Jejuri

The hilltop Khandoba temple at Jejuri in Pune district, Maharashtra, 48 kilometres from Pune — dedicated to Khandoba, a Shaiva folk deity who in Maharashtrian Deccan tradition absorbs Shiva, Kartikeya, Mallanna and local village-protector cults. The temple is reached by 450 steps on the 718-metre Yadnyacha Dongar hill. Pilgrims throw bhandara (turmeric powder) in such quantity during the three Khandoba fairs each year (Somvati Amavasya, Champa Shashthi and Dussehra) that the entire hill turns bright yellow for days afterwards. The Dhangar shepherd community particularly venerates Khandoba. The 16th-century Yadava temple structure with later Peshwa and Scindia additions was patronised by the Holkars.