Khandoba
Topic: Buddhism, Jainism and Heterodox Traditions · NCERT: Class 6, Ch 7 "India's Cultural Roots"
Meaning
Khandoba is a deity worshipped in Maharashtra and parts of central India. His devotees treat him as their supreme god, the highest of all divine powers. He grew out of local and pastoral worship and was later linked with Shiva. He is a good example of a supreme-deity idea within folk and tribal belief. He also shows how such gods became part of wider Hinduism.
Example
Khandoba's best-known temple is at Jejuri, near Pune in Maharashtra. Devotees, including shepherd communities, throw turmeric powder (bhandara) during festivals there, which turns the hill temple yellow.
Don't confuse with
- Singbonga: the creator god of the Munda and Santhal tribes of eastern India. Khandoba belongs to Maharashtra and central India.