Perched on a hill in Maharashtra, Shri Khandoba Temple in Jejuri is a powerful fortress of faith dedicated to Lord Shiva’s warrior avatar. Known as the “God who fulfills wishes” (Sakam Bhakti), the temple draws millions, especially during the world-famous Bhandara festival, where the sky turns gold with turmeric. Our 2026 guide gives you the latest timings, booking info, and essential tips for a smooth pilgrimage.
Shri Khandoba Temple Timings & Daily Schedule (2026)
The temple follows a consistent daily schedule. We list the most common verified timings below, but we always recommend you confirm with the temple directly before your visit, as schedules can change for special festivals.
General Darshan Schedule
- Morning: 6:30 AM to 12:00 PM (some sources note opening as early as 5:00 AM)
- Afternoon Break: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM (for midday rituals)
- Evening: 1:00 PM to 8:45 PM
Daily Ritual Timings
| Time | Ritual | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ~5:00 AM | Morning Aarti & Bhupali | Temple officially opens. |
| 12:00 PM | Afternoon Pooja & Aarti | Followed by Naivedya (offering). |
| ~1:00 PM | Mahaprasad Distribution | Sacred food offering. |
| 9:00 PM | Shej Aarti (Night Ritual) | Temple closes after this. |
- General Darshan Hours:
- Morning Session: 5:00 AM (or 6:30 AM) to 12:00 PM
- Afternoon Session: 1:00 PM to 8:45 PM
- Key Ritual Timings:
- Kakad Aarti (Morning): 5:00 AM – 6:30 AM
- Madhyan Aarti (Noon): 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
- Shej Aarti (Night): 9:00 PM (Temple closes after)
Entry Fees & Special Darshan Prices
- General Darshan: FREE. Every devotee can join the queue for a standard darshan at no cost.
- Special/Quick Darshan Ticket: Approximately ₹50 per person. This pass lets you access a priority line.
- Important Note: The temple does not currently offer online booking or e-tickets for general entry or special darshan. You must purchase any paid tickets at the counter on-site.
The Unmissable Bhandara Festival (Somvati Amavasya)
The Bhandara or “Golden Festival” is Jejuri’s spectacular signature event. Devotees celebrate by tossing sacred turmeric powder (Bhandara) into the air, covering the entire hill in a vibrant yellow glow.
- When: It occurs on Somvati Amavasya—a new moon day that falls on a Monday. The date changes yearly based on the lunar calendar.
- What to Expect: Massive crowds (often over 500,000 people), immense devotional energy, and a breathtaking visual spectacle. Plan for significant travel delays and book accommodation months in advance if you wish to attend.
How to Reach Shri Khandoba Temple, Jejuri
| Mode of Transport | Nearest Point | Distance to Temple | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| By Air | Pune International Airport (PNQ) | ~51 km | Hire a taxi or take a bus to Pune city, then connect to Jejuri. |
| By Train | Jejuri Railway Station (JJR) | ~2 km | This is the most convenient option. Local autos are available. |
| By Road | From Pune City | ~48 km | Well-served by state transport (ST) buses and private taxis. |
Pilgrim Tips & Temple Guidelines
- Dress Code: Wear modest, traditional, or formal clothing out of respect. The temple authorities discourage shorts, mini-skirts, and sleeveless tops.
- Footwear: You must remove footwear before entering the temple complex. Use the paid storage facilities available.
- Prohibited Items: Do not carry alcohol, tobacco, cameras, or any leather items (like belts or wallets) into the sanctum.
- The Climb: The main Gad Kot temple requires climbing about 200-250 steps. Wear comfortable shoes you can easily remove.
- Best Time to Visit: The cool winter months (November to February) are ideal for climate. For festival vibes, target Champa Shashthi (Nov/Dec) or the Bhandara festival.
Frequently Asked Questions (Most Devotees Asked)
Q1: What is the best time to visit Jejuri for the turmeric (Bhandara) festival?
A: Plan your visit for Somvati Amavasya. Check the 2026 Hindu calendar for the exact date, as it is a lunar festival.
Q2: Can I book my darshan or pooja online for Khandoba Temple?
A: No, the temple currently does not have an online booking system for darshan or poojas. All arrangements and ticket purchases happen at the temple counters.
Q3: Is there any online facility or website for bookings?
A: There is no official online booking website. For accurate information, always contact the temple trust directly.
Q4: What are the main attractions inside the temple complex?
A: Don’t miss the ancient Kadepathar shrine (a natural swayambhu linga), the fortress-like Gad Kot with its deepmalas (lamp pillars), and the sacred Nandi statue at the entrance.
Q5: Who are the deities worshipped here?
A: The temple primarily worships Lord Khandoba (Shiva) along with his consorts Mhalsa (an avatar of Parvati) and Banai (an avatar of Ganga).
Official Contact for Verification (2026):
- Trust Name: Shree Martand Dev Sansthan, Jejuri
- Phone: +91-9689010000, +91-9689020000
- Email: shreemartanddevsansthan@gmail.com
We hope this guide helps you plan a blessed and memorable visit to the majestic Shri Khandoba Temple. May your journey be filled with devotion and the joyful spirit of Jejuri
