There are many saints and deities in India’s religious traditions who have been worshiped for centuries. One of these is the major and special place of Baba Khatu Shyam, whose name is taken with great reverence and devotion in Rajasthan and surrounding states. But do you know who Baba Khatu Shyam is and how did he get the boon of worshiping in Kali Yuga? Let’s know their mythology and importance.
Who is Baba Khatu Shyam?
The real name of Baba Khatu Shyam is Barat Singh or Barat Singh, who is considered a descendant of Barat, the great warrior of the Mahabharata period. He was the supreme devotee of Srinathji and an exclusive servant of Lord Krishna. Khatu Shyam ji is also considered an incarnation of Lord Krishna, who came to the earth, especially in Kali Yuga, to the earth for the protection and welfare of mankind.
His main temple is located in Sri Khatu, Rajasthan, which is a major pilgrimage center of devotees.
Baba Khatu Shyam’s boon to worship in Kali Yuga
According to the story, when Lord Krishna found the time to leave the earth near, he blessed his devotees that they should be worshiped and meditated in Kali Yuga as well. Lord Krishna also gave a boon to Baba Khatu Shyam that he will protect humans and destroy the sufferings in Kali Yuga.
Under this boon, devotees can be free from all their sufferings by worshiping Baba Khatu Shyam and can get happiness and prosperity in life. This is the reason that even today Baba Khatu Shyam is worshiped with devotion, especially in Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and surrounding areas.
Baba Khatu Shyam’s importance for devotees
Baba Khatu Shyam is worshiped as Sankat Mochan. It is believed that all the wishes of whichever devotees chant and worship their name are fulfilled. He is the destroyer of the wicked and the savior of his devotees.
In his devotion, many organizations like ‘Shyam Seva Samiti’ and ‘Shyam Bhakta Mandal’ work, which are engaged in social and religious works.
Temple and festival of Khatu Shyam
There is a grand temple of Baba Khatu Shyam located in Shri Khatu village of Rajasthan, which is the center of millions of devotees. Every year ‘Sham Mela’ is organized here in the month of Magh, in which thousands of devotees come to see Baba.
Devotees at the fair especially sing the glory of Baba Khatu Shyam through tableau and bhajan-kirtan.
Characteristic of worship of Baba Khatu Shyam
Bajra and ‘Churma’ are specially offered in the worship of Baba Khatu Shyam. Devotees believe that this Prasad is very dear to Baba. In addition, devotees light a lamp in the temple to get their desired fruit and chant ‘Shyam Naam’.
