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Champa Shashthi

  • Puja vidhi
  • 6 Wishes to send
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Champa Shashthi

Why it is celebrated

Champa Shashthi falls on Margashirsha Shukla Shashthi and is celebrated in Maharashtra and Karnataka. It is the festival of Khandoba (Malhari Martand), seen as a form of Bhagwan Shiv, who is believed to have won over the asuras Mani and Malla on this day. In Karnataka the same day is also kept for Bhagwan Kartikeya (Subramanya).

The story

Long ago two asura brothers, Mani and Malla, won great power through a boon from Brahma ji. Filled with pride, they began troubling the rishis on earth and disturbing their yagyas and tapas.

The suffering rishis went to Bhagwan Shiv for shelter. Then Shiv ji took the form of Martand Bhairav. His form shone like the sun and seemed coloured with turmeric. Holding a khadga (sword), he set out with the army of the devtas.

The battle went on for several days. On Margashirsha Shukla Shashthi, Martand Bhairav defeated both asuras. After his defeat Mani understood his mistake. He offered his white horse to the Lord and prayed for a place near him in his temple forever. The Lord granted his wish.

Since then this form of Shiv ji has been called Khandoba, Malhari or Khanderaya. He is shown riding a horse, and Jejuri in Maharashtra is his most famous shrine.

Puja vidhi

  1. The six-day Khandoba Navratra begins on Margashirsha Shukla Pratipada; set up a ghat (kalash) in your home shrine and worship Khandoba.
  2. Over these six days many families keep a nandadeep (unbroken lamp) burning and offer bel leaves, flowers and bhandara (turmeric) daily.
  3. Shower bhandara with the call 'Yelkot Yelkot Jai Malhar' and sing Khandoba's aarti.
  4. Many devotees fast during these days; on Shashthi, offer Khandoba a naivedya of bharit-rodga or puran poli.
  5. Those who can, visit a Khandoba shrine such as Jejuri or Pali today.
  6. Some families break the fast after the Shashthi naivedya; in many places it is broken the next day with a shared meal for family and guests, called 'Champashashthiche parne'.

Food

Bharit (roasted brinjal mash) with rodga (a thick flatbread), puran poli, and simple dishes of onion and brinjal.

Wishes to send

  • Warm wishes on Champa Shashthi! May Khandoba Maharaj's grace always be on your home. Yelkot Yelkot Jai Malhar!

  • Turmeric bhandara, the flame of the nandadeep and Malhari's name. May this festival fill your life with light.

  • Jejuri turned golden with turmeric, and Khandoba's name in the heart. Greetings on Champa Shashthi!

  • May Malhari Martand give you the strength to walk the path of truth and courage.

  • Six days of devotion are complete today. May Khandoba's blessings stay with your family.

  • Pranam to Khandoba, our kuldevta. May your home always have happiness, peace and warmth.

For your status

  • Yelkot Yelkot Jai Malhar!

  • Today is Champa Shashthi, Khandoba's day.

  • Turmeric bhandara, Malhari's name.

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