Khandoba Temple

Overview

Khandoba Mandir is situated on the main road. In front of this temple Baba was welcomed by Poojari Mhalsapati, of this temple, who said "Aao Sai", when Baba stepped in Shridi.

About The Temple

Khandoba temple is well maintained, neat and calm place. It is 15 ft long and 15 ft in breath commemorated with a small shrine and Padukas as its base. A stone idol of Lord Khandoba is located in central shrine of the temple. Also idols of Lord Sai Baba and Mhlasapti are inscribed as a remembrance of event of Lord Baba coming to Shirdi.

Legend and Stories

Lord Khandoba was tutelary deity of Mhlasapti, who was priest of Khandoba temple by heredity and he was then responsible for starting worship of Sai Baba. Khandoba temple which had its origin about 500 years ago was but natural rural and simple. It did not even had a door. There is large banyan tree where Sai Baba alighted with marriage party of Chand Patil at the entrance of Khandoba temple and it stands today also. The mythological story behind Champa Shashti is - being pleased by demons named Mal and Mani, Lord Brahma granted a boon of immortality to them. With passing time they grew evil and killed people. Lord Shiva took form of Lord Khandoba and fought a battle with them. Champa, Lord Khandoba's wife Champa prayed for her husband's victory. The battle resulted into defeat of the demons on sixth day and in that happiness, Champa gave a huge feast of Bharit (a dish made of roasted brinjal with curd and Indian spices) and Bhakhri (a dish made of Bajri - millet, similar to roti). This event marked celebration of "Champa Shashti" as a tradition. The defeat of Lord Khandoba made Him repent, so He walked bare-foot in rectangular sand-pit on which burning coal was kept.

Festivals

Even though during annual festival of "Champa Shashti" (usually occurs in December and celebrated for six days after new moon) devotees, to show their devotion, walk on hot coals in accompaniment of bhajans.

Rituals

When it comes to daily rituals now, two artis at 12 noon and 6:00 PM are performed daily.

Accessibility

The nearest International Airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai, roughly four and a half hour drive from Shirdi. Shirdi has its own Railway Station named as Shirdi Railway Station which is connected to the major cities of Maharashtra and is 10 Kms from Sai Baba temple. Kopergaon Railway Station, 16 kilometres away, is the nearest railway station to Shirdi. Kopergaon is well-connected to major cities of India through rail. State run buses, cabs, taxis and private buses are available from the station for Shirdi.

Temple Address