Martand Bhairav is an incarnation of Shiva worshipped
mainly in Maharashtra , Karnataka and Andhra
Pradesh in India. Legend has it that during the Krita Yuga (Satya Yuga), two demon
brothers named Mani and Malla attained immense powers and started troubling
saints, devas and humans.
People were fed up with the havoc created by the two demons. They then took the help of Shiva.
Shiva then assumed the form of Martand Bhairava. He had
three eyes and appeared with serpents around his neck. He was four-armed and
held damaru (hourglass drum), trident, sword and cup. He wore a garland made of
human heads. The head was adorned with crescent moon.
The vehicle of Martand Bhairav was Nandi.
Martand Bhairav then attacked and killed the demons Mani
and Malla.
The Shakti of Martand Bhairav is Mhalsa.
This incarnation of Shiva is also referred as
Khandoba, Mailar and Malhari Martand Bhairav.
The most famous festival dedicated to Martand Bhairav is the Champa Shashti observed during Margashirsha Shukla Paksha Sashti.
The most famous festival dedicated to Martand Bhairav is the Champa Shashti observed during Margashirsha Shukla Paksha Sashti.