KHANDOBA - JEJURI

The names of various persons like Vittal Shivadev Vinchurkar. Malharrao Holkar, Raghuji Patil etc. appear in the numerous inscriptions that are found all over the hill, in connection with the construction of the temple and the additions to the main or subsidiary temples in the courtyard. These works were in progress for nearly fifty years. Tukoji Holkar caused to be built the surrounding enclosure and the archways of the Gad-kot and also a large reservoir of water near the village of Jejuri.Ahalyabai Holkar also made certain additions to the Gad-kot. In general, the Holkar family of Indore seems to have taken keen interest and an active part in the enlargement and maintenance of the shrine and its surroun- dings. Perhaps the last great contribution to the wealth of the shrine came from Nana Phadnis.

It happened thus. At the time of the assassination of Peshwa Narayan Rao, his wife Gangabai was pregnant.Nana took a vow before the Khandoba that if she got a son he would present ahundredthousand rupees to the deity. Gangabai did get a son who was later on famous as Sawai Madhav Rao. In keeping with his word Nana paid the huge sum in various forms. He presented silver images of Khandoba and Mhalsa that were worth twenty five thousand rupees, the niche containing the Khandoba image was plated with silver sheet, gold masks were pre pared for the lings, and the remaining sum was utilised for utensils in precious metal required for daily worship rites. Certain villages were also granted as ‘inam’ to the god during this period. After the downfall of the Maratha power very little ha-; been done for this shrine, except small gifts and donations by common devotees.

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