About
Khatu Shyam Ji is revered as the Kali Yuga incarnation of Barbarika, the valiant grandson of Bhima from the Mahabharata. Barbarika was born to Ghatotkacha (son of Bhima, one of the Pandavas) and Ahilawati, the daughter of the serpent king Vasuki. From a young age, he was blessed with extraordinary powers and divine weapons. Among them were three unfailing arrows granted by Lord Shiva, which earned him the name “Teen Baan Dhaari”, meaning the bearer of three arrows.
Possessing immense strength, Barbarika pledged to always fight for the weaker side during the Kurukshetra war, believing this would uphold justice. However, Lord Krishna foresaw that his vow would make the war endless, ultimately destroying both sides. To test him, Krishna challenged Barbarika to strike every leaf of a peepal tree with a single arrow. Secretly, Krishna hid one leaf beneath his foot. Yet, Barbarika’s arrow still found its mark, circling Krishna’s foot until it touched the concealed leaf—proving his unmatched skill.
Realizing the consequences of such power in the war, Krishna asked for Barbarika’s head as an offering, known as “Sheesh Daan.” Without hesitation, Barbarika complied, demonstrating supreme devotion. Deeply moved, Krishna blessed him, promising that in the age of Kali Yuga he would be worshipped as Shyam Ji, a form of Krishna himself, and that his devotees’ prayers would never go unanswered.
Possessing immense strength, Barbarika pledged to always fight for the weaker side during the Kurukshetra war, believing this would uphold justice. However, Lord Krishna foresaw that his vow would make the war endless, ultimately destroying both sides. To test him, Krishna challenged Barbarika to strike every leaf of a peepal tree with a single arrow. Secretly, Krishna hid one leaf beneath his foot. Yet, Barbarika’s arrow still found its mark, circling Krishna’s foot until it touched the concealed leaf—proving his unmatched skill.
Realizing the consequences of such power in the war, Krishna asked for Barbarika’s head as an offering, known as “Sheesh Daan.” Without hesitation, Barbarika complied, demonstrating supreme devotion. Deeply moved, Krishna blessed him, promising that in the age of Kali Yuga he would be worshipped as Shyam Ji, a form of Krishna himself, and that his devotees’ prayers would never go unanswered.
