Story Of Shri Khatu shyam Ji Temple
🕉️ The Divine Story of Shri Khatu Shyam Ji
đź“Ť Location
The Khatu Shyam Ji Temple is located in the small town of Khatu, in the Sikar district of Rajasthan, India.
It is one of the most sacred pilgrim places for devotees of Lord Krishna and the Pandavas.
The presiding deity, Shri Khatu Shyam Ji, is revered as the manifestation of Lord Krishna Himself — a symbol of faith, sacrifice, and compassion.
⚔️ The Birth of Barbarika
đź‘‘ Divine Lineage
During the time of the Mahabharata, a mighty warrior named Ghatotkacha (son of Bhima and the demoness Hidimba) married Ahilawati, the daughter of the serpent king Vasuki.
From this divine union was born Barbarika, blessed with immense strength, wisdom, and divine weapons.
He was a great devotee of Lord Krishna and was trained in warfare and archery by his mother and by Lord Shiva Himself.
🎯 The Boon of the Three Arrows
Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva granted Barbarika three infallible arrows (Teen Baan), and Agni Deva (the Fire God) gave him a bow.
Because of these arrows, Barbarika came to be known as Teen Baan Dhari:
With the first arrow, he could mark all the enemies he wanted to destroy.
With the second arrow, he could mark all those he wanted to save.
With the third arrow, he could destroy all marked enemies in a single shot and bring the arrows back to his quiver.
Thus, Barbarika possessed the power to end any war within moments.
⚖️ The Mahabharata and Barbarika’s Promise
When the great Kurukshetra War was about to begin, Barbarika wished to participate. He vowed to support the weaker side in the war, in the spirit of justice.
Before leaving for the battlefield, he promised his mother that he would fight for whoever is losing.
🙏 Lord Krishna’s Test
🕊️ The Divine Encounter
On his way to Kurukshetra, Lord Krishna, disguised as a Brahmin, stopped Barbarika and asked:
“O mighty warrior, which side will you support?”
Barbarika replied, “I have vowed to support the weaker side.”
Krishna then smiled and tested him further:
“With such divine arrows, if you join the weaker side, you will immediately destroy the stronger side. Then, the defeated side will become stronger, and you will have to switch again.
Thus, the war will never end.”
Barbarika was speechless — for his very vow meant that he could never decide a side permanently.
🩸 The Supreme Sacrifice
Krishna then revealed His divine form and said:
“O Barbarika, before this war begins, I ask for your head as a sacrifice.
This war requires the offering of the greatest warrior.”
Barbarika, understanding that Krishna was none other than the Supreme Lord Vishnu, bowed in surrender.
He humbly said:
“My Lord, if You desire my head, it shall be my greatest blessing.”
With complete devotion, Barbarika offered his head to Lord Krishna.
Krishna was moved by his faith and granted him three boons:
His head would be placed atop a hill so that he could witness the entire battle of Mahabharata.
In Kaliyuga, he would be worshipped in Krishna’s name and would fulfill the wishes of all devotees who remember him with faith.
His name would be immortal as the compassionate form of Krishna — Shri Khatu Shyam Ji.
Thus, Barbarika became Shri Shyam, the God of Kaliyuga, known for granting blessings instantly to his devotees.
🌺 The Discovery of the Idol
After thousands of years, the head of Barbarika was found buried in Khatu village.
According to legend:
A cow used to pour her milk daily at a particular spot.
When villagers dug the site, they discovered a divine head buried beneath.
The local king, Raja Roop Singh Chauhan, had a dream in which the Lord instructed him to build a temple and install the head there.
Following these divine instructions, the Khatu Shyam Ji Temple was built, and the idol was installed with great devotion.
The head was ceremoniously bathed in the holy waters of Pushkar Lake before consecration.
🛕 The Temple’s Glory
The present Khatu Shyam Ji Temple was constructed with beautiful white marble, with intricate carvings and a golden dome.
The temple complex glows with divine energy and peace.
The main sanctum houses the idol of Shri Shyam Ji, adorned with peacock feathers (symbol of Krishna) and a beautiful tilak.
The Shyam Kund, near the temple, is the sacred pond where the head was found.
It is believed that a dip in this kund cures diseases and purifies the soul.
🌙 The Faith of Devotees
đź’– The Lord of Kaliyuga
Devotees believe that Khatu Shyam Ji listens to every sincere prayer instantly.
He is lovingly called:
“Hare ka Sahara” (Support of the helpless)
“Shyam Baba”
“Khatu Naresh” (King of Khatu)
His blessings are said to bring relief from suffering, success in devotion, and protection in difficult times.
🌼 The Famous Khatu Shyam Mela
Every year, in the Phalgun month (February–March), a grand fair — the Khatu Shyam Mela — is held to celebrate Baba’s glory.
Lakhs of devotees gather, singing bhajans, performing aarti, and offering prasad to the Lord.
The chant “Jai Shri Shyam!” echoes through the air — filling hearts with love, devotion, and divine peace.
✨ Symbolism & Spiritual Essence
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Barbarika (Shyam) | The symbol of sacrifice and devotion |
| Three Arrows (Teen Baan) | Control over desire, anger, and greed |
| Blue Color & Peacock Feathers | Association with Lord Krishna |
| Khatu Temple | The sacred place where faith meets miracles |
| Devotees’ Faith | Represents humility, devotion, and surrender |
🕉️ In Summary
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Shri Khatu Shyam Ji (Barbarika – grandson of Bhima) |
| Location | Khatu, Sikar District, Rajasthan |
| Era | Post-Mahabharata period |
| Form of God | Manifestation of Lord Krishna |
| Key Weapon | Three Divine Arrows (Teen Baan) |
| Temple Built By | Raja Roop Singh Chauhan |
| Significance | Fulfills devotees’ wishes in Kaliyuga |
| Famous Festival | Khatu Shyam Mela (Phalgun month) |
🌸 Divine Blessing
“He who remembers me with pure faith,
I remove his sorrows and grant him peace.
My name is Shyam — the One who never lets His devotees fall.”
– Shri Khatu Shyam Ji
