Khandoba, also called Khanderao, is a local deity of the Hindus, worshipped by the people of the Deccan regions, Maharashtra, parts of Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka states of India. It is believed that the worship of Khandoba developed during the 9th/10th centuries, and he is believed to have developed from a folk deity into a deity having composite characters and attributes of Shiva, Bhairava, and according to some scholars, also of Surya. He is depicted either in the form of a Lingam, or as an image riding on a

In certain regions of Karnataka, Khandoba is known as Mailara or Mallaiah.

Reference

• Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend (ISBN 0500510881) by Anna Dhallapiccola