place in large numbers every day. The temple is also known popularly as one of the "three and half Shakti Peethas" of Maharashtra. The temple is also one among the 51 Shakti Peethas located on the Indian subcontinent and is a location where one of Sati's limbs, her right arm is reported to have fallen. Its half shaktipeeth among three and half shaktipeeth of Maharashtra.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mhalsa</span> Hindu goddess

Mhalsa, also spelled as Mhalasa or Mahalasa, is a Hindu goddess. Mhalsa is worshipped as the consort of the folk god Khandoba, a form of the god Shiva. In this tradition, she is associated with Parvati, Shiva's wife.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tourism in Maharashtra</span>

Maharashtra attracts tourists from other Indian states and foreign countries. It was the second most visited Indian state by foreigners and fifth most visited state by domestic tourists in the country in 2021. Aurangabad is the tourism capital of Maharashtra.

Dhamankhel धामणखेल is a village situated at about 3 km from Junnar city of Pune district. There is a famous Dhamankhel kulaswami धामणखेल khandoba mandir at dhamankhel village धामणखेल. It is family deity of all village families in this village.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ganesha Temple, Morgaon</span> Hindu temple dedicated to Ganesha in Morgaon, India

Shri Mayureshwar Mandir or Shri Moreshwar Temple is a Hindu temple (mandir) dedicated to Ganesha, god of wisdom. It is located in Moragaon in Pune District, about 65 km away from Pune city in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The temple is the starting and ending point of a pilgrimage of eight revered Ganesha temples called Ashtavinayaka.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chintamani Temple, Theur</span> One of the Ashtavinayak temples of the Hindu deity Ganesha

The Chintamani Temple of Theur is a Hindu temple dedicated to Supreme God Ganesha according to Ganapatya Sect located 25 km (16 mi) from Pune, the temple is "one of the larger and more famous" of the Ashtavinayaka, the eight revered shrines of Ganesha in the Indian state of Maharashtra.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mailar Mallanna Temple</span> Hindu temple in Karnataka, India

Sri Shiva Mailar Mallanna Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Khandoba. It is situated on the Bidar-Udgir Road, 15 km from Bidar, Karnataka, India. Said temple is located within the Vijayanagara ["city of victory"] empire; which is now South India. Some of the languages spoken during this time were Kannada, Telugu, and Tamil.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Banai (goddess)</span> Hindu goddess

Banai, also known as Banu and Banu-bai, is a Hindu goddess and the second wife of Khandoba, a form of the god Shiva worshipped in the Deccan – predominantly in the Indian states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. Khandoba is portrayed as a king of Jejuri, where his chief temple stands. Some traditions do not give her the status of a legal wife and treat her as a concubine of Khandoba.

<i>Jai Malhar</i> Indian Mythological TV series

Jai Malhar is an Indian Marathi language mythological TV series which aired on Zee Marathi. It is based on the legend of the Hindu god Khandoba, an avatar (incarnation) of Shiva. It premiered from 18 May 2014 by replacing Tu Tithe Me. It starred Devdatta Nage, Surabhi Hande and Isha Keskar in lead roles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moti Dungri</span> Hindu temple in Rajasthan, India

Moti Dungri is a Hindu temple complex dedicated to Lord Ganesha in Jaipur, Rajasthan. It was built in 1761 under supervision of Seth Jai Ram Paliwal. The temple is a popular tourist attraction in the city and is located next to the Birla Temple.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hinduism in Maharashtra</span>

Hindus form 79.83% of the state's total population as per 2011 census. Hindus form the majority in all the districts of the state.The religion plays an important role in the lives of the Maharashtrian people in their day-to-day life. Vitthoba, along with other incarnations of Vishnu such as Rama and Krishna, Hanuman, Dattatreya, and Shaiva deities such as Shiva, Parvati, and Ganesha, are popular with Hindus of Maharashtra. The Varkari tradition holds a strong grip on the local Hindus of Maharashtra. The public Ganesha festival started by Bal Gangadhar Tilak in the late 19th century is very popular. Marathi Hindus also revere Bhakti saints associated with varkari sects such as Dnyaneshwar, Savata Mali, Tukaram, Namdev, Janabai, and Chokhamela. Many religious figures from 19th and 20th century are revered. They include Swami Samarth, Gajanan Maharaj, Sai baba of Shirdi, Tukdoji Maharaj, Gondavalekar Maharaj, and Gadge Maharaj.

