THE GREATEST CHARITY TO GOD KRISHNA
THE SUPREME DEITY IN KALYUGA
Khatu Shyamji, nestled in the Sikar District of Rajasthan, holds a significant place in the hearts of pilgrims who embark on a journey of faith, walking miles to seek blessings from Shyam Baba. The village, located 80 kilometers from Jaipur, is a pilgrimage site synonymous with Lord Krishna, worshipped in the form of KhatuShyam, a manifestation of Barbarika, the valiant son of Ghatotkacha. The legend, rooted in the Mahabharata, weaves a tale of courage, devotion, and an extraordinary sacrifice.
The Legend of Barbarika:
Barbarika, the grandson of Bhima, displayed remarkable warrior skills from a young age. Endowed with three infallible arrows by Lord Shiva and a victorious bow by Agni, Barbarika sought to participate in the great battle between the Pandavas and Kauravas. Pledging allegiance to the losing side, he set forth on his Blue Horse with three arrows and his bow.
Encounter with Lord Krishna:
Disguised as a Brahmin, Lord Krishna intercepted Barbarika, questioning the potency of his mere three arrows. In a test of strength, Krishna challenged Barbarika to tie all the leaves of a peepal tree. Unbeknownst to Barbarika, Krishna secretly placed a leaf under his foot. When Barbarika released his arrow, it marked all the leaves, including the concealed one. Impressed, Krishna acknowledged the arrows' infallibility and sought charity from Barbarika.
The Divine Sacrifice:
Krishna, requesting the ultimate sacrifice, asked for Barbarika's head. Astonished, Barbarika learned of Krishna's true identity and witnessed a vision of the divine form. Complying with the Lord's command, Barbarika sacrificed his head, securing a boon that in Kaliyug, he would be known as Shyam. Krishna declared that Barbarika's devotees, by uttering his name with genuine devotion, would have their wishes fulfilled.
Judgment after the Battle:
Barbarika's head was placed atop a hill overlooking the battlefield, and he watched the entire war unfold. After the Pandavas' victory, a dispute arose among them regarding the contributor to their success. Krishna suggested seeking Barbarika's judgment. The head declared Krishna as the architect of victory, highlighting his advice, presence, and strategic planning.
The Holy Pond and Pilgrimage:
Years later, Barbarika's head was recovered from a sacred pond near the present-day Khatu Shyamji temple. Pilgrims believe that a dip in this pond during the Phalgun fair cures ailments and purifies the soul. Devotees converge from various places to partake in the holy ritual, washing away their sins and seeking blessings.
THE STORY BEHIND KHATU SHYAM JI TEMPLE, RAJASTHAN
According to Hindu mythology, before the battle of Mahabharata began, the prowess of Barbarika was said to be unmatched. He had decided to favour the weaker side so he could remain just, a decision which would have resulted in the complete annihilation of both sides, leaving only Barbarika as the sole survivor. It is said that Shree Krishna, to avoid such devastating results, asked Barbarika for his head (sheesh daan), to which he readily agreed. Shree Krishna was extremely happy with the devotion shown to him, and by the great sacrifice of Barbarika that he granted him a boon, according to which Barbarika would be known by Krishna’s own name, Shyam Ji in the kaliyug (present times) and would be worshipped in his own form.
BUILDING THE KHATU SHYAM MANDIR IN RAJASTHAN
After the battle, Shree Krishna blessed Barbarika’s head and drowned it in the Rupawati River. Once the kaliyug began, the head was found buried in the village of Khatu in Rajasthan, at a location that was unseen until the kaliyug began. It was when a cow was crossing the burial point that her udders started spouting milk spontaneously. Surprised villagers dug the place and that was when the buried head was revealed. Roopsingh Chauhan, the then-king of Khatu, had a dream where he was asked to install the head inside a temple. This was when the temple was built and the head installed inside it.
THE ARCHITECTURAL PROWESS OF KHATU SHYAM MANDIR
Built with white marble, the temple is truly an architectural wonder. Apart from being a popular destination amongst devotees, many people visit the temple to gaze with wonder at the beauty of the structure. The large prayer hall is named Jagmohan and is surrounded by walls that depict elaborately painted mythological scenes. While the entrance and exit gates are made of marble, with marble brackets that feature ornamental floral designs, the shutters of the sanctum sanctorum are covered with a beautiful silver sheet that adds to the grandeur of the temple.
BATHING IN THE KUND NEAR THE TEMPLE OF KHATU SHYAM JI, RAJASTHAN
Near the temple is a holy pond called the Shyam Kund. It is said that this is the point from where the head of Khatu Shyam Ji was retrieved. A popular belief among devotees is that a dip in this pond can cure a person from their ailments and bring them good health. With devotional fervour, people taking ritual dips in the pond are not an uncommon sight. It is also believed that bathing at the Shyam Kund during the Phalguna Mela Festival, which is held every year, is especially salutary.
