Khatu Shyam : People admire and venerate Khatu Shyam Ji, also known as Barbarika, as the celestial hero of the Mahabharata. He has a specific function in Kaliyuga, which is the present period. People think he is the son of Ghatotkacha and the grandson of Bhima, who was one of the Pandavas.
Legend has it that Barbarika gave Lord Krishna his head (sheesh daan) before the epic battle of Kurukshetra. Krishna was so moved by his devotion that he gave him a gift: in Kaliyuga, he would be worshipped as Shyam and hear the prayers of his followers.
The Story of the Khatu Shyam
- In Rajasthan’s Sikar district, Khatoo (Khatu) is the name of the site of devotion.
- The myth says that Barbarika’s head was buried in this location. It stayed hidden until a strange thing happened: a cow that was walking nearby started to produce milk from its udder over a certain location. The locals were scared and interested, so they dug there and were surprised to find the head buried there.
- The place where the head was found is now called Shyam Kund, which means “holy pond.”
Dhritarashtra and Pandu Untold Story.
Architecture the Temple
- The first temple was built in 1027 AD by King Roop Singh Chauhan and his wife Narmada Kanwar, inspired by a dream in which the deity asked to be unearthed and enshrined.
- Later, in 1720 AD, Diwan Abhai Singh (at the request of the then monarch of Marwar) refurbished the temple, giving it its present form.
- The sanctuary (garbhagriha) houses the idol in the form of the head (sheesh) of Khatu Shyam Ji, coated with silver sheets.
- Rituals and Festivals The temple of Khatu Shyam Ji is a place of active worship. Some important holidays and events are:
- The Phalgun Mela is the greatest celebration and takes place in the Hindu month of Phalguna (February–March).
- Millions of worshippers come together for days of singing, prayer, and joy.
- Janmashtami is a holiday that honors Lord Krishna. Shyam Ji is very devoted to Krishna.
- The temple also has special ceremonies for Holi, Jhool Jhulani Ekadashi, and Vasant (Basant) Panchami.
- Daily Aartis: The temple’s website link click here.
- Mangala Aarti (early morning) is from 4:45 to 5:45 AM.
- Shringar Aarti, which happens between 7:00 and 8:00 AM, is when flowers and jewelry are put on the god. Around 12:15 PM, Bhog Aarti.
- Aarti in the evening (Sandhya) is from 6:00 to 7:15 PM.
- Shayan (sleep) Aarti is between 9:00 to 10:30 PM.
The Divine Power of Khatu Shyam Ji
- Miracle-Granting: People who worship Khatu Shyam Ji strongly believe that he grants desires.
- People come to get help with their concerns, such health, money, and relationships, and many say they have seen miracles happen.
- Haare Ka Sahara: One of his most famous titles is “Haare ka Sahara,” which means “the Supporter of the Defeated.”
- This shows that many think he helps individuals who feel hopeless or that they are “losing” in life. Universal Appeal: He has a lot of followers in different states.
- A lot of people think of him as a saintly character who is kind, open, and forgiving. Sacrifice and Devotion: His story of ultimate sacrifice—giving his head to Krishna—makes him magnetic, and he is given immortal respect. People who worship see this as the most unselfish and devoted thing to do.
