In Maharashtra, the Kala Bhairava worship took the form of
Sri Siddhanath cult. There are various stories of how Kala Bhairava worship
reached Maharashtra. According to one version a demon named Kalasur resided at
Kolhapur. He disrupted religious ceremonies around the region, particularly at
Tuljapur.
Saints and devotees of the region prayed to Adimaya
Mahashakti to save them from Kalasur. She advised them to approach Kala
Bhairava, the Kotval of Kashi.
To help the devotees and saints, Kala Bhairava came to Maharashtra
and killed the demon. Immensely pleased Bhavani Mata of Tuljapur honored him
with the epithet of Siddhanath.
After destroying demon Kalasur and his lieutenants, Bhairava
went to Patal Lok on a horse. Shesha, the king of serpents, welcomed him. His
daughter, Jogeshwari, fell in love with Kala Bhairava. On the request of King
of serpents Kala Bhairava agreed to marry his daughter. Their marriage took
place at Mhaswad.
Meanwhile Bhairava killed several demons including demon
Suvarnasur of Sonari. Devotees constructed a temple in his honor at Mhaswad. A
number of festivals are held at the temple including Ratha Yatra and marriage
ceremony of Siddhanath and Jogeshwari.