Sacred Hilltop Shrine · Jejuri, Pune District · ~200 km from Shirdi
Khandoba Temple at Jejuri is one of the most important and widely revered shrines in Maharashtra. Located atop a scenic hill in the Pune district, the temple is dedicated to Lord Khandoba — also known as Martand Bhairav — a powerful manifestation of Lord Shiva worshipped as the supreme deity (Kuldaivat) by millions of Maharashtrian families. The temple's origin dates back several centuries and holds immense religious significance in the Deccan region.
The temple complex sits atop a prominent rocky hill accessible via 200 stone steps (called deepmalas — tall oil lamp pillars) that line the pathway creating a magnificent illuminated corridor during festivals. Khandoba is the kul devata (clan deity) for a large number of Maratha, Dhangar, Hatkar and other communities, making Jejuri one of the most footfall-dense pilgrimage sites in the state.
The Jejuri temple complex and surrounding areas offer devotees and visitors a rich spiritual and cultural experience with several important structures and viewpoints worth exploring:
The main sanctum houses the idol of Lord Khandoba — a magnificent golden image adorned with turmeric and flowers. The idol is a swayambhu (self-manifested) image and radiates intense divine energy. The inner sanctum architecture reflects classic Maratha temple style.
A famous row of 200+ stone lamp pillars (deepmalas) lines the hilltop path leading to the temple. When lit during festivals and full moon nights, these create a hauntingly beautiful corridor of golden light — one of the most photogenic sights in Maharashtra.
The hilltop offers sweeping 360-degree views of the Sahyadri mountain ranges, the plains of Pune district, and the historic Sinhagad Fort in the distance on clear days — a stunning natural backdrop for a spiritual visit.
The sacred water tank (kund) at the base of the hill where devotees take a ritual dip before ascending to the temple. The tank is especially crowded during the Kartik Purnima fair, which is the largest annual gathering at Jejuri.
Khandoba Temple at Jejuri is approximately 200 km from Shirdi. The drive takes about 3.5 hours via Ahmednagar–Pune highway (NH 60). Roads are in excellent condition throughout — making it a manageable day trip from Shirdi, especially when combined with Pune sightseeing.
The most comfortable and flexible way to travel from Shirdi to Jejuri. Taxis are easily available at all Shirdi hotels. A full-day hire can cover Jejuri, Pune's Dagdusheth Ganpati, and Sinhagad Fort in one trip.
MSRTC buses run between Shirdi and Pune regularly. Alight at Jejuri bus stop (on the Pune–Solapur highway). Local autos and shared jeeps ferry pilgrims to the temple hill entrance.
Jejuri has its own railway station on the Pune–Miraj line. Several trains from Pune city stop here. From Shirdi, take a train to Daund Junction and then connect to Jejuri — total journey about 4–5 hours.
Pune International Airport is the nearest airport (~65 km from Jejuri). Direct flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. Hire a cab from Pune Airport directly to Jejuri temple.
Best season: October to March — the weather is pleasant for climbing the 200+ stone steps to the hilltop temple. Avoid summer months (April–June) as the exposed hilltop can be extremely hot and the stone steps heat up quickly under the sun.
While visiting Jejuri, extend your journey to explore the rich heritage and spiritual sites of the Pune district and surrounding Deccan region: