Shirdi, located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, is a sacred town that attracts thousands of devotees every year. It is home to the famous Shri Sai Baba Temple, which is one of the most visited shrines in India. However, Shirdi is not just limited to Sai Baba’s temple, as there are several other temples in the town that are equally significant. One such temple is the Khandoba Mandir, which holds a special place in the hearts of the locals and the devotees who visit it.
History of Khandoba Mandir
The Khandoba Mandir is dedicated to Khandoba, a folk deity who is widely worshiped in the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. He is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva and is believed to be the god of fertility, agriculture, and warfare. The deity is also known by other names such as Mhalsa-Khandoba, Mailara, and Malhari.
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The Khandoba Mandir in Shirdi is located near the famous Shri Sai Baba Temple, and it is believed to be one of the oldest temples in the town. The temple’s architecture is unique, with a black stone idol of Khandoba and his consort Mhalsa placed in the sanctum sanctorum. The temple’s entrance has two statues of horses, which are believed to be the deity’s vehicle.
The temple’s history dates back to the 17th century when the Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who was a devotee of Khandoba, built the temple. Legend has it that Khandoba appeared in Shivaji’s dream and asked him to build a temple in his honor. Shivaji then built the temple and placed the deity’s idol in it.
Visit Khandoba Mandir
Over the years, the Khandoba Mandir has undergone several renovations and expansions, with the most recent one being in 2005. The temple now has a spacious courtyard and a large prayer hall where devotees can offer their prayers and seek the deity’s blessings. The temple also has a small museum that showcases the history and significance of Khandoba and his worship.
One of the unique features of the Khandoba Mandir is the practice of ‘Naivedya,’ where devotees offer their hair as a symbol of sacrifice to the deity. It is believed that Khandoba is pleased with this offering and blesses his devotees with prosperity and success. The temple also has a ‘Tulsi Vrindavan,’ a small garden where devotees can offer Tulsi leaves to the deity.
The Khandoba Mandir celebrates several festivals throughout the year, with the most significant one being the Khandoba Yatra. The festival is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Margashirsha (November-December) and lasts for ten days. During the festival, the temple is decorated with lights, and a procession is carried out, where the deity’s idol is taken around the town. The festival attracts a large number of devotees from all over the country, who come to seek the deity’s blessings.
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Apart from the Khandoba Yatra, the temple also celebrates other festivals such as Mahashivratri, Navratri, and Diwali. During these festivals, the temple is decorated with flowers and lights, and special prayers and rituals are conducted.
Khandoba Mandir Travel Guide
The Khandoba Mandir in Shirdi is a significant place of worship that holds a special place in the hearts of the locals and the devotees who visit it. It is a testimony to the rich cultural and religious heritage of Maharashtra and a symbol of the faith and devotion of its people. If you ever visit Shirdi, make sure to visit the Khandoba Mandir and seek the blessings of the deity, who is believed to bring prosperity and success to his devotees. The temple’s unique architecture, the practice of Naivedya, and the Tulsi Vrindavan make it a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the rich cultural heritage of Maharashtra.
Furthermore, the Khandoba Mandir’s proximity to the Shri Sai Baba Temple makes it easy for devotees to visit both shrines and seek the blessings of two revered deities. The town of Shirdi itself has a peaceful and serene environment that is conducive to spiritual practices and reflection. It is a perfect destination for those seeking solace and inner peace amidst the hustle and bustle of city life.
In recent years, the Maharashtra government has taken steps to improve the infrastructure and facilities in Shirdi to accommodate the growing number of visitors. The town now has several hotels, restaurants, and shops that cater to the needs of tourists and devotees. The Shirdi airport also provides convenient access to the town for those traveling from other parts of the country.
Khandoba Mandir in Shirdi
The Khandoba Mandir in Shirdi is an important place of worship that reflects the rich cultural and religious heritage of Maharashtra. The temple’s unique architecture, the practice of Naivedya, and the Tulsi Vrindavan make it a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the town’s spiritual and cultural aspects. The Khandoba Mandir is a testimony to the faith and devotion of its people, and it continues to attract thousands of devotees every year who come to seek the deity’s blessings and grace. For more information about Khandoba Mandir in Shirdi and travel packages to Shirdi contact Astha Tourism.