Interesting Shree Kshetra Korthan Khandoba Temple, near Parner, Maharastra

Shree Kshetra Korthan Khandoba Temple, Pimpalgao Rotha, Taluka - Parner

  The state of Maharastra has lots of Hindu temples and in the historical past many Maratha rulers, who were devout Hindus, patronized many of them. Shree Kshetra Korthan Khandoba Devasthan  temple, situated at the height of 951 meters on the hills of Pimpalgaon Rotha, which is about 50 km from the city of Ahmednagar and 30 km from the city of Parner, is a famous Hindu temple. This temple became popular only a few decades ago. Till then, unfortunately the temple was not well maintained.

Built in 1491, this temple was not given due attention until  l997. The villagers took the responsibility of developing this old historical temple. A Suvarna (gold) Kalash (Kalasam) was placed on Champashasti by the Bramhmin Param Pujya Shree Gagangiri Maharaj.  For the past several centuries  a form of Shiva known as  Lord Khandoba has been worshiped in the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Goa. Here the idol of  Khandoba is believed to be Suyambu -  self-generated, hence it is referred to as Kor than, here. Kor means "untouched".

In the Hindu  Calender  month Margashish and on the day  of  "Shukla 6", Champashasti is celebrated  with great fanfare as "Shree Khandoba Avatar Diwas".  The celestial wedding festival of Shree Khandoba  with Mhalsabai takes place on Paush poornima.  The grand  Yatra Mohotsav yearly celebration is a famous one and is attended by people from  Maharashtra as well as Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Goa. Nearly 15 lakhs people attend the joyous festival and  various programs of Sathsangs. This  festival has been conducted almost every year since 1967

Shree Kshetra Korthan Khandoba Temple, www.ovguide.com

This grand celebration lasts three days. The popular  bullock cart race locally called the Gaade is a major event on the second day of the festival and this unique race is held on a specially prepared track near the temple. This racing  normally  consists of a pair of bullocks with Bhandara on their whole body. Sometimes the bullocks are led by a horse and a man sitting on it.

Shree Kshetra Korthan Khandoba Devasthan  temple, near Ahmednagar  bhakti.org.

The Kathyas arriving from villages bhakti.org.in

The third day of the yatra is called Kathya. Kathya generally  refers to the long wooden stick (nearly 35–50 feet), covered by various colored cloths, which is roped to give support. The Kathyas arriving from villages are ceremoniously placed.  The first kadthi to arrive at the temple is referred to as  Brahmanwada kathi.'  When this kathya touches the top of temple (Kalash), the yatra of the God Khandoba is declared finished.

Ref:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shree_Kshetra_Korthan_Khand