The Jejuri Khandoba temple is a hilltop shrine in Jejuri, a temple town in Purandar taluka of Pune district, Maharashtra, about 50 km south-east of Pune city. Pilgrims climb a long flight of stone steps to reach the main shrine, and on festival days devotees shower turmeric powder — locally called bhandara — until the whole temple glows yellow-gold. That is why people call the place Sonyachi Jejuri, or golden Jejuri.
Jejuri is a hill-fort temple town roughly 50 km from Pune, Maharashtra, dedicated to Khandoba, a folk form of Shiva worshipped as a family deity across the Deccan. According to Wikipedia and Maharashtra Tourism, worship here is traced to around the 12th–13th century, and devotees reach the main shrine by climbing roughly 200 or more stone steps lined with lamp towers.
Key takeaways
- The Jejuri Khandoba temple sits on a hill in Jejuri, Purandar taluka, Pune district, Maharashtra, about 50 km from Pune city (Maharashtra Tourism, Wikipedia).
- Devotees scatter turmeric powder (bhandara) over the deity and each other during festivals, turning the shrine golden — the reason it is nicknamed Sonyachi Jejuri (golden Jejuri).
- The main shrine is reached by climbing stone steps; sources give figures ranging from about 200 (Wikipedia) to 350 (Incredible India), lined with roughly 350 deepmalas (stone lamp towers).
- The nearest railway station is Jejuri (JJR) on the Pune–Miraj line; the nearest airport is Pune International Airport, about 50 km away.
- The biggest gatherings fall on Somvati Amavasya; Incredible India lists the 2026 observances on 15 June and 9 November, with Champa Shashthi on 15 December (as of October 2026).
- November to February is the most comfortable season; the monsoon brings heavy rain and the climb gets slippery.
About Jejuri and the Khandoba temple
Jejuri is a small temple town in Purandar taluka, Pune district, Maharashtra, built around the hilltop shrine of Khandoba. Maharashtra Tourism and Wikipedia place it about 50 km from Pune city, on the Pune–Saswad–Pandharpur road corridor. The town is also a municipal council, so it is firmly within Pune district, not a separate district.
The main temple looks and functions like a small hill fort, locally called Jejuri gad. According to Wikipedia, an eight-sided fort wall encloses a cloistered courtyard, which holds a brass-coated stone tortoise about 6.1 m across. The shrine is built in the Hemadpanthi style, with an outer hall and an inner sanctum.
There are, in fact, two Khandoba temples on the Purandar range here. The larger, more visited temple stands on the hill above the town. An older, smaller temple sits on a plateau called Kadepathar, which a 19th-century gazetteer account describes as higher up and regarded by some as the more sacred of the two.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Jejuri, Purandar taluka, Pune district, Maharashtra |
| Distance from Pune | About 50 km (roughly 1.5–2 hours by road) |
| Deity | Khandoba (Malhari Martand / Martand Bhairav), a folk form of Shiva |
| Temple style | Hemadpanthi; fort-like layout (Jejuri gad) |
| Hill elevation | About 718 m (2,356 ft) per Wikipedia; infobox lists 798 m — figures conflict |
| Managed by | Shree Martand Dev Sansthan, Shree Kshetra Jejuri |
| Best season | November to February |
Khandoba: the folk deity and kuladaivat
Khandoba is a folk warrior deity worshipped across Maharashtra and parts of Karnataka as a form of Shiva. According to Wikipedia, he is also called Khanderao, Malhar, and Malhari Martand, and tradition treats him as combining Shiva with the sun god Surya. He is the kuladaivat (family or clan deity) of many Maharashtrian households.
His worship cuts across communities. Incredible India notes that Khandoba holds a particularly strong place among the Dhangar shepherd community, while Wikipedia also lists Kunbi-Maratha families among his devotees. Pilgrims offer turmeric, bel leaves and onion-based naivedya (food offered to the deity) during worship.
According to local belief recorded by Wikipedia, Khandoba took form to destroy two demon brothers, Mani and Malla, who had troubled the people. In the story he kills one and spares the other after a promise of service. This is attributed as legend, not documented history. The shrine also honours Khandoba’s wives: Mhalsa shares the main hilltop sanctum, while Banai has a separate shrine lower on the hill.
