Champa Shashti 2023: Date, Time, Puja Rituals and Significance

Champa Shashthi 2023: Champa Shashti is one of the auspicious festival which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. One this auspicious day, people offer prayers to Lord Shiva. Devotees worship Lord Shiva in the form of Khandoba. This festival is mainly celebrated in the Maharashtra and Karnataka with great happiness and reverence. In the year 2023, Champa Shashti is being celebrated on Shashti Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Margashirsha i.e., December 18, 2023.

Champa Shashthi 2023: Date and Time

Shashthi Tithi Begins - December 17, 2023 - 05:33 PM
Shashthi Tithi Ends - December 18, 2023 - 03:13 AM
Champa Shashthi 2023: Significance

Champa Shasthi holds an immense religious significance. On this propitious day, devotees worship Lord Shiva as Khandoba, who is a ferocious form of Lord Shiva. Lord Khadoba saved various people from the demon Malaa and his younger brother Mani. This day is mainly celebrated in Maharashtra and Karnataka with great reverence as he defeated the demons on this day and this day is celebrated as the victory of Lord Khandoba over these demons. This festival is celebrated in other regions of India. Devotees celebrate this day to show their gratitude towards the Lord Khandoba.

Lord Khadoba is also famous as warrior and the Lord of hunters. People worship their lord with immense devotion and dedication. There is a famous temple situated in Jejuri (Pune), which is dedicated to Lord Khandoba and a large number of people visit this temple to seek blessings. It is believed that the one who observe fast on this sacred day and offer prayers to Lord Khandoba, get rid of all their past committed sins. They lead a happy and prosperous life.

Champa Shashti 2023: Story

Once Lord Khandoba who appeared in a ferocious form was covered with turmeric and shining like a gold. The fierce battle took place between Malla brothers and Lord Khandoba. The battle continued for six days and Mani accepted his defeat and seek forgiveness from Lord Shiva then Lord Shiva offered him white horse and asked hi, for the boon. Mani asked Lord Khandoba that he wanted to live with him forever. Lord Khandoba accepted his request and fulfilled his wish and he is placed in Khandoba temples along with him. Since then, Champa Shashti is celebrated with greath dedication.

Champa Shashti 2023: Puja Rituals

1. Wake up earl yin the morning and take a bath.
2. This festival starts from Amavasya and end on Champa Shashti.
3. People offer vegetable, fruits, apple leaves and turmeric powder and offer prayers to Lord Khandoba.
4. Devotees visit temple during these six days and worship Lord Shiva.
5. Light a diya with an oil for six consecutive days in front of the idol.
6. On the last and the sixth day, devotees offer various types of bhog prasad such as Thombara (made up of multi grain flour), Rigada (delicacy prepared from wheat base) and bhandara (turmeric powder).
7. To conclude the puja rituals, people perform Aarti.