Shri Khandoba Temple Malegaon, Loha, Nanded

The deity Khandoba holds a unique and significant place in the culture of Maharashtra. For this reason, the first invitation for every auspicious occasion in households across Maharashtra is offered to Khandoba. To request the Lord’s presence at their auspicious events, there is a tradition in every home of showering *Bhandara* (turmeric powder) at the temple. There are twelve main sites considered to be the seats of Khandoba, and the Khandoba temple at Malegaon in Nanded district is among them. The fifteen-day annual fair held at Malegaon for Khandoba, along with the market for animals such as cattle, donkeys, and horses, is particularly famous.

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

The stone construction of this temple in the Hemadpanti style is said to date back to the 12th century. The legend of the temple states that in ancient times, a merchant was passing through this route carrying sacks of grain from Karnataka. To let his oxen rest, he unloaded his goods from the bullock cart for a night halt. The next morning, while reloading the grain, one sack became extremely heavy and would not budge despite his efforts. When the merchant opened the sack to inspect it, he found the *Taandala* (self-manifested stone) idols of Khandoba and Goddess Mhalasa along with the grain. Considering this a divine sign, the merchant installed these idols at this very spot and built a temple. That day was *Margashirsha Vadya Chaturdashi*. This is why, even today, a fifteen-day fair is held here starting from *Margashirsha Vadya Chaturdashi*.

On the road leading to Malegaon from the Nanded highway, there is a grand two-story welcome arch of the temple. The roof of the arch features a dome-shaped *Shikhara* topped with a *Kalash*. In front of the temple is a spacious ground where the famous fair is held. The temple has a sturdy perimeter wall with main entrances on the east, south, and north sides. The main eastern entrance has four circular ornate pillars. Above the balcony on this entrance, there is a horizontal-style *Shikhara* in the center, with vertical *Shikharas* on all four corners. The northern entrance is two-storied, with a *Nagarkhana* (drum house) on the upper floor. The roof of this entrance also features a horizontal-style *Shikhara* topped with a row of five *Kalashas*. Entering through these leads into the temple courtyard.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

In front of the entrance to the recently constructed two-story *Sabhamandap* (assembly hall), there is an ancient stone circular *Deepmal* (lamp tower) on a pedestal. There are five steps to enter the *Sabhamandap*, which is elevated above the courtyard. The enclosed *Sabhamandap* has vents to ensure proper ventilation. Inside, there are two rows of six square pillars each, which are integrated into the walls.On a pedestal in the *Sabhamandap*, there are some ancient stone sculptures. A sculpture with two faces is said to represent the demons Mani and Malla. Further ahead is the *Antarala* (vestibule) and the *Garbhagriha* (sanctum sanctorum) built in the ancient Hemadpanti stone style. The door frames of the *Antarala* feature carvings of *Dwarapalas* (gatekeepers) at the bottom and floral motifs above. The *Lalatbimba* (central lintel) features a sculpture of Lord Ganesha. On the *Uttarang* (upper lintel), there is a carving of the Sun in the center with lotus motifs on both sides. There are *Devakoshthas* (niches) on both sides of the *Antarala*. The right niche houses idols of Nandi and Maruti, while the left houses idols of Vitthal-Rukmini.

The door frames of the *Garbhagriha* feature vertical edge carvings, and the *Lalatbimba* bears a sculpture of Ganesha. The entrance also has ornate pillar shafts. The *Garbhagriha* is at a higher elevation than the *Antarala*. Inside the *Garbhagriha*, there is a marble canopy on a *Vajrapitha* (diamond pedestal). Within a brass *Makhar* (shrine) are two masks of Khandoba and Mhalasa, with two more masks placed in front. Beneath the masks in the brass *Makhar* are the *Swayambhu Taandale* (self-manifested stones) of Khandoba and Mhalasa. To the right of the *Vajrapitha* is a *Swayambhu* Shiva Linga.

Rituals, Poojas & Festivals

The roof of the *Antarala* features a dome-shaped *Shikhara* with vertical edge carvings, topped with an *Amalaka* and a *Kalash*. The roof of the *Garbhagriha* has an octagonal *Shikhara* with eight niches containing various deity idols. The top of this *Shikhara* features an *Amalaka* and a *Kalash*. Behind the temple, an ancient idol of Banai is installed on the *Shalunka* (base) of a *Pindi*. Legend has it that there is a temple of Banai on the banks of a lake in Banvas village, about eight kilometers from Malegaon. Banai had come here after being upset with Khandoba. Next to this temple is another temple with a Shiva *Pindi*. It is said that when Khandoba came to take Banai back, she did not return, and he remained there in the form of a *Pindi*.

The main annual fair of the deity begins on *Margashirsha Vadya Chaturdashi*. During this time, the deity’s *Palkhi* (palanquin) is taken out in a procession around the village. After circling the village three times, the *Palkhi* returns to the temple. At this time, the sound of drums and the showering of *Khobra* (dried coconut) and *Bhandara* bathe the entire area in a golden hue of turmeric. During the 15-day fair, the area transforms into a bustling marketplace with shops selling various goods. Household items, clothes, agricultural tools, toys, as well as various breeds of local and foreign dogs, pedigreed horses, and cattle are brought for sale. The trade during the fair amounts to crores of rupees. Thousands of devotees from states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh visit for the fair and to seek the Lord’s blessings. Additionally, there is a large influx of devotees on occasions like *Champashasthi*, full moon days, new moon days, and Sundays.

Sacred Darshan Gallery