History:

is a popular Hindu pilgrimage temple located in the small town of Shrigonda in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. The temple is devoted to Lord Khandoba (also known as Khanderao or Malhari Martand), the God of War. Lord Khandoba is worshipped in various parts of India with the belief that He is an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The deity of Khandoba and His pair of consorts, Mhalsa and Banai, are present in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. The Khandoba Temple - Shrigonda in Maharashtra is very old and is believed to be over 800 years old. Hundreds of devotees all over Maharashtra visit the Khandoba temple during different festivals. The devotees offer sacrificial prayers and perform aarti in devotion to the Lord. On special occasions, a pot is filled with cooked rice and served to Lord Khandoba along with offerings such as coconuts, sugarcane, and flowers. It is one of the best temple in Maharashtra which you must visit.

Facts:

1. Shrigonda is home to the famous Khandoba Temple, also known as 'Dnyneshwari' temple, dedicated to Lord Khandoba, who is usually described as a warrior god and is said to have been worshipped since the time of Mahabharata. 2. The temple is believed to be constructed during the Yadava period (around 13th/14th century). 3. The structure of the temple is a 'Wada'-type structure which becomes grand during festive occasions like 'Mahashivratri'. 4. The Khandoba temple is unique in that it has two idols of the same deity - one with four arms and the other with 18 arms. 5. Inside the temple, a steel 'trishul' (trident) belonging to Khandoba is kept and a 'Jotir Linga' is also established in the centre of the temple. 6. The temple is located besides Makarand River, and it is believed that water of this river helps in maintaining peace and prosperity in the area. 7. During the month of Chaitra (March-April), the devotees visit the temple to take a holy dip in the river in the belief that it can help them get rid of their sins. 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 Khandoba Temple of Shrigonda in Maharashtra is one of the largest temples in the Khandoba temple network. Worship rituals in the temple are unique and involve mainly pujas, aratis and deepa aratis. Worshippers of Khandoba are requested to offer prayers, with special prayers for protection from enemies, to be blessed with wealth and prosperity. A traditional pujas is performed before the image of Khandoba, with Bel Patra (a special type of Leaves),Chandan (sandalwood paste), flowers, fruits, milk etc. The aratis performed in the temple follows the ancient tradition of using lamps as offerings. Deepaarati is also performed, with thaalis filled with lamps lit all around as an offering to the deity. The priest of Khandoba Temple also performs special pujas on festive occasions such as Palkhi (annual visit of Pandharpur's Varkaris), Sankashti Chaturthi, Magh Pournima, Sivaratri, and Diwali, among other festivals. After the pujas, devotees take Pradakshina around the temple. As a mark of devotion, devotees also tie a sacred thread (Nath) around Lord Khandoba's arm. It is believed that this fulfills all wishes of the devotee and brings success and prosperity. This most visited temple in Maharashtra

Opening Timing:

Khandoba Temple - Shrigonda in Maharashtra is opened every day from 5:00 in the morning to 11:00 in the night. top temples in Maharashtra

How to reach:

The Khandoba Temple at Shrigonda in Maharashtra can be reached by the following modes of transport: By Train: The closest railway station to the temple is the Shrigonda Railway Station, located about 3 km away. By Bus: There is regular bus service to the temple from major cities nearby. State owned buses as well as private buses ply on this route. By Air: The closest airport to the temple is the Nashik Airport, located about 105 km away. This airport is well connected to most major cities in India and abroad. By Road: The temple is accessible by road and from any major cities in the vicinity. Private vehicles, rental cars and state-run buses are available for this purpose. famous temples in Maharashtra