The Khatu Shyam Ji Temple is a revered Hindu temple located in Sikar district, Rajasthan. Devotees from all over India visit this holy place, believing that the blessings of Khatu Shyam Ji fulfill all wishes. Many devotees travel long distances, some even walking miles, to reach this divine shrine, as it’s believed that Khatu Shyam Ji fulfills every devotee’s desires. The story of Shree Khatu Shyam Ji is as fascinating as it is miraculous, with origins in the epic Mahabharata. Here is the inspiring life story of Baba Khatu Shyam Ji.
Story of Shree Khatu Shyam Ji
The story of Khatu Shyam Ji begins during the Mahabharata era when he was known as Barbarika. Barbarika was the grandson of Bhima and the son of Ghatotkacha. From a young age, he was an incredibly skilled and courageous warrior. After a period of intense meditation dedicated to the Navadurga (nine goddesses), he was blessed with divine strength, three powerful arrows, and a magical bow, earning him the title of “Teen Baan Dhari” (the Three-Arrows Wielder).
One day, Barbarika mentioned to his mother that these three arrows were enough to secure victory in all three worlds. His mother then asked him to take a vow that he would always support the weaker side in any battle, thus giving him the title “Hare Ka Sahara” (Supporter of the Defeated). When Barbarika learned of the impending war between the Kauravas and Pandavas, he sought his mother’s blessings and set off for the battlefield at Kurukshetra on his blue horse, carrying his bow and three arrows.
Upon hearing about Barbarika’s decision, Lord Krishna became concerned, realizing that Barbarika’s immense power might lead to the destruction of both sides in the war. Disguising himself as a Brahmin, Lord Krishna stopped Barbarika and inquired about his intentions. Barbarika explained that he was going to Kurukshetra to fulfill his duty and help the weaker side. Krishna, doubting Barbarika’s prowess, challenged him to prove his skill with his three arrows. Accepting the challenge, Barbarika displayed his power by marking every leaf of a Peepal tree with a single arrow, despite Krishna hiding one of the leaves under his foot.
Recognizing Barbarika’s unparalleled strength, Krishna requested a boon. Barbarika, ever generous, agreed to give whatever the Brahmin asked. Krishna then requested Barbarika’s head as a sacrificial offering. Without hesitation, Barbarika agreed but requested Krishna reveal his true form, knowing only a deity could make such a request. Krishna then revealed his divine form to Barbarika, who was filled with devotion.
Honoring his vow, Barbarika sacrificed his head to Lord Krishna. Before his sacrifice, he expressed his desire to witness the entire Mahabharata war. In response, Krishna placed Barbarika’s head on a hill overlooking the battlefield, where he observed the entire war unfold.
After the war, the victorious Pandavas argued over who was responsible for their success. Krishna suggested that Barbarika’s head, as a neutral observer, should decide. Barbarika declared that Lord Krishna alone was the true force behind their victory, as it was his guidance, divine presence, and strategies that determined the outcome. Barbarika had only seen Krishna’s divine Sudarshan Chakra moving through the battlefield, eliminating the enemy forces.
Pleased with Barbarika’s selfless sacrifice, Lord Krishna blessed him, declaring that in Kaliyuga (the current era), he would be worshipped as Shyam Dev, with powers that mirror Krishna’s own. Krishna blessed that Barbarika’s head would be worshipped, and he would be known as Shri Khatu Shyam Ji.
Story of Khatu Shyam Ji in Khatu
Many years later, as Kaliyuga progressed, Shyam Dev miraculously manifested in Khatu to bless devotees. According to legend, a cow, on its way home, stopped at a specific spot and allowed milk to flow from all four udders. Observing this miracle, a herder reported it to King Naresh of Khandela, a devout follower of Lord Krishna. That night, in a dream, Shree Shyam Dev appeared to the king, revealing that his idol was buried at the spot where the cow released her milk. Shyam Dev instructed him to unearth the idol
Following the divine vision, the king recovered the idol and installed it at the Khatu Shyam Temple. Initially, this temple was constructed by Raja Roop Singh Chauhan, who, along with his wife, had visions of the deity in their dreams. The excavation site where the idol was found is now known as Shyam Kund. In 1720 CE, Diwan Abha Singh renovated the temple, which has maintained its divine aura ever since. To this day, the idol shines with divine light, and devotees from all over India come to offer prayers and seek blessings from Khatu Shyam Baba.
Story of Khatu Shyam Temple
Today, the Khatu Shyam Ji Temple stands as a beacon of faith and hope, drawing countless devotees who believe that praying at this sacred place fulfills all desires. The priestly duties at the temple are carried out by descendants of Narmada Kanwar’s clan, who continue to honor the traditions and rituals associated with Khatu Shyam Ji.