The bhandara tradition and why Jejuri turns golden
Bhandara at Jejuri refers to the turmeric powder that devotees throw into the air and over one another as an offering to Khandoba. According to Incredible India and Outlook Traveller, this showering of turmeric coats the steps, courtyard and crowd in yellow, which is why the hill is called Sonyachi Jejuri — golden Jejuri. The name describes the colour of faith, not any gold in the shrine.
The ritual is a living practice, still central to worship here, and it should be approached with respect rather than treated as spectacle. Devotees see turmeric as a mark of purity and prosperity; Incredible India notes a sword-worshipping ceremony that honours Khandoba’s warrior role, alongside folk performances such as the Waghya-Murali dance, bhajans and kirtans.
Turmeric is sold in and around the temple for offering. If you join the climb on a festival day, expect to be dusted in yellow from head to toe — wear clothes you do not mind staining, and keep cameras and phones protected.
The stepped climb and the deepmalas
The main Jejuri shrine is reached on foot by a stone stairway, and the exact number of steps depends on the source and the route you take. Wikipedia says pilgrims climb nearly 200 steps, with approaches from the east, west and north, and the main entrance on the northern steps. Incredible India gives a higher figure of about 350 steps.
The steps are lined with deepmalas — tall stone lamp towers that are lit with oil lamps on festival nights. Wikipedia counts roughly 350 deepmalas and about 18 arches along the route, which splits and rejoins partway up. One path passes the shrine of Hegadi Pradhan, described as Khandoba’s minister.
The climb is moderate for most reasonably fit visitors but has no shade for long stretches, so it is tiring in the heat of the day. Carry water, go early, and pace yourself. The sanctum holds a linga and images of Khandoba with Mhalsa, and a warrior-form murti of the deity on horseback, per Wikipedia.
| Feature | Detail (attributed) |
|---|---|
| Steps to main shrine | About 200 (Wikipedia) to 350 (Incredible India) |
| Approaches | Three flights — east, west, north; main entry via northern steps (Wikipedia) |
| Deepmalas (lamp towers) | Around 350 stone lamp towers (Wikipedia) |
| Courtyard feature | Brass-coated stone tortoise about 6.1 m across (Wikipedia) |
| Historic object | A Portuguese church bell, brought here after the 1737–39 Vasai campaign (Wikipedia, Incredible India) |
Festivals: Somvati Amavasya and Champa Shashthi
The largest gatherings at Jejuri fall on Somvati Amavasya, a new-moon day that lands on a Monday and therefore occurs only two or three times a year. According to Maharashtra Tourism and Outlook Traveller, this is the main turmeric festival: devotees scatter bhandara across the shrine, and Khandoba’s palanquin is carried in procession to the nearby Karha river for a ceremonial bath.
Champa Shashthi is the other major observance, held in the lunar month of Margashirsha (usually December). Maharashtra Tourism describes it as a six-day celebration marking Khandoba’s victory over the demons Mani and Malla, with prayers, processions and fasting on the final day. It is generally a quieter affair than the Somvati Amavasya crowds.
Dates shift each year because both follow the lunar calendar, so reconfirm before you plan around them. As of October 2026, Incredible India lists the 2026 Somvati Amavasya observances on 15 June and 9 November, and Champa Shashthi on 15 December.
| Festival | 2026 date (as listed) | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Somvati Amavasya (bhandara) | 15 June 2026 | Turmeric showering; palanquin procession to the Karha river |
| Somvati Amavasya (bhandara) | 9 November 2026 | Second Monday new moon; large pilgrim crowds |
| Champa Shashthi | 15 December 2026 | Six-day festival marking the Mani–Malla legend |
Best time to visit Jejuri
November to February is the most comfortable time to visit Jejuri, when Pune district is cool and dry. Maharashtra Tourism’s climate data for Pune shows winter lows around 7–10°C and daytime highs near 31–35°C, which makes the open, unshaded climb far easier than in summer.
The monsoon, roughly June to September, greens the Purandar hills but brings heavy rain; travel guides advise caution because the stone steps turn slippery and routes can be affected. Summer, March to May, is hot and the climb is draining by late morning.
