Khatu Shyam Ji is a highly revered deity in Hinduism, especially worshipped in the northern parts of India. His temple in Khatu, Rajasthan, is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in India. He is believed to be an incarnation of Barbarika, the grandson of Bhima (one of the Pandavas) from the great Hindu epic, Mahabharata.

Legend and Mythological Significance

The story of Khatu Shyam Ji is deeply rooted in the events of the Mahabharata. According to the legend, Barbarika was the son of Ghatotkacha (son of Bhima) and Mauri, a Nagavanshi princess. From his childhood, Barbarika was a great warrior and had learned the art of warfare from Lord Shiva himself.

The Boon of Three Arrows

Barbarika was blessed with three infallible arrows, given to him by Lord Shiva, which made him invincible. These arrows had divine powers:

1. The first arrow could mark all the targets that Barbarika wanted to destroy.
2. The second arrow would mark everything that Barbarika wanted to save.
3. The third arrow would destroy everything that was marked by the first arrow.

Because of these arrows, he was called Teen Baan Dhaari (The One with Three Arrows).

Barbarika's Promise to Fight for the Weaker Side

Barbarika had a firm principle: he would always fight for the weaker side in any battle. When the Kurukshetra war was about to begin, he decided to witness the war and support the weaker army. Before joining, he sought blessings from Lord Krishna, who was guiding the Pandavas.

Krishna, knowing Barbarika’s power, wanted to test him. When asked which side he would support, Barbarika replied that he would fight for the weaker side. Krishna then explained that due to the ever-changing nature of war, whoever he supported would automatically become stronger, making the other side weaker. This meant that eventually, he would keep switching sides until he destroyed everyone, leaving himself as the last survivor.

Sacrifice and Transformation into Khatu Shyam Ji

Realizing the consequences of Barbarika’s participation, Krishna disguised himself as a Brahmin and asked for his head as daan (charity). Being a true devotee of Krishna, Barbarika willingly offered his head. Before sacrificing himself, he requested Krishna that he wished to witness the war.

Moved by his devotion, Krishna granted him a boon that in Kaliyuga (the present age), he would be worshipped as Khatu Shyam Ji, and devotees who remember him with a pure heart will have their wishes fulfilled. Krishna also placed his head on a hill from where he could see the entire war.

After the war, Barbarika’s head was given to the river Rupawati. Later, it was found in Khatu village in Rajasthan, where a temple was built to worship him as Shyam Baba or Khatu Shyam Ji.

Khatu Shyam Ji Temple in Rajasthan

The Khatu Shyam Ji Temple in Sikar district, Rajasthan, is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in India. The temple is believed to have been built in the 11th century by Roop Singh Chauhan, the ruler of Khatu. The idol of Khatu Shyam Ji is said to have emerged from the Rupawati River and was installed in the temple with great reverence.

Architecture of the Temple

The temple showcases stunning Rajasthani architecture, featuring:

• A beautiful marble sanctum with intricate carvings.
• A golden dome and a silver doorway that enhances its divine aura.
• A holy pond called the Shyam Kund, where devotees take a dip, believing it to be spiritually purifying.

Major Festivals and Celebrations

Khatu Shyam Ji is worshipped throughout the year, but certain festivals attract thousands of devotees from all over India.

1. Phalgun Mela (February-March)
   • This is the grandest festival celebrated at the temple.
   • Millions of devotees visit Khatu during this time.
   • The temple remains open for 24 hours, and special bhajans and kirtans are performed.
2. Ekadashi and Dwadashi
   • The 11th and 12th day of the lunar month are considered highly auspicious.
   • Devotees observe fasts and perform night-long bhajans in his praise.
3. Janmashtami and Holi
   • Devotees also celebrate Lord Krishna’s birth (Janmashtami) and Holi, as Khatu Shyam Ji is closely associated with Krishna.

Khatu Shyam Ji’s Teachings and Devotee Beliefs

• Devotion & Surrender: Barbarika’s unconditional devotion to Krishna teaches us the importance of surrendering to the divine.
• Karma and Destiny: His life shows that fate plays a big role, but righteousness and devotion can lead to divine blessings.
• Helping the Weaker: The principle of standing for the weaker side is a reminder of compassion and fairness in life.