The short answer
Khandoba Temple (Jejuri Gad): what visitors should know first
Yes, if you can manage the climb and go early. The temple is the whole point of Jejuri, and a weekday morning gives you the courtyard, the sanctum and the views without the festival crowds. Pace the steps, carry water and check current darshan arrangements before you travel.
History and context
The story behind Khandoba Temple (Jejuri Gad)
Worship of Khandoba is said to have begun in the twelfth to thirteenth century. The present complex, in the Hemadpanthi style, was expanded under Maratha and Peshwa patronage between the twelfth and eighteenth centuries. Accounts of who built or rebuilt which part vary, so treat any single date with caution.
A legend tells of the demon brothers Mani and Malla, whom Khandoba confronted; he is said to have ruled from Jejuri Gad. In 1752, a treaty between Tarabai and Balaji Bajirao was signed at the temple. The temple is run by the Shree Martand Dev Sansthan trust.
Useful facts
Khandoba Temple (Jejuri Gad) facts at a glance
- Location
- Jejuri Gad, Jejuri, Pune district
- Faith
- Hindu
- Deity/dedication
- Khandoba (Malhari Martand), a form of Shiva
- Visitor note
- Nearly 200 steps; shoes off; crowded on festival days
- Built
- Worship from the 12th-13th century; complex expanded to the 18th
- Run by
- Shree Martand Dev Sansthan Temple Trust
Why it matters
Why Khandoba Temple (Jejuri Gad) is worth your time
Khandoba, also called Malhari Martand, is a form of Shiva worshipped mainly in the Deccan, and the family deity of a very large number of Maharashtrian households. Marathas, Dhangars, farmers and others come to Jejuri to offer turmeric, bel leaves and puran poli, and to fulfil vows. The Jejuri shrine is regarded as the foremost of the deity's centres.
The temple also matters as a piece of Maharashtra's story. Khandoba became the clan deity of the Maratha empire by the eighteenth century, and the temple carries traces of that period, including a church bell taken after the Battle of Vasai and given by Chimaji Appa. Seeing it helps you understand why a small town in Pune district holds such a place in the state's devotional life.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The climb and arches
The northern steps pass arches and rows of lamp pillars, with landings for rest.
- 02
The courtyard
The fort-like wall encloses a courtyard with a large brass-covered tortoise and a Peshwa-period church bell.
- 03
The sanctum
A linga and images of Khandoba on horseback, covered in turmeric.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Begin at the foot of the hill, buy a small offering of turmeric, flowers or bel leaves if you wish, and climb by the northern steps, which lead to the main entrance. Pause at the arches and at the wide landings. Looking back as you rise, the plain around Jejuri opens out, and on clear days you can see towards Saswad. Take the climb in stages and do not race.
The temple is arranged like a hill fort, with an eight-sided wall around a courtyard and the main shrine in the centre. In the courtyard you will see a large brass-covered tortoise, and a church bell given to the temple in the Peshwa period. Inside, the sanctum holds a linga and images of Khandoba, a warrior on a horse, smeared with turmeric. Observe what others do, move with the queue and keep your voice low.
Give the descent as much attention as the climb. The steps are worn and may be slippery with turmeric or rain. If you can, descend by a different flight, and finish with tea or lunch in town, then rest before the drive back. For a deeper look at the festival side, read about Bhandara and the Somvati procession before you choose your date.
Plan with confidence
Visit as a guest, not a spectator.
- Go on a weekday morning to avoid the crowd
- Carry water, a hat and socks for hot stone
- Check current darshan and photography rules locally
- Keep turmeric and cameras separate
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Jejuri Gad hill, Jejuri, Purandar taluka
- Time needed
- 1.5 to 3 hours including the climb
- Best time
- Weekday mornings, October to February
- Walking level
- Demanding
- Senior comfort
- The climb is nearly 200 steps with arches and landings where you can rest, but there is little shade and the stone is hot by late morning. Festival days are very crowded. Older visitors should go early, move slowly and ask locally about any assistance options.
- Tickets and access
- Darshan is usually free, but timings, queue arrangements and any special darshan fees change; check with the temple trust or locally. Footwear is removed. Check current rules on photography near the sanctum, and expect dress to be modest.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Khandoba Temple (Jejuri Gad)
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices are live on the partner site.
Travelling with parents?
The climb is nearly 200 steps with arches and landings where you can rest, but there is little shade and the stone is hot by late morning. Festival days are very crowded. Older visitors should go early, move slowly and ask locally about any assistance options.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How many steps are there?
Sources describe nearly 200 steps on the main northern approach; festival days can feel longer.
Can older people visit?
Many do, slowly and early. Shade is limited and the stone gets hot, so check assistance options locally.
What do devotees offer?
Turmeric, flowers, bel leaves and puran poli are commonly offered.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
