Sat Dec 07 05:28:32 UTC 2024: ## Jejuri’s Khandoba Temple Celebrates Champashashthi Festival
**Jejuri, Maharashtra:** The Champashashthi festival, celebrating the deity Khandoba, began today at the Khandoba temple atop Jejuri fort. Shankaracharya Shri Nrisinha Bharati initiated the festivities with the installation of the idols of Khandoba and Mhalsadevi.
This five-day festival commemorates Khandoba’s victory over the demons Mani and Mall, an event central to the deity’s legend. According to the legend, Lord Shiva took the avatar of Khandoba to vanquish these demons. While Khandoba’s temple sees eight annual yatras (pilgrimages), Champashashthi holds special significance.
The first day’s celebrations included elaborate pujas and abhishekams (ritual bath) of the deity, followed by a procession carrying the idols to the Rangmahal (palace), where the Shankaracharya performed the final installation ceremony. The temple’s trustees were present during the event.
First Piper 