Khatu Shyam Temple

Khatu Shyam Temple (Rajasthani/Hindi: खाटू श्याम मंदिर) is a Hindu temple in Khatoo village, just 43 km from Sikar City in the Sikar district of the Indian State of Rajasthan. It is a pilgrimage site for worshipping the deity Krishna and Barbarika who is often venerated as a Kuladevata. Devotees believe the temple houses the head of Barbarika or Khatu-shyam, a legendary warrior who sacrifices his head upon the request of Krishna during the antebellum of the Kurukshetra War.

Barbarika in Mahabharata
Barbarika was the grandson of Bhima, a prominent figure in the Mahabharata, and the son of Ghatotkacha. He was a formidable warrior known for his invincibility and was in possession of three powerful arrows that could guarantee victory in any battle. The three arrows had special powers: the first one would mark all the things Barbarika wanted to destroy, the second would mark all the things he wanted to save, and the third arrow would simply destroy the targets that had been marked.

When Barbarik learned that his grandfathers had marched into battle against the Kaurava princes, he left home to observe the conflict. He assured his mother that he would only intervene on behalf of the side that was losing. Meanwhile, Krishna, disguised, was surveying all the warriors to find out how long each thought they would need to end the war if it were up to them. Bhishma estimated 20 days, Karna 24 days, Dronacharya 25 days, and Arjuna believed he could win in 28 days.

When Krishna asked Barbarik the same question, Barbarik claimed he could conclude the war in just a minute. His reasoning was that his arrows could swiftly identify and strike down the targets, ensuring the safety of his allies and defeating his enemies quickly. Krishna inquired which side Barbarik intended to support. Barbarik recalled the promise to his mother, assuming he would join the Pandavas, who had a smaller army compared to the Kauravas.

However, Krishna explained the paradox: Barbarik's presence would automatically tilt the balance, making his chosen side the victors. This would contradict his promise, as he would continually have to switch sides to keep his vow, ultimately leaving him as the last man standing. Distressed by the realization of his promise's consequences, Barbarik was puzzled. Krishna then presented a solution. According to tradition, the bravest warrior's head had to sanctify the battlefield. To prevent total destruction, Barbarik sacrificed his head for the cause, and the war commenced with his act of honor.

Barbarik's Head Found in Khatoo Village
Many years after Kali Yuga started, the head was found buried in the village of Khatoo (Sikar district) in present-day Rajasthan. The location was obscured until well after the Kali Yuga period began. Then, on one occasion, milk started flowing spontaneously out of a cow's udder when she neared the burial spot. Amazed at this incident, the local villagers dug the place up and the buried head was revealed. The head was handed over to a Brahmin who worshipped it for many days, awaiting divine revelations as to what was to be done next. Roopsingh Chauhan, king of Khatu, then had a dream where he was inspired to build a temple and install the head therein. Subsequently, a temple was built and the idol was installed on the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha (bright half) of the month of Phalgun.

There is another, only slightly different version of this legend. Roopsingh Chauhan was the ruler of Khatu. His wife, Narmada Kanwar, once had a dream in which the deity instructed her to take his image out of the earth. The indicated place (now known as Shyam Kund) was then dug up. Sure enough, it yielded the idol, which was duly enshrined in the temple.

Temple Construction
The original temple was built in 1027 AD by Roopsingh Chauhan, after his wife Narmada Kanwar, saw dream about the buried idol. The place where the idol was dug out from is called Shyam Kund. In 1720 AD, a nobleman known as Diwan Abhaisingh renovated the old temple, at the behest of the then ruler of Marwar. The temple took its present shape at this time and the idol was enshrined in the sanctum sanctorum. The idol is made of rare stone. Khatushyam is the family deity of many families.

Another temple is located at Lambha, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. People bring their newly born children to have blessings of Khatushyam. Here he is known as Baliya Dev.

Architectural features
The temple is architecturally rich. Lime mortar, marble and tiles have been used in constructing the structure. The shutters of the sanctum sanctorum are covered with gold sheet. Outside is the prayer hall, named Jagmohan. The hall is large in size (measuring 12.3 m x 4.7 m) and its walls are elaborately painted, depicting mythological scenes. The entrance gate and exit gate are made of marble; their brackets are also of marble and feature ornamental floral designs.

Precincts
There is an open space in front of the entrance gate of the temple. The Shyam Bagicha is a garden near the temple from where picked flowers are to be offered to the deity. The Samadhi of Aloo Singh, a great devotee, is located within the garden.

The "Shyam Kund" is a holy pond near the temple from where the 'Sheesh' of baba shyam came out. In this kund devotees take bath and do worship of khatu naresh.

The Gopinath temple lies to the south-east of the main temple. The Gaurishankar temple also lies nearby. There is an interesting tale associated with the Gaurishankar temple. It is said that some soldiers of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb wanted to destroy this temple. They attacked the Shiva lingam enshrined within this temple with their spears. Immediately, fountains of blood appeared from the Shiva Lingam. The soldiers ran away, terrified. One can still see the mark of the spear on the Lingam.

Khatushyam main temple is located at Khatu Town about 80 km from Jaipur. Devotees are requested to take route via Reengus.

Administration and amenities
The Public Trust that has charge of the temple is registered under registration No. 3/86. A 7-member committee oversees the management of the temple. Shyam Mandir Committee manages and organizes the festivals and other important events every year in the village. The major festival for which the trust is the most responsible body to organize the event is Fagotsava Mela. Involvement in the Prasad preparation, barricading, cleanliness, temporary arrangements, water facilities, electricity supply, arrangements of generators, decorations, sound system, preparation of barriers, video coverage, closed circuit T.V., etc. is being done by the trust. A number of Dharmashalas (charity lodges) are available for their comfortable stay. The temple timings are as follows: The temple is also open throughout the 4-day Phalgun Mela.
 * In winter (Ashvin bahula 1st to Chaitra shuddha 15th): 5.30 am - 1.00 pm and 4.00 pm - 9.00 pm.
 * In summer (Vaishakha bahula 1st to Bhadrapada shuddha 15th): 4.30 am - 12.30 pm and 4.00 pm - 10.00 pm.