History, Importance, Timings, Miracle, Festival Celebration, Fair, Nearby Places to Visit and Travel Guide of Khatu Shyamji Temple, Khatu or Khatushyamji, Sikar, Rajasthan, India
Khatushyam ji Temple, located in small village Khatu or Khatushyamji of Sikar district of Rajasthan, India is very famous sacred place for Hindu and one of the highly spiritual pilgrimage centre of Rajasthan. The temple is dedicated to Barbarika or Khatushyam or Baliyadev the forgotten hero and the greatest warrior of Mahabharata War. The great history is associated with this sacred place and Khatushyamji, it is believed that the head of Barbarik was found here at village Khatu. Once, milk started flowing all of sudden from cow at here, thus villagers had dug the spot and found out the buried head of Barbarik here. Another version of history said that Narmada Kanwar – wife of Roopsingh Chauhan the ruler of Khatu, dreamt about the sacred place – Shyam Kund and highly powerful idol of Khatu Shyam. Then they found out the Khatushyam ji and built the temple in 10th century. Then in 1720, Abhaysingh Diwan had renovated temple with white Makrana marble. The idol of Khatusyam ji was placed in main shrine which is in form of a head which was appeared in the holy pond as Shyam Kund.
There is huge garden named Shyam Bagicha from where flowers are picked to be offered to the god. The Samadhi of Aloo Singh a great devotee is located in the garden. The Gopinath temple and Gaurishankar temple located nearby the main shrine. An interesting tale associated with the Gaurishankar temple, when soldiers of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb wanted to destroy this temple and attacked on it. But fountains of blood appeared from the Shiva Linga and the soldier were feared and went back with unsuccessful attempt.
Legend of Baliyadev or Barbarik or Khatushyamji, the Most Powerful Kshatriya of Mahabharata Time
Lord Baliyadev or Barbarik was extra ordinary warrior of the Mahabharata time. He was son of Ghatodkacha (Son of Bheem and Hidamba) and Mauravi (Daughter of Muru, king of Yadava) and great devotee of Lord Shiva. He received three arrows from Asta Deva after penance of Lord Shiva; these three arrows were capable to win any war. First arrow could mark object to be destroy, second arrow could mark object to save and with third arrow, he could destroy all targets. Lord Shree Krishna had also seen the ability of Barbarik power. Then Shree Krishna asked Barbarik, in which side he would be favour in Mahabharat war, Barbrik replied that whoever is weaker, I would support as he had given word to his mother. Lord Shree Krishna reveals the actual consequence of his word to mother.
Lord Shree Krishna then told him that whichever side he supports will end up making the other side weaker due to his extra ordinary power. Nobody would be able to beat him and thus he will be forced switch sides to support the other side that has become weaker due to his word to his mother. Thus, in war, he will keep swing ing between two sides and finally only he would remain alive. Thus, Lord Shree Krishna avoids his participation in the Mahabharata war by seeking his head in charity.
Barbarik understood the whole situation and gave his head to Lord Shree Krishna with one wish to see the war of Mahabharata. Thus Shree Krishna fulfil his wish and places his head on top of the hill from where he could see the Mahabharata war. After many year head of Barbarik was found in village Khatu where King had dream to build temple of Barbrik’s head. This place is in Rajasthan where Barbrik named as Khatu Shyamji. Lord Shree Krishna was very pleased with him and provide boon that any devotee takes Barbarik Name with pure heart, he will grant wish of devotee.
In Gujarat, Khatushyam ji is known as Baliyadev or Baliyabapa, and in every village you can find the temple of Baliyadev. At Lambha, Ahmedabad, the huge temple of Baliyadev or Khatushyamji is located where thousands of devotee visit throughout the year once their wish are fulfilled.
Khatu Shyam ji birthday is celebrated with great zeal on Every Kartik Sudi Ekadshi. The huge fair is arranged between eighth day of Sukhlya Paksha of Falgun to twelve day of Falgun when millions of devotee across the India visit here and worshipped Khatu Shyamji.
Khatu Shyamji Temple Timings
In Winters temple opens from Morning 5.30 a.m. to Afternoon 1.00 p.m. and in Evening 4.30 p.m. to Night 9.00 p.m. In Summer temple opens from Morning 4.30 a.m. to Afternoon 12.30 p.m. and Evening 4.00 p.m. to Night 10.00 p.m.
How to reach Khatu Shyamji Temple, Khatu, Sikar, Rajasthan
Khatu Shyam Mandir is easily accessible via road, rail and air network. The nearest railway station is Ringas Junction at about 17 km from the temple. There are several trains that run from Delhi and from Jaipur towards Ringas. The nearest airport is the Jaipur International Airport, which is about 80 km from the Khatu Shyam ji Temple. The best road way via Sawai jai Singh Highway to the Jaipur- Sikar Roads to the Agra-Bikaner Road, NH 11. There are also several private and government vehicle that run between Jaipur and Khatu.
