Video/Photos: 'Champa-Shasti' Mahotsav @ Shirdi

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Khandoba Temple @ Shirdi is more than 500 years old. Khandoba, is an incarnation of Shiva
and is the presiding deity (Kul Devata) of Maharashtra. Mhalsapati was the priest of this temple
and was the one who welcomed Sai Baba by saying "Aao Sai",
when Baba first stepped in Shirdi, in front of this Temple with marriage party of Chand Patil.

In this temple there are icons of Khandoba, Banai and Mhalsai.
Lord Khandoba was the deity of Mhlasapti, who was priest of this temple
and he was then responsible for starting the worship of Sai Baba.
Khandoba temple holds importance in other way too. Sai Baba asked Upasani Maharaj,
to stay at this temple for four years for his spiritual upliftment .

A rectangular 12’ long fire-walking sandpit is situated in front of the Khandoba temple where during
the annual 6 day festival of Champa-Shasti, many devotees walk on the burning coal that are kept there.
This festival is held during the month of Margashirsh Shudh Shasti (November-December) every year
and is being carried on since 1850. It ends with the Temple's Pujari walking on the burning coal.

On 08th December`2013, the 'Champa-Shasti' Mahotsav was celebrated @ Khandoba Mandir`Shirdi by
the 'Shri.Martand - Mhalsapati Maharaj Trust`Shirdi' with the Abhishek & Pooja of Khandoba in the morning,
followed by Anndaan & Bhandara in the afternoon. In the evening a Palki was taken around,
while at 11pm a Bhajan-Kirtan Jagran was held the whole night.




'Champa-Shasti' is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is observed on the 6th day in the month of Margashirsh
and is celebrated at all the Temples dedicated to Martand also known as Malhari or Khandoba or Kanderao.
Lord Shiva took the form of Martand to destroy two demons named Mani and Malla.

Sasti, or Shashthi, is the sixth day in a lunar fortnight in Hindu calendar.

Legend has it that 2 demons - Mani and Malla performed intense austerities to Lord Brahma.
After several years they were granted the boon of immortality by Lord Brahma.
With unimaginable powers, Mani and Malla started killing demi-gods and humans.
They created havoc and disturbed the peaceful life on earth and heaven.

Manichurna Mountain the abode of several Saints was taken over by the demons. Rishi's & demigods approached Shiva,
who brought out several lieutenants from his matted lock to fight Mani and Malla and went to Manichurna Mountain.
He himself took the form of Bhairav, the terrible form of Shiva and Parvati took the form of his wife Champa (alias Mhalsa).

The battle began on the first day of Margashirsh. Mani and Malla fought hard for 6 days.
Finally, the demons were defeated and were killed on the 6th day.
Champa, Lord Khandoba's wife had prayed for her husband's victory
hearing about the defeat of Mani and Malla, in that happiness, she gave a huge feast of
Bharit (a dish made of roasted brinjal with curd) & Bhakhri (a dish made of Bajri - millet).
This event marked the beginning of the "Champa Shashti" Mahotsav, as a tradition.

It is believed Lord Shiva decided to stay here in the form of a Swayambhu lingam after defeating the demons.
Lord Khandoba repented, so he set up a long Agni Kund and walked back and forth on the burning coal barefoot.





- VIDEO -

[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9njsSrtNj0[/youtube]




















































“sOmetimes yOur Medicine bOttle has On it,
- "Shake well befOre using."
That is what GOd has tO dO with sOme of His peOple.
He has tO shake them well befOre they are ever usable !”
.....Edward Everett Hale






"When peOple hurt yOu Over and Over,
think Of them like Sand-Paper.
They may scratch and hurt yOu a bit, but in the end,
yOu end up pOlished and they end up Useless !"
....unknOwn

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