Khandoba

Khandoba
Khandoba and Mhalsa killing demons Mani-Malla — a popular oleograph, c.1880.
Sanskrit transliteration	Khaṇḍobā
Devanagari	खंडोबा
Affiliation	Avatar of Shiva
Abode	Jejuri
Mantra	Om Shri Martanda Bhairavaya Namah
Weapon	Trishula, Sword
Mount	Horse
Consort	Mhalsa and Banai (chief consorts)

Khandoba (IAST: Khaṇḍobā), also known as Martanda Bhairava and Malhari, is a Hindu deity worshiped generally as a manifestation of Shiva mainly in the Deccan Plateau of India, especially in the state of Maharashtra and North Karnataka. He is the most popular Kuladevata (family deity) in Maharashtra.^[1] He is also the patron deity of some Kshatriya Marathas (warriors), farming castes, shepherd community and Brahmin (priestly) castes as well as several of the hunter/gatherer tribes that are native to the hills and forests of this region.

The sect of Khandoba has linkages with Hindu and Jain traditions, and also assimilates all communities irrespective of caste, including Muslims. The cult of Khandoba as a folk deity dates at least to 12th century. Khandoba emerged as a composite god possessing the attributes of Shiva, Bhairava, Surya and Kartikeya (Skanda). Khandoba is sometimes identified with Mallanna of Andhra Pradesh and Mailara of Karnataka.

Khandoba is depicted either in the form of a linga, or as an image of a warrior riding on a horse. The foremost centre of Khandoba worship is the Khandoba temple of Jejuri in Maharashtra. The legends of Khandoba, found in the text Malhari Mahatmya and also narrated in folk songs, revolve around his victory over demons Mani-malla and his marriages.