Champa Shashti festival is observed on the 6th day of Margashirsha month (December – January) in Hindu Calendar. Champa Shasthi is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the festival is of great importance to Khandoba Temple at Jejuri near Pune in Maharashtra. The festival is celebrated for six days from the first day to sixth day of Margashirsha month and the main festival is on the final day. In 2022, Champa Sashti date is on 29 November 2022.
Legend of Champa Shashti Festival
The story of Champa Shashti festival is associated with the story of the battle of Lord Shiva and two powerful demons Mani and Malla. The demons created a huge army and tried to capture the three worlds. Rishis and demigods approached Lord Vishnu for help. Vishnu mentioned that it is Lord Shiva’s job and they approached to Shiva and asked to save the world. Lord Shiva took the form of Bhairav and Goddess Parvati became Shakti, and was named Mhalsa. The battle between Shivshankar and demon brothers Mani-Malla lasted for six days and Shiva killed the demons of Shasti day. Champa Sashti is celebrated in memory of this event. Lord Shiva appeared in the form of Swayambhu lingam at Khandoba Temple.
Lord Shiva is known as Martand or Malhari or Khandoba or Kanderao during Champa Shasthi festival in Maharashtra.
Why the name CHAMPA ??
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