Khatu Shyam Ji is worshipped as the Kali Yug incarnation of Barbarika, the mighty grandson of Bhima from the Mahabharata. Barbarika is the Hindu version of Barbarika (Barbarīka), the son of Ghatotkacha (son of Bhima) and Princess Mauravi, daughter of the demon Moor, though other references say he was a warrior from the south. From a young age he was endowed with extraordinary powers and divine weapons. These included three infallible arrows bestowed by Lord Shiva, which earned him the name “Teen Baan Dhari”, meaning the one with three arrows.’
Khatu Shyam Ji Temple: A Complete Pilgrimage & History Guide
Known as “Haare Ka Sahara” (the savior of the defeated), Khatu Shyam Ji is worshipped as a divine form of Lord Krishna and is believed to be the reincarnation of the great warrior Barbarika from the Mahabharata. Situated in Khatu village, Sikar district of Rajasthan, this temple draws lakhs of devotees each year who come to seek blessings, fulfillment of wishes, and spiritual peace.
This guide takes you through every detail of Baba Shyam’s divine journey — from mythology and temple origins to darshan timings, live streaming, major festivals, travel tips, and frequently asked questions — making it a one-stop resource for planning your pilgrimage or even joining virtually.
Who is Khatu Shyam Ji?
Khatu Shyam Ji is worshipped as the Kali Yug incarnation of Barbarika, the mighty grandson of Bhima from the Mahabharata. Barbarika is the Hindu version of Barbarika (Barbarīka), the son of Ghatotkacha (son of Bhima) and Princess Mauravi, daughter of the demon Moor, though other references say he was a warrior from the south. From a young age he was endowed with extraordinary powers and divine weapons. These included three infallible arrows bestowed by Lord Shiva, which earned him the name “Teen Baan Dhari“, meaning the one with three arrows.’
Determined to uphold justice, he vowed to fight for whichever side was weaker during the Kurukshetra war. But Lord Krishna foresaw that Barbarika’s involvement could cause endless destruction. To test him, Krishna asked Barbarika to strike every leaf of a peepal tree with a single arrow, secretly hiding one leaf beneath his foot. Yet, Barbarika’s arrow circled around and pierced even the hidden leaf, proving his unmatched powers.
Understanding the consequences, Krishna asked Barbarika for his head in a supreme offering called “Sheesh Daan.” With devotion, Barbarika sacrificed himself, and Krishna blessed him — declaring that in Kali Yug he would be worshipped as Shyam Ji, a form of Krishna himself, answering the prayers of his devotees.
The Divine Legend Behind Khatu Shyam Ji Temple
After Barbarika’s sacrifice, his head was buried in Khatu village. Centuries later, during Kali Yug, villagers witnessed a cow releasing milk at a particular spot every day. Curious, they dug the site (now known as Shyam Kund) and discovered Barbarika’s head.
The sacred relic was worshipped by a Brahmin until King Roopsingh Chauhan of Khatu dreamt of building a temple at the spot. In 1027 AD, the first temple was established, enshrining the head of Shyam Ji, carved from a rare stone. Later, in 1720 AD, Diwan Abhaisingh renovated the temple in its present form, with gleaming Makrana marble architecture.
Inside the sanctum, the beautifully adorned head of Barbarika is worshipped daily with flowers, ornaments, and colorful garments. The adjoining hall, Jagmohan, is decorated with mythological paintings, while silver-plated doors enhance the temple’s grandeur. Today, the shrine is a beacon of faith, particularly for devotees from Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, and Bengal.
Mysteries & Miracles
- Miraculous Discovery: The head of Barbarika was found after a cow mysteriously released milk at the sacred spot.
- Healing Waters of Shyam Kund: Pilgrims believe that bathing here cures ailments, especially during the Phalguna Mela.
- Krishna’s Boon: Barbarika being worshipped as Shyam Ji is considered a divine miracle, earning him the title of Kalyug’s God.
- Gaurishankar Temple Incident: A nearby Shiva temple is believed to have a lingam that bled when struck by invaders, adding to the area’s mystical aura.
Highlights of Khatu Shyam Ji Temple
- Historic Importance: Built in 1027 AD and rebuilt in 1720 AD, the temple has stood for nearly a thousand years.
- Architectural Beauty: Constructed from Makrana marble, with intricate carvings and a large prayer hall.
- Spiritual Hub: One of Rajasthan’s most visited shrines, especially during Phalguna Mela.
- Nishaan Yatra: A unique ritual where devotees walk barefoot from Reengus to Khatu, carrying flags as offerings of devotion.
Darshan & Aarti Timings (2025)
Summer (Apr–Sept)
- Morning: 4:30 AM – 12:30 PM
- Evening: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Winter (Oct–Mar)
- Morning: 5:30 AM – 1:00 PM
- Evening: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Special Days (Ekadashi, Dwadashi, weekends, festivals)
- Open 24 hours
Daily Aartis
- Mangala Aarti – At dawn (temple opening)
- Shringar Aarti – Morning adornment of the deity
- Bhog Aarti – Food offering around 12:30 PM
- Sandhya Aarti – Evening prayers with lamps and chants
- Shayan Aarti – Before temple closing, marking rest for the deity
Live Darshan Facilities
For devotees unable to visit physically:
- Website: Khatushyambaba offers live streaming.
- Apps: “Khatu Shyam Darbar” provides real-time darshan and updates.
- YouTube: Shri Shyam Mandir Committee streams major aartis during festivals.
Devotees can also register on Khatushyambaba.site for photos, wallpapers, and daily shringar updates.
Devotees’ Beliefs & Rituals
- Wish Fulfillment: Chanting “Jai Shree Shyam Hare” is believed to bring abundance, hence Shyam Baba is also called Lakhdatar (giver of wealth).
- Protector of the Defeated: True to his title Haare Ka Sahara, he blesses those in despair.
- Shyam Kund: A holy dip is believed to cleanse sins and cure illness.
- Nishaan Yatra: Carrying the sacred flag during pilgrimage is a symbol of victory and devotion.
- Chappan Bhog: Offering 56 dishes is a tradition of gratitude and prosperity.
Festivals
- Phalguna Mela (Feb–Mar): The grandest celebration with Nishaan Yatra, bhajans, and Chappan Bhog offerings.
- Ekadashi: Monthly festival with 24-hour darshan.
- Janmashtami, Diwali, Akshaya Tritiya & Guru Purnima: Marked with elaborate decorations and special pujas.
Travel Guide
- By Road: 80 km from Jaipur (2 hrs); 283 km from Delhi (6–7 hrs). Buses and taxis are widely available.
- By Train: Nearest station is Ringas Junction (17 km) with direct links to Delhi, Jaipur, and Sikar.
- By Air: Closest airport is Jaipur International (94 km), about 2.5 hours away by taxi.
Stay Options
- Hotels: Shyam Hotel, Hotel Natraj, and Rameshwaram Palace (AC & non-AC).
- Dharamshalas: Shri Shyam Sewa Mandal, Surat Bhawan, and Yadav Dharamshala for budget stays.
Temple Guidelines
- Dress Code: Shoulders and knees covered; traditional wear preferred.
- Rules: No photography inside sanctum, mobiles allowed but respectfully used, follow darshan queues.
Nearby Attractions
- Shyam Kund: Sacred pond, 600 m from the temple.
- Gaurishankar Temple: Known for its miraculous Shivling.
- Devgarh Fort (43 km): Historic Rajasthani fort.
- Nawalgarh Havelis (70 km): Famous for artistic frescoes.