The town of Jejuri is situated to the Southeast of Pune city. It is host to one of the most sacred temples in Maharashtra. One can get there by alighting at the Jejuri station on the Pune-Bangalore track of Southern Railway and hire a bullock cart, or just walk the entire stretch, which is tree-lined, and a short one at that.

Popularly known as `Khandoba Jejuri`- it is one of the major gods of Maharashtra. The God of Jejuri-Mhalsakant or Malhari Martand is popular amongst the Dhangars. Dhangars are the oldest known tribes in Maharashtra. Khandoba is known to be their God. Jejuri is towards the Southeast of Pune, but the temple of Khandoba is situated on a small hill, so can be seen from the approach road. It takes about 200 steps to reach to the top, but the climb is made relaxing, by the picturesque locales to the sides of the climb. If the weather permits, one can catch a glimpse of Saswad and Dive Ghat. People can also enjoy the number of `Deep Mala` (Light Stands of Stones) while climbing. In fact Jejuri is really famous for its popular old Deep Mala. They are said to have been built by Aurangzeb.

Khandoba, the deity of Jejuri, is a fighter God of the Marathas. He is shown astride a horse and has an angry warlike look. Thus was reason enough for the Muslims to destroy the temple repeatedly. Even Aurangzeb made an attempt to destroy the temple a second time in 1690. His attempt was however thwarted when the Mughal soldiers disturbed a hornet`s nest, during their attack. The hornets so harassed the besieging Mughal soldiers, that Aurangzeb was forced to retreat and spare the temple in peace. An infuriated, but god-fearing Aurangzeb is said to have offered one hundred and twenty-five thousand silver coins to the God Khandoba. Historically Jejuri also holds importance because it is in this very place that Shivaji met his father Shahji to discuss war strategy against the Mughals. In that time period, Jejuri was one of the major hill forts in the South region.

The Jejuri temple can be divided into two parts, Mandap and Gabhara. The two bells at the entrance, the majestically crafted idols of Khandoba, Mhalsa and Manimalla along with various weapons of historical importance such as the sword, Damaru (small hand drum) and `Paral` enthrall the worshippers en-route the main chamber. There is even a competition held on Dasshera festival involving handling the sword to the highest point of reach for a maximum period of time at the Jejuri temple. The unique architectural lineages as the `vimana` (crest) with the minaret-like structures at the four corners along with the arches of the `sabhamandapa`, suggests a strong Islamic influence. A number of curious rituals are conducted at the venue, and in the background one can see the huge expanse of the Malhar Sagar (reservoir) formed on the Karha River. The magnificient depressions of the Peshve and Ahilyadevi Holkar Talav (pond), which are man-made tanks, measuring a kilometre in diameter, form a serene backdrop. Besides the warrior communities of Maharashtra, Dhangar (shepherds), farmers, Brahmins and other people of other religious background visit Jejuri to receive the blessings of Khandoba, to continue in their lineage of family tree.

Khandoba is one of the two primary main deities of the Maharashtrian community, along with Vithoba at Pandharpur, most others being Goddesses. Khandoba, Malhari Martand bhairav are synonyms of this deity, which is one of the 64 aspects of Shiva. Khandoba was believed to have evolved with the aim of annihilating the Earth of Malla and Mani demons. Martand is the manifestation of the Sun, as Shiva is said to radiate like a thousand suns. But, the underlying faith in Khandoba, is due to the fact that childless couples are gifted with children, making the God exceptional in all his aspects.