Khandoba of Mulgaon

Mulgaon, Taluka Ambernath, District Thane

One of the twelve sacred sites of Khandoba, the presiding deity (Kuladaivat) of Maharashtra, is located at Mulgaon near Badlapur in Thane district. This temple is considered one of the most spiritually vibrant (Jagrut) shrines in the state, dedicated to Khanderaya, who is believed to have arrived directly on the hills of Mulgaon after leaping from the Jejuri fort on his horse. It is said that in the past, the sacred turmeric powder (Bhandara) would spontaneously emerge from the sanctum sanctorum of this temple. During the wedding ceremony of the deity held on Shakambhari Pournima in the month of Paush, lakhs of devotees gather here, chanting “Yelkot Yelkot Jai Malhar” and showering the sacred Bhandara. Additionally, the Champa Shashthi festival in the month of Margashirsha is also celebrated here on a grand scale.

The legend of the temple narrates that Khanderaya arrived directly in the forests of Mulgaon after leaping from Jejuri on his horse. While traveling through the forest in human form, he encountered some villagers who were grazing their sheep and goats. Khanderaya stopped them and asked, “Do you need anything?” Since he appeared as an ordinary human, the villagers did not recognize him and replied, “We do not need anything. Tell us if you need anything.” Khanderaya then asked them for something to eat and inquired about the path to the hill. The villagers gave him the flatbreads (bhakris) they had and pointed out the way to the hill. Khanderaya then ascended the hill and vanished. That night, Khanderaya appeared in the villagers’ dreams and told them, “I met you in the forest this morning.” When the villagers went to the hill the next day, they saw the hoofprints of a horse. A short distance away, they beheld the Linga of Khandoba, upon which the sacred Bhandara was also visible. Over time, a temple was built at this site, and the idol of Khanderaya was consecrated.

Nestled in the lap of nature, this temple is located a short distance from Badlapur. To reach the temple from the foothills, one must climb about 500 steps. After climbing some steps, one reaches the temple of Banai Mata, the consort of Khandoba. While climbing the steps and admiring the lush natural surroundings, one gets a panoramic view of the Barvi Dam on the right. The chirping of various birds and the sight of hundreds of butterflies fluttering freely make the climb pleasant. The wide steps are equipped with railings on both sides for safety. A short distance along the path, there is a Bhakta Niwas (pilgrim rest house) managed by the Public Works Department. A little further from there, one can see impressions imprinted on the rocks. It is said that these impressions are the footprints of the deity and his horse. It takes about 30 to 40 minutes to reach the temple from the foothills.

As the temple is situated on a small ridge of the hill, the temple courtyard is compact. The entire courtyard is paved, and railings have been built along the edges. There is a large lamp tower (Deepmal) on the right side of the temple. A tin shed has been erected in front of the temple for the convenience of devotees. This courtyard also houses the shrine of the deity’s guardian and the Seven Asaras. On a rock outside the temple, there is a shrine dedicated to Kadepathar Maharaj. Legend has it that Lord Shankar disappeared into this rock. The view of nature from the temple’s circumambulation path (Pradakshina Marg) is breathtaking, offering a 360-degree perspective. From here, one can see the Malangad-Matheran mountain range. Panoramic views of Malangad, Chanderi and Peb forts, the Mhaismal pinnacle, and the Barvi Dam backwaters are visible. If the sky is clear, one can also see Prabalgad and the Kalavantin pinnacle from here.

The temple is small, consisting of a Darshan Mandap (viewing hall) and the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). There are benches near the Darshan Mandap for devotees to sit. In front of the sanctum, there are idols of Nandi and a tortoise. An idol of Lord Ganesha is carved on the lintel of the sanctum’s entrance. In the center of the sanctum, on a small pedestal, is the idol of Khanderaya riding a horse. He holds a damaru, trident, sword, and a panpatra (betel leaf vessel) in his hands. Beside the idol of Khanderaya is a small idol of Ganesha. Below the pedestal, Khandoba, Mhalsa, and Banu are represented in the form of Tandals (sacred stones). Masks of these deities are also kept here. It is said that in the past, Bhandara used to emerge from a small hole on the left side of these idols. Over time, the hole became blocked, and the emergence of the Bhandara ceased. On the back wall of the sanctum, there is an image of the Khanderaya of Jejuri. Breaking coconuts, offering non-vegetarian food, and bringing leather items into the sanctum are strictly prohibited.

Since Sunday is considered the day of Khanderaya, many devotees visit the temple for darshan on this day. During Champa Shashthi in the month of Margashirsha, turmeric is applied to the deity around 2:00 PM. The wedding ceremony of Khandoba takes place at 5:00 PM on Shakambhari Pournima in the month of Paush. Countless devotees come here for darshan on this occasion. The villagers provide Mahaprasad to the visiting devotees. A grand three-day fair is held here on the full moon day of the month of Magh. Thousands of devotees visit during these three days. On the first day, after the ritual bathing (Abhishek) of Khanderaya at 6:00 AM, the temple opens for darshan. In the afternoon, a palanquin procession starts from the village Hanuman temple, goes up to the hill for the deity’s darshan, and then tours the village. On the second day, Kabaddi and various other competitions are organized. On the third day, from 7:00 AM, devotees perform darshan and fulfill their vows. After the afternoon, wrestling matches and entertainment programs like orchestras are held. Devotees can visit the temple for Khandoba’s darshan daily from 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Useful Information:

• 9 km from Badlapur, 50 km from Thane
• Shared rickshaws available from Badlapur railway station to Mulgaon
• Private vehicles can reach the foothills of the temple
• No accommodation or dining facilities available in the vicinity