A Study on Khatu Shyam Temple Rajasthan

Abstract

According to Hindu religion, Khatu Shyam ji had received a boon from Shri Krishna in Dwaparyug that he would be worshiped by his name Shyam in Kaliyug. Barbarik ji's head was buried in Khatu Nagar (present-day Sikar district of Rajasthan state), hence he is called Khatu Shyam Baba. According to the story, a cow came to that place and was spontaneously releasing milk from her breasts every day. Later, after excavation, the head was revealed, which was handed over to a Brahmin for a few days. Once the king of Khatu Nagar was inspired in a dream to build a temple and to adorn that head in the temple. Subsequently a temple was constructed at that place and the head was decorated in the temple on the Ekadashi of Kartik month, which is celebrated as the birthday of Baba Shyam. The original temple was built in 1027 AD by Roop Singh Chauhan and his wife Narmada Kanwar. Abhay Singh, Dewan of Thakur, the ruler of Marwar, renovated the temple in 1720 AD on the instructions of Thakur. Khatu Shyam Ji Temple is located in Sikar district of Rajasthan and is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the state. According to Hindu mythology , Khatu Shyam ji is the incarnation of Barbarik, son of Ghatotkach. It is said that devotees who chant his name with a true heart are blessed and their troubles go away , if they do so with true devotion.