THE AARTIS PERFORMED AT THE KHATU SHYAM MANDIR
There are 5 aartis that are performed daily at the Khatu Shyam Ji mandir. The devotional ambiance and the serenity brought forth by the chanting and the aarti is incomparable, and if you were to plan a visit to this beautiful temple, you should try to attend one of these aartis.
Mangala Aarti: This is performed early in the morning when the temple opens its gates to the devotees.
Shringaar Aarti: As the name suggests, this is the time when the Khatu Shyam Ji’s idol is grandly ornamented, accompanied by an aarti.
Bhog Aarti: The third aarti of the day, it is performed at noon when bhog or prasadam is served to the lord.
Sandhya Aarti: This aarti is performed in the evening, at the time of the sunset.
Sayana Aarti: Before the temple is closed for the night, sayana aarti is performed.
There are two special hymns that are chanted at all these times. These are the Shri Shyam Aarti and the Shri Shyam Vinati.
THE TIMINGS OF THE TEMPLE FOR KHATU SHYAM JI IN RAJASTHAN
Winters: The temple is open from 5.30 am to 1.00 pm and from 5.00 pm to 9.00 pm
Summers: The temple is open from 4.30 am to 12.30 pm and from 4.00 pm to 10.00 pm
REACHING THE TEMPLE OF KHATU SHYAM IN RAJASTHAN
Khatu Shyam Mandir is easily accessible via road and train. The nearest railway station to the temple is Ringas Junction (RGS), which is about 17 km away from the temple. You find a number of cabs and jeeps (private or shared), waiting right outside the station to take you to the temple. There are a number of trains that run from Delhi and from Jaipur towards Ringas that you can opt to board. The nearest airport is the Jaipur International Airport, which is about 80 km from the temple, from where you can travel via road to the temple. The best route is via Sawai jai Singh Highway to the Jaipur- Sikar Roads to the Agra-Bikaner Road, which is also known as NH 11. There are also several private and government buses that run between Jaipur and Khatu. However, there are no reserved seats available on these buses. From Khatu bus stop, you can take an auto- rickshaw to the temple.
BATHING IN THE KUND NEAR THE TEMPLE OF KHATU SHYAM JI, RAJASTHAN
Near the temple is a holy pond called the Shyam Kund. It is said that this is the point from where the head of Khatu Shyam Ji was retrieved. A popular belief among devotees is that a dip in this pond can cure a person from their ailments and bring them good health. With devotional fervour, people taking ritual dips in the pond are not an uncommon sight. It is also believed that bathing at the Shyam Kund during the Phalguna Mela Festival, which is held every year, is especially salutary.
THE AARTIS PERFORMED AT THE KHATU SHYAM MANDIR
There are 5 aartis that are performed daily at the Khatu Shyam Ji mandir. The devotional ambiance and the serenity brought forth by the chanting and the aarti is incomparable, and if you were to plan a visit to this beautiful temple, you should try to attend one of these aartis.
Mangala Aarti: This is performed early in the morning when the temple opens its gates to the devotees.
Shringaar Aarti: As the name suggests, this is the time when the Khatu Shyam Ji’s idol is grandly ornamented, accompanied by an aarti.
Bhog Aarti: The third aarti of the day, it is performed at noon when bhog or prasadam is served to the lord.
Sandhya Aarti: This aarti is performed in the evening, at the time of the sunset.
Sayana Aarti: Before the temple is closed for the night, sayana aarti is performed.
There are two special hymns that are chanted at all these times. These are the Shri Shyam Aarti and the Shri Shyam Vinati.
THE TIMINGS OF THE TEMPLE FOR KHATU SHYAM JI IN RAJASTHAN
Winters: The temple is open from 5.30 am to 1.00 pm and from 5.00 pm to 9.00 pm
Summers: The temple is open from 4.30 am to 12.30 pm and from 4.00 pm to 10.00 pm
REACHING THE TEMPLE OF KHATU SHYAM IN RAJASTHAN
Khatu Shyam Mandir is easily accessible via road and train. The nearest railway station to the temple is Ringas Junction (RGS), which is about 17 km away from the temple. You find a number of cabs and jeeps (private or shared), waiting right outside the station to take you to the temple. There are a number of trains that run from Delhi and from Jaipur towards Ringas that you can opt to board. The nearest airport is the Jaipur International Airport, which is about 80 km from the temple, from where you can travel via road to the temple. The best route is via Sawai jai Singh Highway to the Jaipur- Sikar Roads to the Agra-Bikaner Road, which is also known as NH 11. There are also several private and government buses that run between Jaipur and Khatu. However, there are no reserved seats available on these buses. From Khatu bus stop, you can take an auto- rickshaw to the temple.
Conclusion:
Khatu Shyamji stands as a testament to the unwavering faith and devotion of pilgrims who journey to this sacred village. The legend of Barbarika's sacrifice and Krishna's blessings resonate through the ages, inspiring generations to embrace the divine saga of Khatu Shyamji with reverence and humility.
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