KHANDOBA TEMPLE - THE NAVAS OF OFFERING

This Khandoba temple yet had some traditions like walking on fire, or hanging from a tall pole with a iron hook thrust into their backs. These came into existence only on fulfilling their desires. The vows were as barbaric as the mode of redemption. But it was the order of the day. Now that a sweeping change has set in, the temple is visited by still more large numbers regularly. And so the glory of the Lord is expanding to all corners. Read for the details of Navaras and their origin. .

It is observed that the principal objects of veneration in these two temples are Siva lingas and the images of Chaturbhuja Maheswara. Lord Khandoba is renowned as a God of Sa kama bhakti, one who fulfills all the desires of his pious bhaktas. He is primarily the God of the masses, who take vows of different kinds - some being barbaric in nature too, yet the Lord blesses them for instant fulfilment. Devotees approach him for boons, such as securing bride groom; getting employment; business prosperity; birth of child etc. On all the days. And on getting them fulfilled, they go again to redeem their debt called here Navas, with elaborate prayers. As the Lord never deserted any genuine bhakta, his fame spread far and wide. People from long distances also reach him to pray for success in life. They visit again for offering naves, such as abhiseka, naivedya, vastras, abharanas etc. These are in common with many practices in vogue elsewhere in all most all temples, but here there are certain strange customs referred to above which have affected the social structure and brought dishonor to religion. Social reformers after great struggle liberated them, but still it is going on to some extent in a clandestine way, which proves beyond doubt Lord Kandoba's hold on the illiterate masses. And lo! they form the majority of his following. That is the glory of the Hindu religion both in its dark and bright aspects.

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