Historic Khandoba Temple Khandobachi Wakadi, Rahata, Ahmedenagar

The village of Wakadi, located near Shirdi in the Ahilyanagar district, is known as ‘Khandobachi Wakadi’ due to the Khandoba temple situated here. It is also known as ‘Prati Jejuri’ (a replica of Jejuri) because Lord Khandoba stayed here while on his way to Chandanpuri to bring Banai Devi from Jejuri. The Vangisat, or Champa Shashthi (Margashirsha Shuddha Shashthi) festival, is celebrated here on a grand scale. The horse procession taken out from the Khandoba temple on this day is the main attraction, drawing thousands of devotees.

The legend of the Khandoba temple states that Lord Khandoba, an avatar of Lord Mahadeva, chose Jejuri as his abode after slaying the demons Mani and Malla. Some time later, while traveling from Jejuri to Chandanpuri in the Malegaon taluka of Nashik district to bring Banai Devi, he stayed at Wakadi. He was accompanied by his Hegadi Pradhan and his horses. Upon reaching here, he asked the Hegadi Pradhan to return to Jejuri with the horses, while Khandoba himself proceeded toward Chandanpuri. However, seeing their Lord departing alone, the loyal horses felt sorrowful. They kept looking back with their necks turned (wakadi). Hence, the village came to be known as Wakadi. This temple is considered a ‘Jagrut Devasthan’ (a spiritually awakened place), and devotees believe that vows made at Jejuri can be fulfilled at this temple.

The Khandoba temple is located on the route from Shirdi to Wakadi. The temple premises are spacious and paved. There are several shops selling worship materials in the vicinity. In the temple courtyard, there is a Deepmal (lamp pillar) and an eternally burning Dhuni (sacred fire) beside it. To the right of the main temple, on a large platform, stands a unique sculpture of a horse, which is the vehicle (Vahana) of Lord Khandoba. The temple consists of a Sabha Mandap (assembly hall) and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). A Nandi is installed in the spacious Sabha Mandap, and in the sanctum, there is a ‘Tandala’ (aniconic stone form) representing the trinity of Khandoba, Mhalasadevi, and Banai Devi. Silver masks of Khandoba and Mhalasai are placed on this Tandala, and they are adorned with garments and ornaments. In front of the Tandala, there are idols of Khandoba riding a horse, with Mhalasai slaying the demons Mani and Malla. It is said that these idols were installed later. In the temple premises, there are also shrines dedicated to Banai Devi and Hegadi Pradhan. A new Sabha Mandap has been constructed adjacent to the temple, where various programs are organized.

Fairs are held here on Bhau Beej, Margashirsha Shashthi (Champa Shashthi), and Chaitra Purnima. On the day of Bhau Beej, the Dhuni and the lamps on the Deepmal are lit using the eternal flame brought from Jejuri, marking the commencement of the festival. The Navratri festival of Khandoba begins on the first day of the month of Margashirsha and continues until Margashirsha Shuddha Shashthi, i.e., Champa Shashthi. This festival is celebrated to commemorate the event where Khandoba liberated the people from the plight caused by the two demons, Mani and Malla. Thousands of devotees arrive at Wakadi, chanting ‘Yelkot Yelkot Jai Malhar’. Throughout the day, programs like the continuous showering of Bhandara (turmeric powder) and ‘Tali Bharne’ take place. Devotees offer ‘Vangyache Bharit’ (spicy mashed eggplant) and ‘Bhakri’ as Naivedya to Lord Khandoba. A horse procession is held during this festival, which is witnessed by thousands of devotees. On Chaitra Purnima, which is Hanuman Jayanti, a procession of the ‘Manachi Kathi’ (ceremonial staff) is taken out.

Aarti of Lord Khandoba is performed daily in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Devotees can visit the temple and seek the blessings of Khandoba from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

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