History:

is an ancient temple devoted to the Hindu deity: Lord Khandoba. It is situated in Shirdi, Maharashtra and is believed to be one of the most sacred places in India. It is visited by numerous devotees each day who offer their prayers and seek blessings from the deity. The original temple structure dates back to the year 1699 and has been completely renovated multiple times since then. The temple complex is also quite famous as Sai Baba lived and meditated here for many years. The temple is known for its numerous festivals and celebration that it holds throughout the year. It is one of the best temple in Maharashtra which you must visit.

Facts:

1. Khandoba temple is situated in Shirdi, a small village in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. 2. This temple is dedicated to Lord Khandoba, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. 3. It is believed that Khandoba appeared at this place in the year 1681 in the form of a fiery horse. 4. It was the place where Shri Sai Baba spent most of his life and attained Samadhi (the salvation) in 1918 after blessing the populace in the service of humanity. 5. According to legend, it was at Khandoba temple where Shri Sai Baba made regular visits, and in fact bestowed all his blessings as well. 6. This temple is one of the most visited places of pilgrimage by devotees of God from all walks of life. 7. It also holds special significance among the rural communities of Maharashtra, since they pray to Khandoba for all kinds of welfare and fulfilment of desires. 8. Khandoba temple is regarded with religious-spiritual importance as its temple architecture is a harmonious mix of Hindu and Mughal styles. 9. The temple houses several important relics associated with Shri Sai Baba like his charpai (wooden bed) and the tulsi Vrindavan (holy basil tree). 10. The annual festival of Khandoba is celebrated with great enthusiasm amongst the devotees from all across the country. 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:

Khandoba Temple in Shirdi, Maharashtra, is a popular pilgrimage site in the western part of India. Worship at this temple is based on traditional Hindu customs and practices. The worshippers offer flowers, incense, and oil lamps to Khandoba. It is common to recite traditional Hindu mantras and hymns during worship. The priests lead the worshippers through various forms of worship, including prayers, offerings of food, meditations, and puja ceremonies. In the inner sanctum of the temple, devotees will usually find an image of the deity Khandoba, Lord Shiva as its primary focus. Offerings of vermilion, flowers, and fruits are also common, as is prostrating oneself before the deity. Daily offerings still follow Shirdi’s ancient traditions, includingarati, a form of worshiping Khandoba by chanting mantras and offering aarti (a small consecrated lamp lit with blessed ghee). Dhoop Aartiis also performed on the outskirts of the temple. On special occasions, hymns from the Hindu scripture Marathi Sangeet are sung. The worshippers also offer bhajanas (Sanskrit hymns) and recite prayers like mangalashtak and the Shree Chaubeesaamhita. An abhishekam offering of water, milk, flowers and rice is also made to the image of the deity. The puja is performed four times a day to mark the four yugas (eras) of Lord Shiva: morning, noon, twilight and night. During Navratri, the Temple is a popular gathering place for devotees and celebrities alike to seek blessings from Khandoba. A grand Ratha Yatra procession is also conducted on the occasions of Ram Navamiand Krishna Janmashtami. This most visited temple in Maharashtra

Opening Timing:

Khandoba Temple - Shirdi in Maharashtra is open from 5:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM on all days. top temples in Maharashtra

How to reach:

The easiest way to reach the Shirdi Khandoba temple from Mumbai is by hiring a private vehicle. Distance from Mumbai to Shirdi is around 200 km, and it takes about 5 hours by car. You can also board a Nasik bound train from Mumbai and then take a local bus to reach the destination. It is also possible to book a direct bus from Mumbai to Shirdi. famous temples in Maharashtra