History:

is a 500-year-old temple dedicated to Khandoba, a local deity of the Marathas from Maharashtra. The temple is located in the town of Khuldabad in Maharashtra. The temple is believed to have been built by the Peshwa rulers of the Maratha empire. Khandoba is the chief deity of Khuldabad. He is the god of war, courage and victory and considered to be an incarnation of Shiva. He is also worshiped by the peasants, shepherds, warriors and traders of Maharashtra. Devotees of Lord Khandoba come here to seek blessings for their prosperity and good fortune. The temple organizes many special ceremonies such as the Khandoba Puja, Nagar Puja, Bhajan, and many more. There is also an artificial hill known as ‘Gaumukh’ inside the temple premises. It is one of the best temple in Maharashtra which you must visit.

Facts:

1. Khandoba Temple in Khuldabad is one of the most important shrines of Lord Shiva in Maharashtra. 2. The temple is of 8th century vintage, believed to have been built by Ravana, the legendary king of Lanka. 3. It is situated in a naturally formed cave and is revered as one of the five Swayambhu lingas in Maharashtra. 4. It is believed that the linga absorbs the bad vibrations from the surrounding area and emits positive vibrations and energy in its surroundings. 5. The temple is surrounded by numerous other small shrines of many deities, among which the two major ones are the Ganesh temple and the Sansthan temple. 6. There is also a nearby Dargah (shrine) of the Sufi saint Abdul Qader Gilani. 7. The temple complex includes a Varah idol and a Nandi idol, which were both a gift from the Maratha ruler Shivaji. 8. During the month of Shrawan, devotees from all over Maharashtra flock to Khandoba Temple for a pilgrimage and to receive blessings. 9. Several fairs and festivals are also held here during the monsoons, which are attended by both locals and tourists. Here are some facts about the Maharashtra temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in Maharashtra

Worship Method:

The worship method of Khandoba Temple in Khuldabad, Maharashtra is based on Dattatraya Sampradaya of Maharashtra. This involves the following methods of worship: 1. Offering of prayers (archana): Devotees offer prayers in the form of petitions, songs, and other worship items such as flowers, incense, edible offerings, and coins. 2. Reciting of Mantras (mantra-japa): This is done to invoke the grace of Lord Khandoba and receive his blessings through chanting of sacred mantras. 3. Performing Homas (sacrificial fire rituals): Homas are sacred rituals that are usually performed using specific materials such as clarified butter, mixed rice and feed, herbs, etc. 4. Lighting of lamps (dipa) and candles (deepa): This is a function of offering light – physical and spiritual – to the Lord. 5. Recitation of Bhajans (devotional songs): Devotees sing poems, verses, and songs dedicated to Lord Khandoba to honor and invoke his grace. 6. Prasada Distribution: Prasada or sanctified food is distributed to the devotees after offering it to the deity. This symbolizes the Lord's blessing and grace that the devotee is seeking. This most visited temple in Maharashtra

Opening Timing:

Khandoba Temple - Khuldabad in Maharashtra remains open from 5:00 AM to 11 AM and from 5:00 PM to 9 PM daily. top temples in Maharashtra

How to reach:

Khandoba Temple - Khuldabad in Maharashtra can be reached by road and rail. By Road – Khandoba Temple - Khuldabad is well connected to all the nearby cities and towns by road. The closest major cities to Khandoba Temple - Khuldabad are Aurangabad (46 km), Pune (184 km), and Mumbai (390 km). By Rail – The nearest railway station is in Aurangabad, which is at a distance of 46 km from Khandoba Temple - Khuldabad. Once you reach Aurangabad, you can either take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Khandoba Temple - Khuldabad. famous temples in Maharashtra