| Temples & Legends Of
Maharastra |
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| Temples & Legends Of
India |
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KHANDOBA - JEJURI |
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| A record dated 1750 A.D. narrates
a tale current at that time about how Khandoba appeared at Jejuri. Once several boys
herding their cattle were resting on the Karhe-pathar.The god Khandoba suddenly appeared
there and seated himself amongst the boys. But as soon as he noticed that Bhaya, one of
his most devout bhakts was approaching,Khandoba disappeared. The other boys told Bhaya of
the appearance and disappearance of the god. His disappointment knew no bounds. Below the
blanket on which the boys were sitting a ling of Halad was found. Bhaya sat before it
praying the god to reappear. The elders of the village put little credence in Bhaya’s
story and threw away the ling, but it turned into a precious stone, making the elders
think again. And a great dispute arose as to whose devotion and piety made Khandoba go to
the spot. Ultimately it was decided to draw twelve lines on the ground and to
strike with pick axes on the lines. If anybody’s axe struck a ling, he should get the
credit of having brought the god. As was to be expected it was Bhaya whose axe struck
against a ling from which gushed out streams of blood and milk. Nothing could stop the
flow, finally the god appeared before a devotee and told him the blood would stop if a
person from the Maral family of Pemar sprinkles his blood on the ling. This was done and
the blood stopped rushing out. Soon a temple was erected over the ling. The particular
record is connected with a dispute between this Bhaya and his successors on the one hand
and some other villagers on the other, brought before the Peshwa’s court. |
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