Khatu Shyam Ji Importance – Temple is located in Rajasthan, India. The Temple is dedicated to Khatu Shyam, the other name of Barbarika, the son of Ghatotkacha and Kamkantkata Ma Morwi. Ghatotkacha is the son of Bheema, the second of the Pandava brothers. Barbarika was named so as his hair resembled a lion’s mane at the time of his birth.
Barbarika was a ferocious warrior from a very young age and obtained three arrows from Lord Shiva known as Teen Baan. Hence, Barbarika is also called Teen Baan Dhaari (The Bearer of Three Arrows).
Barbarika also obtained a bow from Agni, which would help him to conquer the three worlds.
Legend has it that Barbarika wanted to witness the Mahabharata war between the Pandavas and the Kauravas and promises his mother that he would support the weaker side in the war.
However, Lord Krishna, in the guise of a Brahmin, advises Barbarika from participating in the war fearing that Barbarika would be the lone survivor at the end of the war.
Further, Lord Krishna asks Barbarika to behead himself and offer his head in charity.
A confused Barbarika asks Lord Krishna (who is in the guise of a Brahmin) to reveal himself.
Hence, Lord Krishna reveals his divine form to Barbarika and explains to Barbarika that the bravest Kshatriya must offer his head for the purpose of sanctifying the battlefield.
Lord Krishna further tells Barbarika that he considers Barbarika to be the greatest Kshatriya and is therefore asking for his head. Barbarika readily sacrifices his head for the cause.
Following the battle, the head of Barbarika was buried in Khatu village, Rajasthan.
The head was discovered only in the Kaliyug period after villagers found that milk flowed from a cow’s udder when the cow was in the precincts of the burial spot.
A Brahmin took over the custody of the head and worshipped the same for several days.
Roop Singh Chauhan, the then ruler of Khatu, established a temple in the year 1027 and installed the head of Barbarika in the temple.
The idol was set up on the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha of the Karthika month.
Diwan Abhaisingh renovated the temple of Khatu Shyamji in 1720 AD. The idol in the temple of Khatu Shyamji was made using a very rare stone. The temple is made of white Makrana marble.
The temple of Khatu Shyam Ji is flooded with devotees on the 11th as well as the 12th day of the bright half of each month in the Hindu calendar year as Barbarika was born on the 11th day of the bright half of the Karthika month and sacrificed his head on the 12th day of the bright half of the Phagun month.
The temple authorities keep the temple open throughout the night on these two days. Hope this article has provided you enough information about Khatu Shyam Ji Importance.
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