Champa Shashthi (Khandoba) 2026

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Do This Vrat?

• Devotees of Khandoba: Families who worship Khandoba (Martand Bhairav, a form of Lord Shiva) as their family deity (Kuladevata) observe this vrat with deep faith.
• Seekers of Protection: Devotees also keep it to seek protection from fear, victory over difficulties, and the prosperity of the family.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Morning Preparation: Bathe early and take the sankalp after sunrise, before the main puja.
• Puja Muhurat: The puja of Khandoba is done in the morning. Check the puja muhurat for your city on this page.
• Naivedya: The offering is made after the puja and the Aarti, around Madhyahna (midday).
• Breaking the Fast: After the Naivedya is offered, with the offered food.

About the Festival

Champa Shashthi is a much-loved Maharashtrian observance, also kept in Karnataka, in which devotees worship Lord Khandoba, who is known as Malhari Martand. It takes place on the Shashthi (sixth day) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Margashirsha.

The Vrat Katha (Story of Khandoba and Mani-Malla)

Once upon a time, two powerful demon brothers, Mani and Malla, performed great penance and received a boon from Lord Brahma that made them nearly invincible. Proud of their strength, they began to harass the sages and the Devas and disturbed the sacred rites of the world.

The sages and the Devas, in great distress, went to Lord Shiva for help. Moved by their prayers, Shiva took the fierce form of Martand Bhairav (Khandoba), mounted a white horse and came to the earth with his army, along with his consort Mhalsa.

The Lord told the frightened sages: "Do not fear. Worship me with devotion, and I will protect you from all evil." A great battle was fought over six days, from Pratipada to Shashthi, and on Shashthi, Khandoba defeated the demons. Mani, repenting at the end, offered his white horse to the Lord as his devotion and asked to stay at his side, and Khandoba blessed him. Malla asked that the god take his name, and so Khandoba is also called Mallari or Malhari. Since that day, devotees have observed Champa Shashthi to seek his protection and blessings.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the morning puja:

• Image / Idol: A picture, idol, or Tak (small metal face-mask) of Khandoba, along with his consort Mhalsa
• Sacred Powder: Bhandara (turmeric powder), Roli, and Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
• Lamps & Lights: A brass or clay Diya with Ghee and cotton wick
• Sacred Leaves: Fresh Bel leaves, offered with flowers
• Food Offerings (Naivedya): Bharit (roasted brinjal mash), Rotla (millet bread), onions, and sweet Puran Poli
• Devotional Accessories: Flowers (especially yellow), Kalava (sacred red thread), incense, and a small vessel of water

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and wear clean, auspicious clothes.
2. Take a small amount of water in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Lord Khandoba, today I observe this vrat for the protection, health, and prosperity of my family. Grant me the strength to complete this vow with pure devotion."
3. Observe the fast through the morning, until the Naivedya has been offered.

Step 2: Preparing the Puja Altar

1. Clean the puja space and the family altar (Devghar), and spread a clean cloth on a wooden stool (Chowki).
2. Place the image or Tak of Khandoba, and Mhalsa, on the Chowki.
3. Keep the Bhandara, Bel leaves, flowers, and the water vessel close at hand.

Step 3: Performing the Rituals

1. Lighting the Lamp: Light a Ghee Diya and place it before Lord Khandoba.
2. Applying Bhandara: Apply Bhandara (turmeric), Roli, and Akshat to the image of Khandoba.
3. Offering Bel Leaves & Flowers: Offer Bel leaves and fresh flowers with folded hands.
4. Offering Kalava: Tie a piece of Kalava (red thread) at the foot of the altar.

Step 4: Reciting the Story

1. Hold a few grains of rice and a few flower petals in your right hand.
2. Sit respectfully in front of the altar and recite or listen to the story of Khandoba and Mani-Malla with deep focus.
3. After the story, offer the grains and petals at the Lord's feet. Chant "Yelkot Yelkot Jai Malhar" with devotion.

Step 5: Aarti and Naivedya

1. Perform the Khandoba Aarti using the lit Ghee lamp while singing devotional hymns.
2. Offer Bharit, Rotla, onions, and Puran Poli in small portions before the Lord.
3. Shower a pinch of Bhandara over the image of the Lord with the cry of "Yelkot" (a traditional devotional call).

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Breaking the Fast

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Distribute the prasad among your family members and children.
3. Break your fast by partaking in the prasad and a simple meal.