Khatu Shyam Baba is one of the most revered deities in Kaliyuga, with many followers in India. He was born as Lord Krishna’s avatar and worshipped as “Sheesh Ke Daani.” Millions around the world come annually to visit his temple located in Khatu, Rajasthan. Devotees visit Khatu to witness miraculous happenings attributed to him and to hear the true emotional accounts of his divine presence. Many unique facts and legends are available about Khatu Shyam Baba.
Barbarik, who was the grandson of Bhima and son of Ghatotkacha, had exceptional courage along with three magical arrows. When Shri Krishna tested him before the Battle of Kurukshetra, he found that Barbarik had promised to help whoever was losing. As such, he could have caused both sides to perish; hence, to save lives, Shri Krishna asked for Barbarik’s head, which was given with no second thought.
Krishna was very impressed by this great act of sacrifice, so He gave him the blessing:
“You shall be called Shyam after Me, and people shall worship you for eternity as a person who responds to those who truly devote themselves to Me in Kaliyuga.”
One of the most astonishing stories is that Barbarik’s severed head was placed atop a hill, from where it witnessed the entire Mahabharata war. After the war ended, the Pandavas argued about who was responsible for the victory.People sought the unbiased perspective of Barbarik’s head.
Everyone was shocked when they heard the head answer:
“The sole reason for winning was Shri Krishna’s Sudarshan Chakra; it was that chariot alone that won.”
Shyam Baba’s piousness and divine insight are reflected in this tale.
After the Mahabharata era, Barbarik’s head was buried at an unknown place. Many years later, during the Kali Yuga, a cow began pouring milk on a particular spot in the village of Khatu in Rajasthan. Villagers found this mysterious and began to dig. There they discovered a radiant head, which emitted divine energy.
A local ruler, inspired by a dream, built a temple and placed the head inside. This place became today’s famous Khatu Shyam Mandir.
A distinctive belief about Khatu Shyam Baba is that if coming to him with a pure heart and an honest desire, you will receive your desires very quickly; he goes by the name of “Haare Ka Sahara” or “The Overcome of the Overcome” (i.e., he protects the defeated/helpless). Many devotees testify to miraculous changes in their lives such as unexpected job opportunities, health transformations, financial support, or emotional healing as a result of prayer to Khatu Shyam Baba.
The Phalgun Mela is held each year to honor Baba Shyam’s Appearance, which is when His head first appeared in Khatu. It draws millions of devotees from all over the country and can be seen celebrating on the streets through bhajans, dances, and traditional Kirtans. The most popular song sung is “Shyam Teri Bansi Pukare…” Many people who come to this event travel by foot; a spiritual pilgrimage as a form of surrender.
Another tradition unique to Khatu Mandir is called the Shyam Rasoi, which is a community kitchen where everyone receives free food; this practice denotes Baba’s value of compassion and equality, as well as his willingness to share.
Devotees consider it a blessing to serve or fund meals in the Rasoi.
For many deities, there are strict regulations regarding worship and rituals. However, for Baba Khatu Shyam, the way to worship him is extremely simple. A clean heart, the reciting of his name, giving him flowers, and praying to him with faith is the only way to worship him. A devotee’s love and sincerity towards him is what he looks for when worshipping him, as is stated by many devotees, “He (Baba) looks at intention and motivation not offerings.”
This allows him to be accessible to anyone. Whether you are a poor laborer or a very rich businessman, you can worship Baba Khatu Shyam.
Baba Khatu Shyam is usually shown in the blue color, representing Lord Krishna’s blessings, and has a peacock feather (morpankh) as an ornament. This blue color and peacock feather show the eternal and deep bond between Lord Krishna and Barbarik.
Some people say that Baba protects his devotees from all sorts of obstacles, such as jobs, money, family disputes, court cases, and feelings of depression. Baba is often seen as the protector of the home, keeping the negative energies and bad situations from coming into it.
In today’s fast-paced, busy life, everyone can’t visit temples or perform lengthy rituals. And in that case, the Utsav app provides the best online puja services. With our app, you can book pooja services online.
Legends of Khatu Shyam Baba teach men and women about the importance of having courage, being willing to make sacrifices, having faith and devotion, and being graced by the Lord’s unconditional love. The message of Khatu Shyam Baba is that all people should live with grace, humility, and surrender to God by allowing go of their egos and following the path of truth. Millions come to Khatu every year for comfort, to find miracles and hope in our lives.
For devotees of Khatu Shyam Baba, he is more than worshipped as God; he is considered by many to be their closest friend, a protector, and the source of all their strength in the current age of Kaliyuga.
