Today is Champa Shashti.
Khandoba, also known as Mylaralinga, Martanda Bhairava, or Malhari in Maharastra, parts of Karnataka, and Mallanna in Andhra Pradesh, is a fierce deity. It is believed that he can cause trouble if not worshipped properly according to family traditions. Khandoba is offered turmeric powder (Bhandara), Bel leaves, onions, and other vegetables during worship.
Khandoba is believed to be the manifestation of Lord Shiva and is commonly depicted riding a horse with a sword in hand, often accompanied by his two wives.
The Khandoba temple is located on the main road in Shirdi. It holds historical significance as Sai Baba was first welcomed to Shirdi at this temple by Mhalsapati, the temple priest, who greeted him with the words, “Aao Sai.” This is how Sai Baba got his name. Inside the temple, there are idols of Khandoba, Banai, and Mhalsai.
Mhalsapati, the hereditary priest of this temple, considered Khandoba his family deity. He was instrumental in initiating the worship of Sai Baba. The Khandoba temple, built around 500 years ago, originally had a simple and rural design with no doors. Near its entrance stands a large banyan tree, under which Sai Baba arrived with Chand Patil’s wedding party. Sai Baba initially wanted to reside in this temple, but Mhalsapati, believing Baba to be a Muslim, refused. Baba left, saying, “If you do not want me to stay here, I will go elsewhere.” Eventually, Sai Baba made the dilapidated mosque in Shirdi his home and lived there till his last breath.
Khandoba is considered an incarnation of Lord Shiva. Margashirsha Shukla Shashti, known as Champa Shashti, marks the day when Lord Shiva appeared as Khandoba to defeat the demons Mani and Malla.
The story goes that Mani and Malla were granted immortality by Lord Brahma. However, they misused their boon, troubling sages, devotees, and even gods. To stop them, Lord Shiva took the form of Khandoba and fought a battle. During the fight, Khandoba’s wife, Champa, prayed for his victory. On the sixth day, Khandoba defeated the demons. In celebration, Champa prepared a grand feast, including Bharit (a dish made of roasted brinjal with curd and spices) and Bhakri (a flatbread made of jowar). This marked the beginning of Champa Shashti celebrations. After the victory, Khandoba danced on burning coals, and since then, many devotees walk barefoot over hot coals as part of the rituals.
During Navaratri, a holy lamp (Nandadeep) is kept burning in front of Khandoba’s idol. Devotees offer Bel leaves, Davana (a type of flower), and Marigold flowers, which are especially dear to Khandoba. Turmeric powder (Bhandara) plays a significant role in the worship.
On Champa Shashti, many families perform their Kuldharma (family traditions) by offering Rodaga (a wheat flour dish), Thombara (a cereal-based dish with curd and salt), onions with their leaves, Bharit, and garlic as prasad. Some devotees fast for five days, breaking it with prasad on the sixth day, Champa Shashti. Special lamps called Divti and Budhali are used during the Aarati (ritual worship) held daily during this period.
