Khandoba: The Deity of Jejuri and its Mystical Tale
India is a land of diverse cultures, traditions, and beliefs. One such belief is the worship of Khandoba, a popular deity of Maharashtra. Khandoba, also known as Malhari Martand or Martanda Bhairava, is a form of Lord Shiva worshipped by the Dhangar community of Maharashtra. In this blog post, we will explore the tale of Khandoba and the significance of his worship.
Origin of Khandoba
According to legend, Khandoba was born to Lord Shiva and Parvati in the form of a Linga. The Linga was discovered by a herdsman named Malla, who gave him the name Khandoba. Khandoba is said to have been born to defeat the demon Malla and his wife Mani. He is also believed to have fought and defeated several other demons in his lifetime.
Khandoba's Worship
Khandoba is primarily worshipped in the Jejuri temple in Maharashtra, which is considered to be his abode. The temple is situated on a hill, and devotees have to climb around 300 steps to reach the temple. Khandoba's idol is represented with a sword, a shield, and a white horse. He is also depicted with his consort Mhalsa, who is believed to be an incarnation of Parvati.
The Dhangar community of Maharashtra is known to be the strongest devotees of Khandoba. They believe that Khandoba is their protector and savior and has been protecting them from evil forces for generations. The community has several rituals and customs related to Khandoba's worship, such as the Jatra, a procession of the deity's idol on a palanquin, which takes place in various parts of Maharashtra.
Mythical Tale of Khandoba and Mhalsa
One of the most famous tales associated with Khandoba is the story of his marriage to Mhalsa. According to the legend, Mhalsa was a young girl who lived in a nearby village. She was an ardent devotee of Khandoba and used to visit the Jejuri temple every day to worship him. Khandoba, impressed by her devotion, appeared before her one day and asked her to marry him.
However, Mhalsa had a condition: she would only marry Khandoba if he could defeat her in a wrestling match. Khandoba, who was a great warrior, accepted the challenge, and the two engaged in a fierce battle. In the end, Khandoba emerged victorious, and Mhalsa agreed to marry him.
Significance of Khandoba's Worship
Khandoba is worshipped as a symbol of strength, courage, and valor. His worship is believed to bring prosperity, happiness, and protection from evil forces. Devotees offer various items to Khandoba, such as flowers, coconut, and incense sticks, to seek his blessings.
Khandoba's worship is not limited to the Dhangar community but is also popular among other communities in Maharashtra. He is considered to be a unifying force that brings people together and transcends all barriers of caste, creed, and religion.
Conclusion
Khandoba is a popular deity worshipped in Maharashtra, India, and is known for his strength, courage, and valor. His worship is deeply rooted in the beliefs and traditions of the Dhangar community and is also popular among other communities in Maharashtra. The tale of Khandoba and Mhalsa is a famous legend associated with his worship and is a testament to his strength and valor.