Many such mysteries and events are described in Hindu scriptures which are spread over many eras with the cycle. One such mysterious story is associated with a demon, who came in contact with Lord Krishna in the Dwapar Yuga and in Kali Yuga he got the status of ‘God’. This story is not only interesting but it also connects the historical episodes of Mahabharata and the religious beliefs of Kalyuga.
This demon is none other than Barbhik, son of Ghatotkacha and grandson of Bhima, who is worshiped today under the name of Shri Khatu Shyam Ji. The story of Khatu Shyam ji, who became the center of faith of millions of devotees, starts from Mahabharata and spreads till Kalyug.
Who was Barber?
Barberry appears as an important character just before the fierce war of Mahabharata. He was the son of Bhima’s son Ghatotkacha and mother’s name was Morvi. Since childhood, Barbari was well known in battle and he had received three amogh arrows by doing penance to Lord Shiva. The power of these three arrows was so much that they could end the entire Mahabharata war in no time.
Why did Shri Krishna stop Barbric’s participation?
Before the Mahabharata war, the Barbrich set out to participate in the battlefield. But he had pledged that he would always fight against the weak side. When Lord Krishna came to know about this, he came in front of him as a monk and tested three arrows from him. Sri Krishna understood that if Barberk is involved in the war, his side will continue to change and eventually he will survive in the war alone. This would change the essence of war. Then Shri Krishna asked for charity from him – donate his head (head).
Barberry sacrifice and boon
Considering the command of Shri Krishna as supremely, Barbriq cut his head without any hesitation and donated it. Shri Krishna was very pleased with his valor, devotion and sacrifice and gave him a boon that in Kalyug you will be worshiped in the name of ‘Sri Shyam’. Shri Krishna said that whatever devotee will take your name with a sincere heart, his wish will be fulfilled. This is the reason that today Barberik is called ‘Khatu Shyam Ji’ and his temple located in Sikar district of Rajasthan is a major center of faith of millions of devotees.
Why is it called ‘Krishna of Kalyug’?
Barbari got the name ‘Shyam’ with the blessings of Shri Krishna, which is a name of Shri Krishna himself. This is why he is called ‘Krishna of Kalyug’. It is believed that as Sri Krishna established religion in the Dwapara Yuga, in the same way, Shyam Baba destroys the crises of the people in Kalyug and shows them the right path.
Khatu Shyam Temple and Mahabharata connection
Khatu Shyam Temple located in Sikar district of Rajasthan is the place where Barbrich’s head was kept and from there he started worshiping. This head is believed to be present in Kurukshetra till the end of the Mahabharata war and saw the full view of the war. After the end of the war, Shri Krishna revered him at the same place, which is today known as Khatu Shyam Temple.
Khatu Shyam’s glory and devotion
Millions of devotees come from all over the country every year in the temple of Khatu Shyam ji. Especially in the Phalgun fair, crowds of devotees throng. Baba Shyam is also called ‘Sahara Ka Sahara’, because it is said that whoever takes the name of Shyam in crisis, Baba himself protects it. Devotees delight them through flowers makeup, bhajan-kirtan, and charanamrita service. According to the devotees of Baba Shyam, they are only hungry for devotion and they must hear the call from the true heart.
conclusion
This story of Barbari teaches us that only walking on the path of true sacrifice, devotion and religion can make a person a God. With the blessings given by Shri Krishna, this demon of Dwapar Yuga has become Lord Shyam at the center of faith of crores today. This hidden story of Mahabharata makes it clear that history is not only the stories of wars and kings, but it is also the stories of those who are worshiped by their sacrifice for ages. Khatu Shyam Baba is a vibrant link of the same series.
