§ 01Origins & Significance
Who is Khandoba (Jejuri)
The most prominent regional deity of Maharashtra, worshipped at the Jejuri temple. Considered a form of Shiva (Bhairava) and identified with Skanda. Known for slaying the demons Malla and Mani. Worshipped with turmeric (bhandara) which is thrown on devotees. The deity is depicted on a horse with two consorts.
§ 05Names & Epithets
Names by which the divine is addressed
Mallari मल्लारि
Enemy of the demon Malla
Martanda Bhairava मार्तण्ड भैरव
Sun-like Bhairava, a fierce form of Shiva
Khandoba खण्डोबा
Lord of the sword (khaṇḍa)
§ 06Symbols & Attributes
What they hold
Warrior deityShiva formTurmeric worshipDemon slayerFolk deity
भा
Turmeric (Bhandara)
Sacred turmeric powder thrown on devotees as a blessing.
ख
Sword
Symbol of his warrior aspect and victory over demons.
अ
Horse
His vahana, representing martial prowess and mobility.
श्
Dog
His loyal companion, often depicted beside him.
त्
Trishula
Shiva's trident, indicating his identity as Bhairava.
§ 07Iconography in Depth
Form, mudras, weapons & vahana
Warrior on horse. Six arms holding sword, shield, trishula, and other weapons. Covered in turmeric powder (bhandara). Accompanied by dog and two consorts.
§ 09Mantras
Sacred utterances
Mūla Mantra
ॐ खण्डोबाय नमः
Oṁ Khaṇḍobāya namaḥ
Salutations to Khandoba. The basic mantra for worship.
— Folk tradition
Mallari Stotram
ॐ नमः मल्लारि देवाय
Oṁ namaḥ Mallāri devāya
Salutations to Lord Mallari.
— Regional stotra
§ 12Festivals & Vrata
The year of Khandoba (Jejuri)
Māgha · Pūrṇimā
Khandoba Jatra
Annual fair at Jejuri with turmeric throwing and processions.
Phālguna · Pūrṇimā
Bhandara Festival
Celebration where devotees smear turmeric on each other.
Caitra · Pūrṇimā
Mallari Jatra
Festival commemorating the slaying of demon Malla.
§ 13Where Worshipped
Tīrthas & major shrines
01
Jejuri
Maharashtra
Primary temple of Khandoba, atop a hill.
02
Pali
Maharashtra
Another major temple of Khandoba.
03
Naldurg
Maharashtra
Historic temple dedicated to Khandoba.
§ 14Scriptures
Where to read further
Khandoba Purana
Regional purana narrating the deeds of Khandoba.
c. 16th century
§ 16Related Deities
Continue exploring
म
First consort, a form of Parvati
Mhalsa
म्हाळसा
ब
Second consort, a Dhangar goddess
Banai
बाणाई
म
Slain demon
Malla
मल्ल
म
Slain demon
Mani
मणि
श
Identified as a form of Shiva (Bhairava)
Shiva
शिव
स
Sometimes identified with Skanda (Kartikeya)
Skanda
स्कन्द