| Temples & Legends Of
Maharastra |
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| Temples & Legends Of
India |
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KHANDOBA - JEJURI |
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| Just as one
approaches the main gateway 0 n either side are seen various stone images, some that of
elephants others that of virs. On the right hand side of the gate is an object closely
resembling a Shivaling around which a niche is built. This is known as the
‘Savalakhacha bhunga’ a bee worth a lakh and quarter rupees, There is an
interesting story attached to it. It so happened that Aurangzeb in one of his campaigns in
the Deccan attacked and conquered the fort of Daulat Mangal, the hill on which the present
Bhuleshvartemple is located near Yavat. From that hill lie saw the Jejuri shrine and
decided to assault it with the object of desecrating it. Accordingly his soldiers marched
against the town, climbed the hill and when they found the gateways closed against decided
to blow tip the walls. They dug a small hole for putting dynamite into it near the spot
where the Savalakhacha bhunga is situated. But something happened that was most unexpected
and confounding. One after another hundreds of bees buzzed out of that hole and attacked
the Moslemsoldiers. The assault was so ferocious that they took to their heels. But the
matter did not end there. For, the bees went after them wherever they went. The commanders
of the troops then enquired with the Hindu mercenaries the meaning of this queer
phenomenon. They were informed that Khandoba was a very hot tempered and vigilant deity
and had punished them for their intention of desecrating his shrine. Now, if only some
thing is done to appease him this air- raid’ would stop, otherwise, the Moslems
better choose their own course,Thecommanders went to Aurangazeb and informed him as to
what bad happened whereupon even that most zealous iconoclast agreed to and immediately
presented a lakh and quarter rupees to the god. The bees disappeared but the Moslems were
quick to the retreat. |
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