Prasanna Shree Kulaswami Khanderai Nalawane, T. Junnar, t. Pune

Located in the village of Nalawane on the tri-junction border of Sangamner, Junnar, and Parner talukas, the sacred shrine of Shri Kulsawami Khanderay is one of the prominent Khandoba pilgrimage centres in Maharashtra. Situated eighty-eight kilometres from Pune, this village is believed to be the abode of Lord Khanderay since the ninth century. In the year two thousand and six, the temple was renovated by Gagangiri Maharaj and a magnificent structure was built.

The legend of this temple is that, honoring the request of Nala and Damayanti, Khanderaya married Banu. Thereafter, while traveling, they arrived at the Nala plateau of Durgadi. Seeing the beautiful surroundings here, Khanderai and Banu stayed at this place for two days. During these two days, they consecrated a Shiva Linga here, performed worship rituals, and then proceeded on their journey. Years later, responding to the call of a devotee from this village, Khandoba came to this place once again. Ever since then, Khandoba and the Shiva Linga are worshipped at this holy site. Along with the Shivpindi, the idol of Lord Khandoba has also been consecrated here.

While traveling towards Nagar from Ale Phata on the Pune-Nashik highway, one comes across the village of Nalawane. This powerful and sacred shrine is situated on the plateau of a hill adjacent to the village. This holy place is also known as ‘Khandoba of the Plateau’. A flight of stairs leads from Nalawane village to the temple. Upon entering through the main gateway, a beautifully developed garden comes into view. From there, a pathway leads towards the temple. Because ornamental trees have been planted on both sides of this path, the entire surrounding area looks vibrant and picturesque.

In front of the temple stands a magnificent stone lamp tower (Deepmal). Standing before it, a large part of Junnar taluka comes into view. The spacious assembly hall (sabhamandap) of the temple is beautifully decorated. In the intricately carved silver sanctum sanctorum (gabhaara), along with Lord Khanderaya, are the idols of Banubhai and Mhalasadevi. The sculpture of the horse, which is the divine vehicle of the deity, is also present there. In this temple, there is a tradition among devotees of seeking divine guidance or permission from Lord Khandoba by offering flowers (kaul). To determine whether a task should be undertaken or avoided, flowers are offered to the deity to seek divine guidance. It is believed to be a divine sign that the task should be performed if the flower falls to the right, and avoided if it falls to the left. The gold-plated spire of the temple is also exquisitely crafted.

The Champa Shashthi festival celebrated here during the month of Margashirsha is famous in the surrounding region. A large fair is held here on this day. Worship begins from 4:00 in the morning. After the ritual bath and Abhishekam of the deity, programs like Bhajans and Kirtans take place throughout the day. At 8:00 in the morning, a procession of Lord Khandoba’s idol is taken out in the village. To participate in this procession, along with villagers from the surrounding five villages, thousands of devotees from the taluka are present here.

This procession, accompanied by the resounding beats of Lezim, Dhol, and Tasha, is famous throughout the entire taluka. Carrying dry coconut and Bhandara (turmeric powder) in plates, devotees chant “Sadanandacha Yelkot” while showering Bhandara in the air. For those who have made a vow (navas) to the deity, a ceremonial staff (kathi) is erected for the fulfillment of their vows. Villagers state that this tradition has been practiced for hundreds of years. The bullock cart races held during this festival are another major attraction here. Competitors from Pune as well as Ahmednagar district participate in these bullock cart races. The festival concludes on the second day after the wrestling competitions, known as the “Kustipatu Hangama” (Wrestling Tournament). In addition to this, another fair is held here on Chaitra Paurnima. The temple trust has provided Bhakta Niwas (pilgrim accommodation) facilities for devotees here.

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

This sacred temple stands as a testament to deep spiritual devotion, ancient architectural grandeur, and rich local cultural traditions.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum houses the divine idol consecrated according to ancient Vedic traditions, surrounded by serene courtyards and traditional temple architecture.

Sacred Darshan Gallery