Malawadi Khandoba Temple is located in Malawadi village, situated in the Man Taluka of Satara district in Maharashtra, a region known for strong Khandoba worship and ancient rural traditions. The temple is considered one of the most powerful guardian shrines of the Man region and is especially famous for its grand Champa Shashti celebrations. For farmers, shepherds, and village families, the deity of Malawadi is the protector of land, crops, cattle, and overall prosperity, and people visit the temple before every major life event.
The main deity is Lord Khandoba (Martanda Bhairava), worshipped in a fierce yet benevolent form, accompanied by his consorts Banai and Mhalsa. The idol is coated with turmeric (haldi), symbolising purity, protection, and abundance. Khandoba here is believed to be extremely responsive to prayers, especially for removing obstacles, curing unknown ailments, ending family disputes, and protecting livestock. Devotees offer turmeric, coconuts, flowers, neem leaves, lemons, and traditional offerings of bhandara (turmeric powder).
The Malawadi Khandoba Temple reflects traditional rural Maratha architecture, featuring a stone-built garbhagriha (sanctum), a simple pillared mandapa, and a tall Shikhara rising above the sanctum. The main idol depicts Khandoba mounted on a horse, holding weapons used to destroy demons. Small shrines for Mhalsa Devi, Banai Devi, and village guardian deities surround the temple. A tall Deepastambha stands in front of the mandapa, lit during major festivals, giving a divine glow to the entire temple surroundings.
The temple is believed to be 300–350 years old, constructed during the era when Khandoba worship was deeply rooted in the Satara–Pune belt. Oral history says that Malawadi villagers, especially shepherd (Dhangar) families, originally installed a small swayambhu stone on the hillock where the temple stands today. Over time, as the deity’s fame grew due to miraculous incidents and answered prayers, the shrine was expanded into a full temple through community effort.
The temple has been rebuilt and renovated several times, but still preserves its ancient idol and the sacred spot where Khandoba is believed to have appeared.
According to the Sthalapurana, the region of Malawadi and Man Taluka was once troubled by two fearsome demons who destroyed crops, attacked cattle, and created fear among villagers. When the suffering became unbearable, the villagers prayed to Lord Shiva at various shrines across Satara and Man. Pleased by their devotion, Shiva manifested as Khandoba – Martanda Bhairava, carrying a shining sword, mounted on a divine horse.
A fierce battle took place on the outskirts of Malawadi. The ground trembled as Khandoba fought the demons, who used dark powers to create storms, illusions, and fire. But Khandoba, in his radiant Bhairava form, destroyed both demons and restored peace. After the victory, the deity stood on a small rocky hillock in Malawadi, from where a divine light radiated.
“I will remain here as your protector, blessing your land, your crops, and your cattle.”
Soon after this incident, villagers discovered a self-manifested (swayambhu) stone glowing with turmeric at that very location. Recognizing this as the divine presence, the villagers established the first small shrine, which later became the Malawadi Khandoba Temple.
The major celebrations at the Malawadi Khandoba Temple include Champa Shashti, the most important festival marked by six days of pujas, turmeric abhisheka, homas, devotional singing, and a grand palkhi procession; Margashirsha Somvar, observed with fasting and special prayers; Navratri , celebrated with Devi worship and temple decorations; Purnima Pujas, considered highly auspicious for family prosperity; and annual village Jatre, where cultural events, offerings, and community feasts take place near the temple.
