The mythology of India is full of miraculous events and esoteric secrets. There are many stories of Mahabharata period, which are still seen in Kali Yuga. There is a similar story of the grandson of Bhima of Mahabharata, who was killed by Lord Krishna, but still he got a boon that he would be worshiped as God in Kalyug. This story is related to Barbarik, son of Ghatotkacha, who is worshiped today as Shri Khatu Shyam ji.
Who was Barbarik?
Barbarik Mahabali was the son of Bhima and Nagakanya Ahilavati’s son Ghatotkach. That is, he was from the third generation of the Pandavas. Since childhood, Barbarik was proficient in war skills. He had received three such divine arrows from the gods, with the help of which he could win any war in an eye. Barbarik had the boon that whatever war he would participate, only he would be victorious.
Sri Krishna’s examination before Mahabharata war
When the war of Mahabharata was about to begin, Barbarik decided that he would fight on behalf of the side which would be weak. Hearing this, Lord Krishna got into anxiety, because if Barbarik had joined the war, his divine arrows would have spoiled the balance of war.
Shri Krishna decided to take the examination of Barbarik. He approached him as a monk and asked him about his war skills. Barbarik showed his three arrows and told that with one arrow he can destroy enemies in any battlefield.
Sri Krishna asked for Barbarik’s head
When Shri Krishna heard this, he worried about the fairness of war. He asked Barbarik as a brave warrior – his head. Barbarik smiled and donated his head with his mother’s permission. But he asked Sri Krishna a bride – that he wants to see the war of Mahabharata with his severed head.
Sri Krishna gave this boon and Barbarik’s head was set on a hill and the war was shown.
God made in Kalyug – Khatu Shyam
Pleased with this great sacrifice and devotion of Barbarik, Shri Krishna gave him a boon: “You will be worshiped as a form in my own form. Whoever takes your name with a true heart, his wish will be fulfilled.” After this boon, Barbarik came to be known as “Shri Shyam Baba” in Kali Yuga. He has a grand temple in Khatudham located in Sikar district of Rajasthan, where millions of devotees come to visit every year.
Identification of Khatu Shyam ji
Khatu Shyam ji is called God of Kalyug. His name was ‘Shyam’ because Shri Krishna himself gave him this name. It is believed that Khatu Shyam ji is represented by Shri Krishna in Kali Yuga. Every person who takes the name of Shyam Baba with a sincere heart, removes all his problems.
He is worshiped especially at the Phalgun fair, where millions of devotees walk on foot to visit him. Devotees call him names like “Shyam Baba”, “Laxman Rupi Shyam”, “Shyam Sarkar” and “Thakurji”.
Why is this story important?
This mythology is not only of a brave warrior, but the story of the culmination of sacrifice, loyalty and devotion. Barbarik donated his head for his promise and justice, but in return he got the immortality from Shri Krishna that establishes him as the “God of Kalyug”.
This story gives us the education that those who stand in favor of truth and sacrifice for justice never go in vain. His devotion becomes immortal and for ages becomes the center of people’s faith.
