The short answer
Banai and Hegadi Pradhan Shrines: what visitors should know first
A short, worthwhile stop if you are already on the steps. They take minutes, add useful context to Khandoba's story and give you a legitimate excuse to rest. They are not a reason to climb by themselves.
History and context
The story behind Banai and Hegadi Pradhan Shrines
Wikipedia describes the path splitting about a third of the way up and rejoining about 50 feet higher, with the ascending branch leading to Hegadi Pradhan's shrine and the descending branch to Banai's temple. No firm dates for these shrines could be verified.
Useful facts
Banai and Hegadi Pradhan Shrines facts at a glance
- Location
- Along the steps, Jejuri Gad
- Faith
- Hindu
- Deity/dedication
- Hegadi Pradhan; Banai
- Visitor note
- Quick stops on the climb
- Built
- Date not verified
Why it matters
Why Banai and Hegadi Pradhan Shrines is worth your time
Khandoba has several wives in tradition. Banai represents the Dhangar shepherd community, and Mhalsa represents the Lingayat Vanya community. Banai's shrine on the hill reminds you that the temple is shared by communities of different backgrounds.
Hegadi Pradhan, the minister, reflects the idea of the deity as a ruler with a court. These small shrines turn a single temple into a household and give pilgrims several places to pay respects on the way up.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The path split
The steps divide and rejoin higher up.
- 02
Hegadi Pradhan
The minister of Khandoba's court.
- 03
Banai
Khandoba's second wife, linked to the Dhangar community.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
About a third of the way up the steps, the path divides and rejoins roughly 15 metres higher. The ascending branch leads to the shrine of Hegadi Pradhan, Khandoba's minister. The descending branch leads to the temple of Banai, his second wife.
Take whichever branch is quieter. Offerings are small, usually flowers or turmeric, and you can stand briefly, bow and move on. Notice how the shrines are part of the same hill, treated as members of Khandoba's household.
Then continue to the main temple, or use the split as a rest point if the day is warm. A bottle of water and a short pause are worth more than speed.
Plan with confidence
Visit as a guest, not a spectator.
- Climb early to avoid crowds
- Remove shoes where requested
- Offer small items only
- Keep to the side of the queue
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- On the path up to Jejuri Gad
- Time needed
- 10 to 20 minutes
- Best time
- Early morning, with the climb
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- The shrines sit on the climb, so the effort is the steps themselves. The split in the path is a good place to rest. Space is tight and can be crowded on festival days.
- Tickets and access
- No separate ticket is usually needed. Remove shoes, dress modestly and follow the queue. Check current rules locally.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Banai and Hegadi Pradhan Shrines
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The shrines sit on the climb, so the effort is the steps themselves. The split in the path is a good place to rest. Space is tight and can be crowded on festival days.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Do I need a ticket?
Not usually, but check locally.
Can I skip them?
Yes; they are optional stops.
Who is Banai?
Khandoba's second wife, associated with the Dhangar shepherds.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
