Nhungexim at 17:54, 18 April 2026

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{{Short description|Hindu temple in Rajasthan, India}}
{{for|Khatu town in Sikar|Khatoo, Rajasthan}}
{{use Indian English|date=February 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2023}}
{{Infobox Hindu temple
| native_name =
| other_name =
| image = File:Khatu_Shyam_Ji_-_panoramio.jpg
| caption= Khatu Shyam Temple in 2008
| country = {{flag|India}}
| district = [[Sikar district|Sikar]]
| state = [[Rajasthan]]
| deity=[[Barbarika]]
| map_type = India Rajasthan#India
| map_caption = Location in Rajasthan##Location in India
| coordinates = {{coord|27.3645|75.4033|type:landmark_region:IN|display=inline,title}}
| website=https://khatu-shyam.in/
|location=[[Khatoo, Rajasthan|Khatoo]], [[Sikar district]], [[Rajasthan]]
}}
The '''Khatu Shyam Temple''' is a [[Hindu temple]] located in [[Khatoo, Rajasthan|Khatoo town]] in the [[Sikar district]] of [[Rajasthan]]. It is a pilgrimage site dedicated to the worship of '''Khatu Shyam''', a divine figure believed to be a manifestation of [[Barbarika]], a character from the Indian epic ''[[Mahabharata]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-12 |title=Who was the Barbarika, later known as Khatu Shyam, and what is his connection to the Mahabharata? |url=https://www.indiatimes.com/trending/social-relevance/khatu-shyam-jis-birth-anniversary-who-was-the-barbarika-later-known-as-khatu-shyam-and-what-is-his-connection-to-the-mahabharata-645713.html |access-date=2025-06-26 |website=Indiatimes |language=en-IN}}</ref> The temple is one of the most revered religious sites in [[Rajasthan]], attracting millions of devotees annually, particularly during the [[Phalguna Mela|Phalgun Mela]], a festival held in the Hindu month of [[Phalguna]] (February–March).<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-11-12 |title=Khatu Shyam Ji Birthday: The legend of Khatu Shyam and why he is the most revered form of Krishna |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/soul-search/khatu-shyam-ji-birthday-the-legend-of-khatu-shyam-and-why-he-is-the-most-revered-form-of-krishna/articleshow/115201126.cms |access-date=2025-06-26 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257 |quote=His main temple is located in the village of Khatu in Rajasthan, Sikar district and attracts millions of devotees from all over the country}}</ref>

== History==
According to legend, the temple was originally constructed in 1027 CE by Roop Singh Chauhan, a local ruler. In his dream, he was guided to unearth a buried idol of [[Barbarika]], believed to be the head of the warrior, at a site now known as ''Shyam Kund'', a sacred pond near the temple. The idol was installed in the temple, marking the beginning of its veneration as a holy site. The current structure of the temple, built with white [[Makrana marble]], reflects traditional [[Architecture of Rajasthan|Rajasthani architecture]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=GANGASHETTY |first=RAMESH |url=https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/THIRTHA_YATRA/ajK6DwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=khatu+shyam+temple+is+made+up+of+makrana+marble&pg=PT216&printsec=frontcover |title=THIRTHA YATRA: A GUIDE TO HOLY TEMPLES AND THIRTHA KSHETRAS IN INDIA |date=2019-10-30 |publisher=Notion Press |isbn=978-1-68466-134-3 |language=en |quote=It is said that the first temple was constructed in 1027 by King Roop Singh Chauhan as directed in his dream. The temple was built after digging out the Shyam Sheesh from the tank now which is called Shyam Kund}}</ref>

