Khandoba

Malhari · Martanda Bhairava · Mallanna

Shiva as a warrior king on horseback, family god of the Deccan.

Abode: Jejuri
Consort: Mhalsa and Banai
Vahana: White horse
Colour: Golden with turmeric
Arms: 4

Khandoba is Shiva as Martanda Bhairava, a warrior who rides a white horse and slew the demons Mani and Malla. He is the family god (kuladevata) of many households across Maharashtra and Karnataka, worshipped at Jejuri with showers of turmeric powder, so that the hill turns gold.

Mantra

येळकोट येळकोट जय मल्हार

Yelkot Yelkot Jai Malhar

The devotees' cry at Jejuri.

रूप और प्रतीक

How Khandoba is shown

A moustached warrior king on a white horse, holding a sword and a bowl, his wife Mhalsa riding with him, a dog running beside.

Khadga (sword): The warrior who protects.
Bhandara (turmeric): Gold and auspiciousness, thrown in his honour.
Dog: His companion, like Bhairava's.

कथाएँ

Stories

Mani and Malla

The demon brothers Mani and Malla tormented the sages of the Deccan. Shiva took the form of Martanda Bhairava and fought them on the plateau; the dying Mani asked to stand forever at the god's side, and was granted it.

Related forms

शिव
Shiva