References

  1. ↑ "सदानंदाचा उदो उदो.. लाखो गरीबांचा कैवारी खंडेराया का झाला एवढा लोकप्रिय? चंपाषष्ठीच्या निमित्ताने वाचा Special Report g". TV9 Marathi. December 9, 2021.
  2. ↑ "New trustees appointed for Jejuri temple". punemirror.com. December 16, 2017.
  3. 1 2 3 "खंडोबा मंदिर का रहस्य, प्रचलित हैं कई हैरान करने वाली कहानियां". Amar Ujala (in Hindi).
  4. ↑ Swami, V.N. (2020). Jilha Madhyawarti sahakari Bank online pariksha margadarshak[District middle co-op bank online examination guide] (in Marathi). Latur: Vidyabharti Publication.
  5. 1 2 "येळकोट येळकोट जय मल्हार! जेजुरी गडावर दररोज २० हजार भाविकांना मिळणार दर्शन". Lokmat. 2021-10-06. Retrieved 2022-01-12.
  6. 1 2 3 Devdutt Pattanaik (January 8, 2017). "Pilgrim nation: Jejuri: Shower of Turmeric". Mumbai Mirror. Retrieved 2022-01-13.
  7. ↑ "... Temple in Jejuri..." Bhaskar.[ permanent dead link ]
  8. 1 2 "DNA SPECIAL: Centuries-old temples withered by vagaries of time to get new lease of life". DNA India. Retrieved 2022-01-14.
  9. ↑ "Why bells from Portuguese-era churches ring in temples across Maharashtra". Hindustan Times. 2018-12-22. Retrieved 2022-01-13.
  10. ↑ "Touch of Turmeric". TheWeek. 2018-08-06. Archived from the original on 2022-05-27. Retrieved 2022-02-22.
  11. 1 2 "Champa Shashti today: All you need to know about this significant day". www.timesnownews.com. Retrieved 2022-01-12.
  12. ↑ "Jejuri Temple | Film Facilitation Office". ffo.gov.in. Retrieved 2022-01-13.
  13. ↑ "जेजुरी गडावर खंडोबाच्या दर्शनासाठी भाविकांची अलोट गर्दी; नियम व अटी बंधनकारक". Maharashtra Times (in Marathi). Retrieved 2022-01-12.
  14. 1 2 "Bhandara Festival: The Great Turmeric Festival Of Maharashtra You Must Know About". NDTV.com. Retrieved 2022-01-13.
  15. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Jejuri". Maharashtra Gazetteer. 2006 [1885].
  16. ↑ "यहां श्रद्धालु अपनी दांतों से उठाते हैं 42 किलो की तलवार, जानें मंदिर से जुड़ी 10 अनोखी बातें: Khandoba Temple in Pune is a boon for infertile parents". Patrika News (in Hindi). 2019-10-12. Retrieved 2022-01-13.
  17. ↑ Bhasin, Shivani (2017-09-02). "Yellow is the colour of inclusion". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 2022-01-12.
  18. ↑ "The Other India". The Indian Express. 2012-10-29. Retrieved 2022-01-12.
  19. ↑ Ramakrishnan, E. V. (1997). "Jejuri". In George, K. M. (ed.). Masterpieces of Indian Literature. Vol. 1. New Delhi: National Book Trust. pp. 228–230. ISBN   81-237-1978-7.
  20. ↑ "Know the temple town of Jejuri during the reign of Peshwas". Hindustan Times. 2019-12-28. Retrieved 2022-01-16.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.