Khatu Shyam : The Untold Story Of Barbarik

Khatu Shyam is one of the most worshipped deities in India today, especially in Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Gujarat. Known for fulfilling the wishes of his devotees, he is called Shyam Baba, a name that fills hearts with devotion and hope. But behind this loving name lies the powerful and emotional story of Barbarik, the grandson of Bhima and the son of Ghatotkacha.

Khatu Shyam Was Born as Barbarik

Before becoming Khatu Shyam, he was known as Barbarik, the son of Ghatotkacha (son of Bhima) and Morarvi, a Naga princess. From a young age, Barbarik displayed unmatched courage and devotion. He was a sincere devotee of Maa Kamakhya, the fierce and powerful form of the Divine Mother. Pleased by his devotion, Maa Kamakhya blessed him with a divine bow that could never be broken.

Along with this bow, Barbarik also received three divine arrows, known as the Teen Baan, which made him nearly invincible on the battlefield. Each of these arrows had a unique power:

The First Arrow: It marked all enemies Barbarik wished to destroy by placing a red glowing mark on them. Once released, it would fly over the battlefield and accurately identify his targets.
The Second Arrow: This arrow marked all those whom Barbarik wished to protect. It left a green mark on the objects or beings he wanted to spare, ensuring they remained untouched during the battle.
The Third Arrow: This final arrow would then destroy everything marked by the first arrow in a single strike, sparing anything marked by the second. Its precision and power were unmatched.

With the blessings of Maa Kamakhya and the strength of these divine weapons, Barbarik became one of the most powerful warriors of his time—yet he chose the path of Dharma over ego, eventually becoming Khatu Shyam, the beloved deity of millions.

Desire to Fight in the Mahabharat War

When the Kurukshetra war was about to begin, Barbarik expressed his wish to join the battlefield. He said he would always fight for the side that was losing, as he believed in justice and protecting the weak. But this created a Dharma dilemma.

Lord Krishna, knowing the future, appeared in disguise and tested Barbarik’s intentions. When he learned about his plan to keep switching sides, Krishna knew that Barbarik’s power would destroy both Pandavas and Kauravas, ending the war even before it started.

Why Barbarik Sacrificed His Head

When Barbarik expressed his wish to join the war, he vowed to always fight for the side that was losing. While noble in intention, this created a serious dilemma—his unmatched power and constant switching of sides could have led to the destruction of both armies and disrupted the balance of Dharma.

Seeing his dedication to both Dharma and his oath, Lord Krishna asked Barbarik to sacrifice his head to prevent such a scenario from unfolding. Barbarik, honoring Lord Krishna and his vow, willingly gave up his head as a sacrifice, ensuring the balance of the war remained intact.

Before offering his head, Barbarik requested one last wish—to witness the great battle of Mahabharat. Krishna granted this wish and placed his head on a hilltop overlooking the battlefield, allowing him to watch the entire war.

How Barbarik Became Khatu Shyam

After the war, Krishna blessed Barbarik and said: “In Kaliyuga, you will be worshipped as Shyam, and your temple will be in the place where your head was buried.”

That sacred place is Khatu, in the Sikar district of Rajasthan, where the famous Khatu Shyam Mandir stands today. Devotees from all over India come here to seek blessings and offer their prayers.

Why Khatu Shyam is Known as the God of Kaliyuga

Khatu Shyam is called the God of Kaliyuga because he listens quickly, helps without delay, and demands only faith and love. His temples are filled with devotees chanting:

“Hare Ka Sahara, Baba Shyam Hamara!”
(The hope of the helpless is Khatu Shyam!)

It is believed that:

Chanting Shyam Baba’s name removes obstacles.
Visiting Khatu Shyam Temple with a pure heart fulfills wishes.
Offering a coconut, prasad, or a simple diya (lamp) can please the lord.

He doesn’t need luxury, he only needs love.

Conclusion

The story of Khatu Shyam teaches us that true devotion is not in asking for more, but in giving everything for Dharma. Barbarik had the power to win the greatest war, but he chose to surrender his head for the greater good.