Shri Khandoba Maharaj Temple, Deolali/Devlali - India
History of Shri Khandoba Maharaj Temple

Shri Khandoba Maharaj is an incarnation of Lord Shiva and this temple dedicated to him is reportedly over 500 years (five hundred) old. As per mythology, the incarnation of Lord Shiva into Shri Khandoba is because two brothers amongst the demons Malla Daitya and Mani Daitya pleased Lord Shiva...
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with their prayers and obtained his blessings that nobody on earth could kill them. Brothers after getting the boon from Lord Shiva however became power drunk and started harassing the common people, saints and sages. This could not be tolerated by Lord Shiva and he himself incarnated as Shri Khandoba and killed both the demons. After killing them, Lord Shiva relaxed on this hill and hence this temple is called 'Vishramgadh'.
There is also an ancient legend centering this hill is that during "Shiv Kaal" "Chhatrapati Shri Shivaji Maharaj' while traveling on his mission towards the north relaxed on this hill.
The management of this temple is with the Amale family since its inception.
The landmark of Deolali is also known as "Temple Hill"

I have been more of a Deolali man than of Mumbai.
Deolali is very dear to me. We, as children had 2 annual holidays and most of my childhood holidays and vacations have taken place in Deolali than to my hometown and village "Kudachi". Its been 3 years that I visited this beautiful town 'Deolali'. Last when I visited I was not into photography. This time though it was quick visit, I didnt want to miss opportunity to shoot certain landmarks of this town whose memories will be etched in my mind forever. I have a small house as well in Deolali and I love everything about Deolali.
Apart from my association with the town ... a little brief about Deolali is that it was set up in this hill station as a military sanatorium by the British army, about 100 miles northeast of Bombay. One of its functions was to act as a transit camp for soldiers who had finished their tours of duty and were waiting for troop ships to take them back to Britain.
Deolali is a census town in Nashik District in the state of Maharashtra, India.
Deolali is home to the School of Artillery, the premier institution for imparting training to all ranks of the regiment.
Also the great legendary actor Shri Dilip Kumar was born over here.
Other celibrity actors who are associated with Deolali are Mr. Vinod Khanna, Mr Arshad Warsi, Mr. Arjun Rampal and Ms. Bhumika Chawla. As per my knowledge they all studied in Barnes High School.
Dont know how many times i have walked these steps right from the age of 3. I have walked these steps .. I have jogged on these steps.
Its a very beautiful temple and has a very well maintained complex with garden and great view of Deolali from the top.
February 24, 2009
Humayunn Niaz Ahmed Peerzaada
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