‘Yelkot Yelkot Jai Malhar’; Jejuri Fort was bathed by Bhandarya

Pimpri Chinchwad:On the last Somvati of the year, more than four lakh devotees gathered in Jejuri for the grand pilgrimage of the famous Khandoba, the kuldaivat (family deity) of Maharashtra and a revered folk god of the Bahujan community. The pilgrimage included a visit to the temple, a holy bath in the Kharha river, and a demonstration of family traditions and customs. During this time, devotees cheered and chanted slogans like “Yeļkot Yeļkot Jai Malhar” while performing rituals and rituals around the temple and the fort. The traditional procession filled the air with festive fervor, accompanied by the sounds of drums and brass instruments.

The pilgrimage began at 1 pm, following a signal from key temple officials, Rajendra Peshwe, Sachin Peshwe Inamdar, and others. The procession was launched with a ceremonial gun salute. Devotees carried flags, umbrellas, and musical instruments like the “Sanai,” creating a lively atmosphere. The idol of Lord Khandoba and Mahalasa Devi was placed in the palanquin after performing circumambulation of the temple. As the palanquin moved out, thousands of devotees raised slogans in reverence, and the yellow-colored Bhndara (offering) was thrown, soaking the entire fort area in devotion.

The procession followed the path from Jejuri Fort to Banu Bai Temple, and then to the historic Chhatri Mandir. Eventually, the procession headed towards the Kharha river. The palanquin, which weighed several kilograms, was carried on shoulders for nearly five kilometers. At around 5:30 pm, the palanquin reached the Rambaishimpian Ghat on the banks of the Kharha river, where the idols were given a ceremonial bath with yogurt, milk, and Kharha water. Devotees celebrated the occasion with great enthusiasm. After the bath, a community prayer (Aarti) was held. The procession then retraced its steps, reaching Janai Mandir in Jejuri for further rituals before returning to the fort.

Since there will be no Somvati pilgrimage next year, millions of devotees started arriving at Jejuri from Sunday (December 29) itself to pay homage to Khandoba. The Jejuri Fort, Pyaari Path, and the entire city were filled with pilgrims. The police, led by Sub-Divisional Police Officer Tanaji Barde and Assistant Police Inspector Deepak Wakchawre, ensured smooth management during the event.

The event was meticulously organized by various stakeholders, including Abhijit Devkate, Anil Saundde, and legal experts like Advocate Pandurang Thorwe, along with the local temple officials, priests, and other community leaders. The event concluded with the distribution of Prasad and blessings, as the festivities came to a close.