Weekends and festival days are crowded. If you prefer a calmer darshan, aim for a weekday morning outside the Somvati Amavasya dates listed above.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | November–February | Cool and dry; best for the climb — recommended |
| Summer | March–May | Hot; climb best done early morning |
| Monsoon | June–September | Heavy rain; steps slippery, green hills |
| Post-monsoon | October | Pleasant, clearing skies; good shoulder season |
How to reach the Jejuri Khandoba temple
The quickest way to reach Jejuri is by road from Pune, about 50 km and 1.5–2 hours via Saswad on the Pune–Saswad–Pandharpur road. State transport (MSRTC) buses and private taxis run regularly from Pune, so you can visit on a day trip. Pune is the natural base for most travellers.
By rail, Jejuri has its own station (station code JJR) on the Pune–Miraj line, served by several express and passenger trains such as the Koyna Express and Maharashtra Express; from the station it is a short taxi or auto ride to the temple foot. Train timings vary and change often, so check IRCTC or the live timetable before you travel rather than relying on older listings.
By air, the nearest airport is Pune International Airport (PNQ), about 50 km away, with onward taxi or bus to Jejuri. For wider context on routes across the state, see our Maharashtra travel guide.
| From | Mode | Distance / note |
|---|---|---|
| Pune city | Road (via Saswad) | About 50 km; 1.5–2 hours; MSRTC bus or taxi |
| Jejuri railway station (JJR) | Rail + local transport | On Pune–Miraj line; short auto/taxi to temple foot |
| Pune International Airport (PNQ) | Air + road | About 50 km; nearest airport |
| Mumbai | Road / rail via Pune | Roughly 230 km to Pune, then onward — planning estimate, reconfirm |
Where to stay
Most visitors base themselves in Pune and treat Jejuri as a day trip, since Pune offers the full range of budget, mid-range and business hotels. Jejuri town itself has only basic lodges, dharamshalas and simple guesthouses aimed at pilgrims, rather than tourist-grade hotels.
If you want to stay close for an early-morning or festival darshan, book a basic lodge in or near Jejuri well ahead on Somvati Amavasya dates, when pilgrim demand is high and simple rooms fill quickly. Confirm facilities directly, as amenities are modest.
The rates below are indicative planning estimates for October 2026 and should be reconfirmed at the time of booking; tariffs rise sharply around festivals.
| Type | Where | Indicative per night |
|---|---|---|
| Pilgrim lodge / dharamshala | Jejuri town | ₹500–₹1,200 |
| Budget hotel | Pune / Saswad | ₹1,200–₹2,500 |
| Mid-range hotel | Pune | ₹2,500–₹5,000 |
| Upper / business hotel | Pune | ₹5,000 and above |
Budget breakdown
A Jejuri day trip from Pune is inexpensive, and for most people the biggest cost is transport. The figures below are indicative planning estimates for one person on a day trip as of October 2026, assuming a Pune base; they are not official fares and should be reconfirmed before you travel.
If you hire a private cab for the round trip, that single line dominates the budget; sharing it between three or four people brings the per-head cost down sharply. Bus and train are much cheaper but take longer and involve a transfer at the temple foot.
| Item | Indicative cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Return transport by bus/train | ₹150–₹400 | MSRTC bus or train plus local auto |
| Shared taxi (per head, 3–4 sharing) | ₹500–₹900 | Full-day round trip split |
| Food and water | ₹150–₹400 | Local meals, snacks, prasad |
| Turmeric / offerings | ₹50–₹200 | Optional |
| Rough day-trip total | ₹400–₹1,500 | Bus/train at the low end; private cab higher |
Darshan, rules and etiquette
No entry ticket is listed for darshan on the official Maharashtra Tourism or Incredible India pages, and the fixed darshan hours are not published there as of October 2026. Temples of this kind generally open from early morning to night; reconfirm current timings and any special-day arrangements with the managing trust, Shree Martand Dev Sansthan, before you go.
This is a working place of worship, so dress and behave respectfully: modest clothing, shoes removed before the sanctum, and no photography where it is restricted inside the shrine. Follow the instructions of temple staff, especially during festivals when crowd management is in force.
During bhandara, the turmeric showering is a devotional act — join in only in that spirit, and treat devotees as fellow pilgrims rather than photo subjects. Keep valuables secure in the crush, and carry small change for offerings.
Practical tips
Treat Jejuri as a half-day to full-day trip and plan for an unshaded climb. Mobile network and UPI payments work in the town, but carry some cash for small vendors, offerings and local autos, as digital payment is not universal at stalls.
- Timing: Start early to beat the heat and the crowds; the climb is tiring by midday in summer.
- Footwear: Wear grippy shoes you can slip off easily; the stone steps can be slippery in and after rain.
