Wanderlust Tales : Jejuri Khandoba temple, Jejuri

The Jejuri temple is located in the town of Jejuri at a distance of about 48-50 kms from Pune.

GLIMPSE INTO HISTORY:

The temple is dedicated to the God of Jejuri - Khandoba, who is the popular tribal deity. Khandoba is believed to be the incarnation of Lord Shiva.What I read over the internet - history has it, Lord Shiva brought an end to two asuras with the sword known as Khanda - hence he is known as Khandoba.

HOW TO GET HERE:

On our way back from Bhigwan, we took a slight diversion with the help of Google Maps and reached the town of Jejuri.

The small town seemed quite equipped - some bystanders led us to find the right entrance to the temple. The roads are really busy. It is at a distance of about 90 km or so from Bhigwan.

BHIGWAN BIRD WATCHING:

http://xylo742.blogspot.com/2017/11/wanderlust-tales-bhigwan-bird-watching.html

ROAD TRIP:

http://xylo742.blogspot.com/2017/05/wanderlust-tales-bhigwan-bird-watching.html

JEJURI KHANDOBA TEMPLE:

Once you near the proximity of the temple, there is an entry fee of Rs.30/- for four wheeler. It is a narrow lane, with shops on either side and people making their way to the temple. It is heavily crowded.
They have a parking lot - which is quite packed. Space is rented out at a charge of Rs.40/-.

As we started our ascent, we realized the number of steps must be more than 300. And mind you it gets steeper as you make your way to the top.
Along the way, there are numerous vendors selling puja items and refreshments. Thankfully, most of the ascend is covered with shades on the top, which is a slight relief in the scorching heat. 😒
But it is little scary, with no barriers on either side and the immense throng.

Faith brings people of all age groups to pay a visit to the temple and attempt this climb - one mishap and it would be treacherous.I was peculiarly scared for the small kids. Towards the end of the flight of stairs, the height of the steps increases considerably - people with knee problems, leg pains, do not attempt this.

One would find many newlyweds seeking blessings of the God - as it is believed to be a ritual to visit the temple post the marriage and perform a puja together.
Apparently, as they had shown in Chennai Express, the husbands can carry their wives all the way to the temple, the least number of steps you must carry is 5. Wow - cheesy but seems to be a tradition. 😄

As you would enter the temple premises, there is haldi all round - on the floor, the temple walls and in the air. People are literally playing in the colors of haldi.
If you have allergies - please refrain from visiting the place. 😷
The temple looks beautiful in colors of yellow - especially the four decorative sculptured pillars in front of the temple which was colored in haldi ke rang. In the night it on these, are diyas lit.

The rear ends of the temple have a passageway and arched windows which gives the 360-degree panoramic view of the city below - epic!

We could not go inside, as there was a long queue to go inside - we sought the Lord's blessings from outside.

The dome of the temple has beautiful karigi done. It gives you a feeling of the temple being inside a fort, with hints of Mughal architecture on the fort - the huge pillars, the arched windows.

NOTE:

- Do not attempt it
        1) if you have knee or leg problem
        2) if you have allergies from turmeric
- Carry water bottle
- Wear head and eye gear
- Carry a scarf
- Wear socks, as the steps and the floor of the temple tends to become hot as the sun ascends

Few pictures:

View of the city:

Jejuri temple can be viewed

Cheers to life!!

~Journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step!

P.S. All the above photos have been clicked by me.