Masoba

Masoba (spelt Mhasoba म्हसोबा in Maharashtra) is one of the folk guardian deities, a form of Lord Shiva,[1][2][3] worshipped in some parts of India. His temples are found mainly in States of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. Masoba is considered to be God of Spirit and temples are generally found near Smashan (cemeteries) or outside the village.[4][5][6][7]

Many communities like

Lajjhars,[5] Joshis,[5] Pradhans,[6] Mangs,[7] Chamars[7] and Dhangars[7] worship Masoba and at times offer sacrifice of he-goats. They believe that Masoba is their guardian deity and protects them from evil spirits. However, it is the Dalit community, which mainly worship Masoba. There are many places, where annually a religious rally (Yatra) called Masoba Yatra is held, when the deity is carried in Palkhi (palanquin).[8]

References
  1. "Mhasoba Mandir". map.sahapedia.org. Retrieved 2023-08-30.
  2. "The riddle of Mhatoba, Mhaskoba and Mahishasura". The Indian Express. 2016-03-28. Retrieved 2023-08-30.
  3. Bhanu, B. V. (2004). Maharashtra. ISBN 9788179911006.
  4. "TuLu Research & Studies". tulu-research.blogspot.com. Retrieved 2023-08-30.
  5. Singh, Kumar Suresh; Bhanu, B. V.; India, Anthropological Survey of (2004). Maharashtra. Popular Prakashan. ISBN 978-81-7991-101-3.
  6. Rāmarāju, Bi (1991). Glimpses Into Telugu Folklore. Janapada Vijnana Prachuranalu.
  7. Danda, Ajit K. (1993). Weaker Sections in Indian Villages. Inter-India Publications. ISBN 978-81-210-0305-6.
  8. Festival:Previously the event was celebrated as \'Masoba yatra\' in Sulud
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