Mailara Linga

Mailara Linga, a form of the Hindu god Shiva, is the main deity worshiped by Kurubas, Uppaaras and other Hindus. Mailara Linga is also known as Mallappa, Mallara, Mallayya etc. He is popularly known as Khandoba in Marathi. Many brahamins from Karnataka, Maharashtra and Gujarat also worship him. He is accompanied by his consort Gangi Maalsa. He is depicted riding on the horse and sword in his right hand. He had killed the demons Mani and Malla and after killing them he happened to pass through hillocks. While passing through so he stopped in cave where is worshipped even today. Generally Mailara Linga Priests are from Kuruba Community. They are Vaggaiahs, Goravayyalus who are devoted to Mailara Linga and propagate the Janapada folk stories about Shiva to the masses.

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