The history of Khatu shyam ji dates back to the time of the Mahabharata.
Khatu shyam ji is considered the Kaliyug avatar of Lord Krishna.
The Khatu shyam ji temple is located in the Sikar district of Rajasthan.
During the Mahabharata era, Khatu shyam ji was known by the name Barbarik.
Lord Krishna, pleased with Barbarik’s sacrifice, blessed him to be worshipped in Kaliyug by the name Shyam.
The Khatu shyam ji temple is ancient, with the current structure being rebuilt in 1720.
It is believed that Khatu shyam ji fulfills genuine wishes made without greed.
The Real Story of Khatu Shyam ji
Every year, millions of devotees from all over the world come to witness Khatu shyam ji.
Let’s delve into the history of Khatu shyam ji and the complete story behind it.
History of Khatu Shyam ji
Barbarik, also known as Khatu shyam ji, was the grandson of Bhim and the son of Ghatotkacha.
During his childhood, Barbarik’s mother, Ahilawati, taught him always to stand by the weaker.
Barbarik obtained a unique boon from Lord Shiva, who granted him three arrows.
The power of these arrows was such that the first arrow marked the target, the second arrow hit those targets, and the third arrow was never needed.
Because of this boon, Barbarik was invincible. When he came to know about the Mahabharata war, he decided to participate.
Upon knowing that Barbarik intended to participate in the war, Lord Krishna became concerned.
He knew that Barbarik would bring destruction to both sides in a matter of moments.
The reason being Barbarik had pledged to fight from the weaker side only.
Barbarik, whichever side he fought for, made that side invincible while weakening the other.
Eventually, Barbarik would end up defeating the weaker side and then proceed to eliminate the other.
To prevent this, Lord Krishna disguised himself as a Brahmin and approached Barbarik.
There, Lord Krishna told Barbarik that going to war with just three arrows was foolishness.
Hearing this, Barbarik, disguised as a Brahmin, told Lord Krishna that he could annihilate the whole world with just two arrows, and the third arrow would never be needed.
Mocking Barbarik’s words, Lord Krishna challenged him to prove his expertise immediately.
Barbarik lifted his bow and was ready. Lord Krishna then asked him to mark all the leaves of a peepal tree in front of them.
Barbarik took an arrow, and with a single shot, marked all the leaves.
While he was doing this, Lord Krishna plucked a leaf and placed it beneath his foot.
Barbarik shot his second arrow, piercing all the leaves.
After doing so, as the arrow didn’t return, he realized it was revolving around Lord Krishna’s feet.
Amazed, Barbarik said, “You hid a leaf beneath your foot, and that’s why my arrow is revolving around your feet.”
As soon as Lord Krishna moved his foot, the arrow pierced the leaf.
Seeing this, the Brahmin-disguised Lord Krishna told Barbarik that he wouldn’t accept alms from him.
Barbarik asked what else he could offer. Lord Krishna replied that he desired Barbarik’s head as alms.
Startled, Barbarik hesitated but vowed never to go back on his word.
He asked brahmin who is he and what his purpose is because a normal Brahmin wouldn’t ask for someone’s head.
Hearing this, Lord Krishna revealed his true form. Witnessing Lord Krishna, Barbarik fell at his feet.
Lord Krishna expressed his satisfaction with Barbarik’s sacrifice.
He blessed Barbarik to be worshipped by the name Shyam in Kaliyug and to become a medium for people’s salvation.
Lord Krishna explained his purpose to Barbarik and emphasized that it was necessary; otherwise, he would have incurred sin, and both sides, the sinful and the righteous, would have faced destruction.
Before offering his head, Barbarik expressed one wish to Lord Krishna to witness the Mahabharata war.
As per Barbarik’s wish, Lord Krishna placed his head near the battleground on a mountain with the help of the Amrit Stick.
Barbarik is known as the greatest archer after Lord Rama.
He donated his head on the twelfth day of the Falgun month.
After the Mahabharata war, Barbarik’s head, flowing through the river, reached the village of Khatu shyam.
Eventually, the river dried up, and Barbarik’s head remained there.
History of Khatu Shyam Ji Temple
In the vicinity of Sikar, the rulers were Rup Singh Chauhan and his wife Narmada Kanwar.
Narmada Kanwar dreamt one night that Khatushyam’s head was in a well.
The king personally excavated the place named Shyam Kund, where Barbarik’s head was found.
Taking this head, the Khatushyam temple was established in Vikram Samvat 1084.
Emperor Aurangzeb, along with his army, destroyed this temple.
Soon after the temple’s destruction, Aurangzeb fell ill and passed away.
Later, in 1720 AD, Abhay Singh rebuilt the temple.
Route to Khatu shyam Ji
To visit the Khatushyam temple, one must first go to Jhunjhunu.
From there, buses are available straight to Sikar.
Nowadays, there are train services available to Sikar as well.
