Khatu Shyamji Temple

    Khatu Shyamji Temple is an important pilgrim centre of Rajasthan. And we visit it almost every time we travel here. Be it the hot summers or the chilly winters, the temple witnesses a steady stream of devotees the year round, but their number almost doubles up during the annual 3 day Khatu fair starting from Phalgun Sudi Dashmi till Dwadashi (in the month of February/March).

[ The Khatu Shyam Temple ]

    By walking through the markets of Khatu, I reached the Temple. A sense of peace and calm enfolds the main temple which is built in pure white marble. Photography is prohibited inside the temple.

[ Entrance to the Khatu Shyam Temple ]

History attached to the place dates back thousands of years ago to the times of the Mahabharat war

Barbarik was the grandson of the great Pandava, Bhima and Nag Kanya – Ahilawati. The epic Mahabharat battle between the Pandavas and the Kauravas was about to begin. Barbarik, true to the nature of a brave warrior (Kshatriya), wanted to be a part of this big battle.

The possession of 3 divine arrows, which could finish the war in a moment, had made him invincible. Thus, the victory of the side which he would choose to support was certain. With a vow to his mother that he would support the weaker side in the battle, not the righteous one, Barbarik set out to take part in the war.

On the other hand, Lord Krishna knew that the defeat of the Kauravas (adharma) was inevitable. He realized that if this brave boy joins their side, the result would then tilt in their favour, which will end the war with a doubt on correct justice.

In order to prevent this, Lord Krishna, assuming the guise of a Brahmin, stopped Barbarik in his path. The Brahmin (Krishna) asked him to sacrifice his head as ‘daan (charity). He happily obliged and cut off his head (that’s the reason he is also famously known as Sheeshdani). But he sensed that something was amiss and humbly requested the Brahmin to disclose his true identity. Thereafter, not only did Lord Krishna show him his divine form, but also blessed him with two boons.

Firstly, as per his wish, his head was positioned on top of a small hill from where he could witness the entire battle. And as for the second one, Lord Krishna told him, “You will be remembered on earth forever; and in the age of Kaliyuga (current era), your head will be worshipped by humans in my name (Shyam). Just mere pronunciation of your name from the bottom of the heart will rid people of all their sorrows and bless them with immense joy.”
After the battle ended, his head was buried here in Khatu.

…Many years later, a head was found at Khatu which was worshipped by a Brahmin for many days. Shortly, the King of Khatu had a dream inspiring him to build a temple here and place this head of the courageous Barbarik, today worshipped as Khatu Shyam Baba.

[ The deity of the Temple - Khatu Shyam Baba ]

    Inside the temple, the idol is enshrined in the form of only a head which makes the temple one of its kind in the country. The remaining part below the head is covered with garlands and flowers. It is believed to be a wish granting temple.

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26 Comments

  1. That is an interesting story. Never heard before.Good to know a temple is there in the brave warriors name

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  2. very interesting temple ,i never knew that the temple existed for this devotee of krishna ,gr8 warrior amazing story ..thanks for sharing this arti

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  3. Really a nice temple and the story behind it is quiet interesting as well

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  4. Another fascinating account and more great pictures. Thanks for sharing this.

    All the best, Boonsong

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  5. Very nice pictures... History of the temple is also nice... its so nice that u collected all the information about the temple...

    ur new template is also good!

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  6. A truly fascinating post. I love the picture of the deity covered in garlands. I can't help but wonder what kind of things people would wish for.

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  7. so much to see in rajasthan, guess i have to revisit this place again... its a real beauty.

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  8. I would love to walk through those markets. These pictures are incredible.

    Rachael

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  9. That is a great story. I can understand why they would build a temple there.

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  10. Interesting story! Thanks for visiting my blog yesterday!

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  11. Thank you for stopping by my photo blog and your kind words. You have gorgeous photos here and fascinating descriptions I'm going to read back a bit, I have a lot to learn, thank you for sharing.
    Vickie

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  12. Interesting. Hope you have all your wishes granted.

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  13. Loving the new look, it reminds me of autumn here in England.

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  14. Wonderful history of the temple clearly articulated.

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  15. it's wonderful how delightful legends were woven behind the temples and their heritage ...

    Thanks a lot for sharing. Very good blog. Keep it up ...

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  16. Oh, but why is it so dirty? We walked from the parking to the temple through a narrow street which was incredibly dirty.

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  17. Good comprehensive post.....pl do pen more travelouges.....visit my blogspot http://indiabackpacker.blogspot.com/

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  18. very nice pics of tample......& the history behind khatu shaym baba & temple is also nice........

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  19. Thanks Arti...most probably ill be visitng the temple coming saturday...will try to get some updated pics of the under construction temple and the market out dere.

    I always love to see the developments over dere...i can feel it developng in fromt of my eyes...as m visitng the place since childhood

    Regards,
    Swati

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  20. I have been to khatu shyamji temple. Your post reminded me of my memories !

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  21. This is a great post. I like your layout. But maybe width can be increased a bit?

    Also it would be a great idea if you can have a map (like google map) that shows all the places that you have visited and blogged about. I think that it should be at the top of the home page.

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  22. @ Sairam Thanks for your suggestions. I will work on the same and try to incorporate them sooner rather than later.

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  23. Khatu Shayam is a great place.Where i forget all other things.Only remember my god Krishana(Khatu Shayam)

    Dharmvir

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  24. Thanks for sharing Arti. Nice narration. I was at the temple during festival this year. But unfortunately, could not visit the shrine from inside as there was hugh rush and i was short of time. But enjoyed the festivity around. It was amazing to see people coming on foot (with their children as well) from other states.

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  25. Two eyes are not enough to see Shyamalji s beauty.

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  26. यह वास्तव में मेरे लिए प्रेरणादायक है। धन्यवाद, आपने मेरी नजर को खोल दिया। मेरा यह लेख भी पढ़ें खाटू श्याम मंदिर का इतिहास

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