Khandoba

Khandoba
Khandoba (center) in his four armed form, the two metal images depict him with his wives. The sanctum of the newer Jejuri temple.
Devanagari	खंडोबा
Sanskrit transliteration	Khaṇḍobā
Kannada script	ಖಂಡೋಬಾ
Affiliation	Avatar of Shiva
Abode	Jejuri
Mantra	Om Shri Martand Bhairavay Namah
Weapon	Trishula, Sword
Consort	Mhalsa and Banai
Mount	Horse

Khandoba, (Marathi: खंडोबा Kannada: ಖಂಡೋಬಾ, Telugu: ఖండోబా, Khaṇḍobā) also known as Martanda Bhairava and Malhari, is a Hindu deity worshipped as a manifestation of Shiva mainly in the Deccan plateau of India, especially in the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. He is the most popular Kuladaivat in Maharashtra. He is also the patron deity of some warrior, farming, herding 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 cult of Khandoba has linkages with Vaishnava and Jain traditions, and also assimilates all communities irrespective of caste, including Muslims. Khandoba is sometimes identified with Mallanna of Telangana, MallikarjunaSwamy of Andhrapradesh and Mailara of Karnataka. The worship of Khandoba developed during the 9th and 10th centuries from a folk deity into a composite god possessing the attributes of Shiva, Bhairava, Surya and Karttikeya (Skanda). He is depicted either in the form of a Lingam, or as an image of a warrior riding on a bull or a horse. The foremost centre of Khandoba worship is 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.