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Khatu Shyam Ji Temple
Barbarika (Khatu Shyam) · Sikar, Rajasthan
॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥
The Khatu Shyam Ji Temple in Sikar district is one of the most thronged shrines of Rajasthan, dedicated to Barbarika — the mighty grandson of Bhima who gave his head in sacrifice, and to whom Krishna granted the boon of being worshipped in his own name, Shyam, through the age of Kali. Known as the support of the defeated, he draws millions, above all at the great Phalgun fair.
The hero who gave his head
Barbarika, grandson of Bhima, was so mighty that he could have ended the Mahabharata war in moments; to keep the balance, Krishna asked for his head in charity, and he gave it freely, asking only to behold the great battle. Pleased, Krishna blessed that in the age of Kali he would be worshipped as Shyam — by Krishna’s own name — and his severed head, it is said, watched the war to its end.
The self-revealed head of Khatu
Centuries later, the head is said to have emerged from the earth at Khatu, revealed in a dream and unearthed where a cow’s milk flowed of itself into the ground. Enshrined there, the deity became Khatu Shyam, the lord of Khatu, and is revered above all as “the support of the defeated” (haare ka sahara), the refuge of those who have lost hope.
The Phalgun fair
The great Phalgun Mela, around the lord’s appearance in February–March, draws millions of pilgrims who walk for days, many on foot from Jaipur and beyond, in one of the largest fairs of Rajasthan. The marble temple, decked in flowers and lit through the nights, rings with the bhajans of Shyam, and devotees offer him the colours and sweets of the season.
How to reach the temple
- By road: Khatu is in Sikar district, about 80 km from Sikar town and 100 km from Jaipur.
- By train: Ringas Junction is the nearest railhead, about 17 km away.
- By air: Jaipur airport is about 110 km away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Khatu Shyam?
Khatu Shyam is Barbarika, the mighty grandson of Bhima who gave his head in sacrifice; Krishna blessed that he would be worshipped by Krishna’s own name, Shyam, in the age of Kali.
Why is he called the support of the defeated?
Because Barbarika vowed always to fight on the side of the losing, and Krishna granted that he would be the refuge of the hopeless — “haare ka sahara,” the support of the defeated.
How was the deity revealed at Khatu?
The head is said to have emerged from the earth at Khatu, revealed in a dream and found where a cow’s milk flowed of itself into the ground; it was then enshrined.
What is the Phalgun Mela?
It is the great fair around the lord’s appearance in February–March, drawing millions of pilgrims, many walking for days to Khatu — one of the largest fairs of Rajasthan.
How do I reach Khatu Shyam?
Khatu is in Sikar district, about 100 km from Jaipur; Ringas Junction is the nearest railhead (about 17 km), and Jaipur airport about 110 km.
How is Khatu Shyam related to Krishna?
Krishna granted Barbarika that he would be worshipped under Krishna’s own name Shyam, so devotees revere Khatu Shyam as a form of the lord.
॥ जय श्री श्याम ॥ • Bhaktiras.net Temple Guide
| Deity | Barbarika as Khatu Shyam (form of Krishna) |
| Legend | Gave his head; blessed to be worshipped as Shyam |
| Known as | Haare ka sahara — support of the defeated |
| Special | Self-revealed head of Khatu |
| Main Festival | Phalgun Mela |
| Region | Sikar, Rajasthan |