The faith and religious traditions of India have been a part of our lives for thousands of years. In these traditions, a name is taken with extreme reverence and devotion – Baba Khatu Shyam. Khatu Shyam Temple located in Khatu village of Sikar district of Rajasthan is still the biggest center of devotion to devotees. But do you know that Baba Shyam was actually grandson of Bhima, the great warrior of Mahabharata? In this article, we will know in detail who was Baba Khatu Shyam, how he is related to Mahabharata and why he is called God of Kali Yuga.
Bhima’s grandson, son of Ghatotkacha – who was Baba Shyam?
Baba Khatu Shyam’s real name was Barbari. He was the grandson of Bhima and son of Ghatotkacha, brother of Pandavas. Since childhood, he was an exclusive devotee of Goddess Bhagwati and received three special arrows by doing hard penance, due to which she is called “three arrows”. He received the boon from Lord Shiva that he could end the entire war with the help of three arrows. Barbarik was so powerful that he could win the entire war of Mahabharata alone. But this power later led to their sacrifice.
Mahabharata War and Sri Krishna exam
Before the Mahabharata War, the Barberry went out to participate in the war. He had promised that he would support the side in the war that would be weak, so that justice and balance remains. But Sri Krishna knew that this power of Barberry would change the direction of the entire war. Sri Krishna took the form of a Brahmin and tested his power from Barber. When he noticed that Barberk could decide the result of the war with only three arrows, he asked Barberk in the form of Gurudakshina.
Why was the head taken?
Sri Krishna explained to Barberik that if they participate in the war, the balance of war will deteriorate and the purpose of the crusade will not be fulfilled. To protect religion, Barbriq offered his head without any hesitation. Pleased with this sacrifice, Shri Krishna, and established his head at a high place in the battlefield, so that he could see the whole war.
Barberry’s head became a witness
After the Mahabharata war, when there was a dispute among the Pandavas and other warriors, who was the biggest contribution in the war, Shri Krishna asked this question from Barberry’s head. Barberry replied: “I saw that only Shri Krishna’s Maya, his strategy and Sudarshan Chakra were working everywhere in the battlefield. The real winners are only Shri Krishna.”
Blessing found in Kali Yuga – Pooja as Khatu Shyam
Pleased with the renunciation and dedication of Barbari, Shri Krishna gave him a boon that in Kali Yuga, you will be worshiped with my name ‘Shyam’. Every person who does your devotion will be free from sorrows. You will be called the “support of the loser” and your abode will be the door of salvation for the devotees. As a result of this boon, today Barberik is worshiped in the name of Baba Khatu Shyam. Khatu village, where his idol is installed, has now become a world famous pilgrimage site.
Identification of Khatu Shyam – Sahara of Hare
Baba Shyam is especially considered to be the support of those who have lost in life. Whether it is loss in business, children’s anxiety or health problems – people get new hope by taking the name of Baba Shyam. His grand temple is located in Khatu village of Sikar district of Rajasthan. Every year lakhs of devotees come here in the Phalgun fair, sing bhajans and see Baba.
Conclusions: Amazing journey of a warrior from a warrior
The story of Baba Khatu Shyam is not just religion and war, but a journey of renunciation, dedication and faith. A warrior who could win the war, but chose the path to sacrifice to protect religion. This gives them the place of God from the normal warrior. Even today, the echo of ‘Shyam Teri Bhakti Nirali Hai’ echoed in the temples of Khatu Shyam, testifies that the power of religion and devotion is immortal even in Kali Yuga. Baba Khatu Shyam is not only God for us, but also a symbol of faith, sacrifice and true love.
