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Jejuri is one the popular pilgrim centres of Maharashtra, located 38-km from Pune and 60-km from Sholapur. It houses a temple dedicated to Lord Khandoba. Khandoba, popularly known as Khandobachi Jejuri, is one of the important Gods worshipped by Dhangar, the oldest tribes in Maharashtra. It is believed that Khandoba, is a god of Sakamabhakti i.e. it God who fulfils all the desires of his devotees. Jejuri is popular for its old Deep Mala.
Jejuri has also been a historically important place as Shivaaji met his father Shahaji here after a long period. The meeting is historically very important as both discussed the strategies against Mughals, here. At that period, Jejuri was one of the major hill forts in South region.
Khandoba,, also known as Khanderao, Khanderaya, Malhari Martand and Mallu Khan is a regional Hindu deity, worshipped as Mārtanda Bhairava, a form of Shiva, mainly in the Deccan plateau of India. He is the most popular family deity in Maharashtra, the patron deity of Deshastha brahmin, warrior, farming and herding castes, the hunters and gatherers of the hills and forests. The cult of Khandoba has linkages with Vaishnava and Jain traditions, and also assimilates all communities irrespective of caste, including Muslims. Khandoba is sometimes identified with Mallanna of Andhra Pradesh and Mailara of Karnataka. The worship of Khandoba developed during the 9th and 10th centuries from a folk deity into a composite god possessing the attributes of Shiva, Bhairava, Surya and Karttikeya Skanda. He is depicted either in the form of a Lingam, or as an image riding on a bull or a horse. The foremost centre of Khandoba worship is Jejuri in Maharashtra. The legends of Khandoba, found in the text Malhari Mahatmya and also narrated in folk songs, revolve around his victory over demons Mani-malla and his marriages.
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Location : |
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38-km From Pune, Maharashtra |
| Presiding Deity : |
Lord Khandoba |
| Popularly Known as : |
Khandobachi Jejuri |
| The Deity Is Also Known Different Names Like: |
Mallari, Malhari,Mailar,Martand,Ravalnath, Yelkoti Mahadev. |
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