There are many shrines devoted to Lord Shiva across the length and breadth of this country and they worship him in many forms in accordance with the various legends that he is associated with. One such unique shrine is Martanda Bhairva temple at Jejuri Maharashtra.
Jejuri is 38 km from Pune and is one of the old towns in state of Maharashtra. Khandobachi Jejuri is one the most important gods worshipped by the Dhangar, the oldest tribe in Maharashtra. It is said that the Khandoba is a god of Sakamabhakti i.e. God who fulfils all the desires of the devotees.
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The Martanda Malhari Bhairva also known as Khandoba is the manifestation of Lord Shiva in the Deccan region of the country especially along the west coast. Khandoba, one of the most famous deities of Maharashtra state in India, the temple at Jejuri is a well-known pilgrimage for the devotees. The temple at Jejuri is a huge complex with various shrines including the one dedicated to Khandoba. There are in fact two temples and presently I am recounting about the new temple built in the 16th century. the access to the temple is through a climb of close to 360 steps towards a hillock and enroute there are 150 light towers known as Deepmalas so constructed.
The idol of Khandoba is the most scared out here and the other idols of Mahalsa and Manimalla are also very intricate and pretty. As per the ritual, devotees go around the temple chanting “Yelkot Yelkot Jaya Malhara “. The architecture of the temple does have influence of the Mughal regime during that time especially in the passages, arches and the temple dome. The temple and everything in it including the devotees are covered with turmeric powder which is sprayed into the air by the devotees (turmeric is symbolic of gold) as they climb up the steps and take a circumnavigation of the temple precincts. The golden haze of the turmeric powder infuse a sense of devotion and belief that is so unique to this temple.
I was speaking about the new temple, now let me talk of the older temple which is the ancient temple known as Kadepathar which is even difficult to access. It is a long uphill arduous walk towards the original shrine of Lord Khandoba. Not many people visit the old temple, but I would definitely recommend a visit to the older shrine in order to feel the true sense of aura and vibes that are generated in case one goes with an open heart to Khandoba,
In Sanskrit language Khandoba is known as Maranda Bhairva, a combination of the solar deity Martanda and Lord Shiva’s fierce form Bhairva. The term Mallari refers to Malla and ari i.e. enemy of the demon Malla. Legend speaks of the fierce battle between demons Malla and Mani wherein Lord Shiva in the form of Martanda Bhairva ascended into the battle shining like the gold and sun covered in turmeric with the crescent moon on the forehead and there after vanquishes the demons. Quite a popular legend I suggest that the interested reader may like to read a bit more about this.
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So i went to Jejuri on a hot summer afternoon, following the dusty road into interior Maharashtra and visited both the shrines watching the sun set on the distant horizon as the dusk came rapidly cooling my sweat soaked body while sitting in the presence of Malhari himself and I said to myself Yelkot Yelkot Jaya Malhara
| Where is it located | Jejuri , Maharashtra |
| How to reach | Hire a cab from Pune |
| What else to see nearby | Mahabaleshwar , Wai and Ashtavinayak temples |
Have never heard of Martanda Bhairva before but it looks like a fascinating temple. Do all visitors get covered by turmeric powder? If so I would need to wear clothes I don’t mind getting dirty if I ever visit.
no it is not necessary to get covered with turmeric 🙂
Does everything really look golden in there? Wow, even the ground is filled with turmeric powder. I haven’t seen a temple like this. It just looks beautiful. I’m always amazed whenever I see a place in which the culture and religion are deeply ingrained. My country is too westernized for comfort that our heritage sites are small in number.
i am glad u related
What a fabulous and fascinating place. I adore all this amazing culture that is so different to my own (british) and where i live (africa). Thanks for a great blog
m glad you could relate 🙂
I’ve never heard for this place but it lookd like a scene from a fairy tale! Fascinating! I can’t wait to see it already! 💗
i am glad u would love it too
First I heard of this place. Interesting temple. Would love to visit it some day when I have the chance.
i am sure u would love it
looks like a great city to explore.
yes it is 🙂
Always nice to find about some completely new place!
I have never heard of this place! The temple looks beautiful. Great post 🙂
it is a different feel to it
Wow, been so many times to Pune but have never heard of this place. Just love how gorgeous the entire setting is. I am certainly visiting this place when the monsoons are over.
yes u should 🙂
Interesting post with nice photos. I would like to visit one day.
glad 🙂
Oh god, there is so much yellow color. I rarely see such rich colors in Europe. Would love to get there with my camera.
i am sure u would click some real awesome clicks
Have never heard of it before but Martanda Bhairva looks like a fascinating temple. One I should definitely visit during my upcoming trip 🙂
am sure you would like it
What a beautiful place! I am always amazed by how colourful everything is in India!
yes it is a great vibrant and intermixed nation
Those colours are insane! I’ve never been to India, but am always mesmerised by the colours and temples there!
its a gorgeous country with too much of diversity
I love india, and love this post. Thanks for providing so much interesting information
glad for reading through