Mhasoba is widely worshipped in Maharashtra and in parts of Karnataka, Gujarat , Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The name of Hindu God Mahasoba is derived from the term Mahisa and it means buffalo. In some regions, he is considered as the chief of spirits. Mhasoba is mainly worshiped to overcome epidemics. There is no human figure or animal figure of Mhasoba. He is represented by a piece of stone which has no definite form or distinct shape. He is enshrined under a tree or in small square structure built on the outskirts of a village or near the boundary wall of farmlands. When there is an outbreak of an epidemic, Mhasoba is offered coconut, pumpkin etc. Oil pressers (Teli community) worship him before the start of oil pressing season. Some scholars believe that during the medieval period when there were frequent droughts, a large section of society turned to cattle rearing for their livelihood. Buffalo then became sacred and was raised to status of a deity.