- Clothing: On festival days, wear old clothes you do not mind staining yellow with turmeric.
- Water and sun: Carry water, a hat and sunscreen; there is little shade on the steps.
- Health: For any medical need, Pune city has the nearest full hospitals; carry basic medication for a day trip.
- Solo women: Jejuri is a busy pilgrim site and generally straightforward for solo and women travellers by day; keep to daylight hours and the main routes, as with any crowded site.
Nearby places
Jejuri pairs well with several sites in the same part of Pune district, so you can combine it into a one- or two-day loop. Maharashtra Tourism places Morgaon, Saswad and Purandar Fort all within about 25 km of Jejuri, which makes a short circuit easy by car.
Morgaon’s Mayureshwar temple is the first of the eight Ashtavinayak Ganesh shrines, a natural add-on for pilgrims. Purandar Fort, a former Maratha stronghold, suits those who want a short hike and history. Pune itself, about 50 km away, has forts, museums and food worth a day. To plan a wider Maharashtra pilgrimage circuit, our state travel guide and, for the north Maharashtra temple trail, the Nashik travel guide are good starting points.
| Place | Distance from Jejuri | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Morgaon (Mayureshwar temple) | About 17 km | First of the eight Ashtavinayak Ganesh shrines |
| Saswad | About 20 km | Historic town; base for temples and Purandar Fort |
| Purandar Fort | About 25 km | Maratha hill fort with trekking routes |
| Pune city | About 50 km | Forts, museums, food; the main travel base |
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Jejuri Khandoba temple located?
The Jejuri Khandoba temple is in Jejuri town, Purandar taluka, Pune district, Maharashtra, about 50 km south-east of Pune city. It stands on a hill and is reached by climbing stone steps. The managing trust is the Shree Martand Dev Sansthan, Shree Kshetra Jejuri, per Incredible India.
Why is Jejuri called Sonyachi Jejuri, or golden Jejuri?
Jejuri is called Sonyachi Jejuri — golden Jejuri — because devotees shower turmeric powder (bhandara) over the deity, the steps and one another during festivals, coating the shrine in yellow-gold. According to Outlook Traveller and Incredible India, the name reflects the colour of this ritual rather than any actual gold in the temple.
How many steps are there at the Jejuri temple?
Sources differ on the step count at Jejuri. Wikipedia says pilgrims climb nearly 200 steps to the main shrine, while Incredible India gives about 350. The stairway has three approaches — east, west and north — with the main entrance on the northern steps, lined with roughly 350 stone lamp towers called deepmalas.
How do I reach Jejuri from Pune?
Reach Jejuri from Pune by road in about 1.5–2 hours, roughly 50 km via Saswad, using an MSRTC bus or a taxi. By rail, Jejuri has its own station (JJR) on the Pune–Miraj line with several trains; from there, take an auto or taxi to the temple foot. The nearest airport is Pune International Airport.
What is the best time to visit Jejuri?
The best time to visit Jejuri is November to February, when Pune district is cool and dry and the open, unshaded climb is comfortable. Maharashtra Tourism’s Pune climate data shows pleasant winter temperatures. Avoid the June–September monsoon, when heavy rain makes the stone steps slippery, and the hot March–May summer.
What is bhandara at Jejuri?
Bhandara at Jejuri is the turmeric powder that devotees offer to Khandoba by throwing it into the air and over one another, especially on Somvati Amavasya. According to Incredible India, it symbolises purity and prosperity, and the showering turns the whole shrine golden — a living ritual that gives Jejuri its golden nickname.
Last updated and sources
Jejuri suits pilgrims and travellers drawn to living folk tradition and Maratha-era hill shrines; a cool-season weekday morning gives the calmest darshan, while Somvati Amavasya offers the full turmeric spectacle. Go respectfully — this is an active place of worship first and a sight second.
Last updated: 15 October 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Maharashtra Tourism — Jejuri (maharashtratourism.gov.in); Incredible India — Khandobachi Jejuri (incredibleindia.gov.in); Incredible India — Shree Khandoba Yatra, Jejuri (incredibleindia.gov.in); Wikipedia — Khandoba Temple, Jejuri (en.wikipedia.org); Wikipedia — Jejuri railway station (en.wikipedia.org); Outlook Traveller — report on the golden hill of Jejuri (outlooktraveller.com). Accessed September 2026.