The temple’s prominence grew over centuries, particularly due to its connection with [[Barbarika]], a legendary figure from the Indian epic ''[[Mahabharata]]''. [[Barbarika]], the son of [[Ghatotkacha]] and grandson of the [[Bhima|Pandava Bhima]], is revered as Khatu Shyam, believed that he is blessed by [[Krishna|Lord Krishna]] in the [[Kali Yuga]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=महाभारत के बर्बरीक कैसे बने कलियुग के खाटू श्याम? और आखिर क्यों कहा जाता है इन्हें हारे का सहारा? |url=https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/travel/religious-trip/who-is-khatu-shyam-baba-and-why-they-called-hare-ka-sahara-by-devotee/articleshow/117145758.cms |access-date=2025-06-26 |website=Navbharat Times |language=hi}}</ref>
[[File:Reengus_Temple_Art6.JPG|250px|thumb|[[Barbarika ]] donates his head to Lord [[Krishna]]]]
According to tradition, [[Krishna|Lord Krishna]] blessed [[Barbarika]] with the boon that he would be worshipped in this age under the name Shyam.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-12 |title=Who was the Barbarika, later known as Khatu Shyam, and what is his connection to the Mahabharata? |url=https://www.indiatimes.com/trending/social-relevance/khatu-shyam-jis-birth-anniversary-who-was-the-barbarika-later-known-as-khatu-shyam-and-what-is-his-connection-to-the-mahabharata-645713.html |access-date=2025-06-26 |website=Indiatimes |language=en-IN |quote=Before sacrificing his head, Barbarika sought a boon from Krishna. He wished to be worshipped in the Kaliyuga by Krishna’s name, Shyam, and that his devotees’ prayers be fulfilled. Krishna granted this boon and promised that Barbarika’s name would bless his followers with prosperity and happiness}}</ref> A 17th century poem containing 25 couplets known as Shyam Pacchisi composed by Durga Das Mathur in [[Braj Bhasha]] during 1675. But in this poem Shyam isn't referred to and identified with Barbarika but instead he's identified with [[Krishna]] and Khatu is referred to as his capital.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-17 |title=Shri Shyam Pachisi - 350 years old Khatu Shyam Ji Pachchisi |url=https://www.khatu.org/2023/05/shri-shyam-pachisi.html |access-date=2025-09-04 |website=Khatu {{!}} Latest Updates about Khatu Shyam Mandir and Darshan |language=hi}}</ref> The temple’s historical significance was further cemented during the medieval period, including events like the [[Battle of Khatu Shyamji]] in 1779, where local chiefs defended the region against [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] forces.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Hooja |first=Rima |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qqd1RAAACAAJ&q=rime%20hooja%20rajasthan |title=A HISTORY OF RAJASTHAN (PB) |date=2006 |publisher=Rupa & Company |isbn=978-81-291-1501-0 |language=en |quote=Battle of Khatu–Shyamji. This last occurred when Murtaza Khan Bhadech was sent into Shekhawati to collect revenue arrears. His subsequent march towards Jaipur was blocked at Khatu-Shyamji, where the Shekhawats led by Devi Singh of Sikar defeated the intruder.}}</ref>
[[File:Shyam_Kund,_Khatu_Shyam,_Rajasthan.jpg|250px|thumb|Shyam kund at holy temple]]

'''Origin and mythology'''

The origins of the Khatu Shyam Ji Temple are deeply rooted in [[Hindu mythology]], specifically the epic [[Mahabharata]]. The deity worshipped here, Khatu Shyam Ji, is believed to be [[Barbarika]], the grandson of [[Bhima]] (one of the Pandava brothers) and son of [[Ghatotkacha]]. According to legend, Barbarika was a powerful warrior who possessed three divine arrows capable of determining the outcome of the [[Kurukshetra War|Kurukshetra war]]. To ensure fairness in the battle, [[Krishna|Lord Krishna]], disguised as a [[Brahmin]], tested Barbarika’s resolve and ultimately asked him to sacrifice his head as an act of charity. Impressed by his devotion and selflessness, [[Krishna]] blessed [[Barbarika]], declaring that he would be worshipped as Shyam (another name for Krishna) in the [[Kali Yuga]] (last of four yugas in [[Hindu cosmology]]). The temple is believed to house the head of [[Barbarika]], making it a sacred site for devotees.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-05 |title=बर्बरीक ने कहां किया था शीशदान? सीकर में कैसे बना खाटू श्याम धाम, जानिए इतिहास |url=https://www.aajtak.in/religion/festivals/story/khatu-wale-shyam-baba-seekar-rajasthan-mandir-know-about-history-and-how-baba-mandie-was-build-ntcpvp-dskc-2181681-2025-03-05 |access-date=2025-06-26 |website=आज तक |language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-07 |title=खाटू श्‍याम के दो भाई कौन थे, महाभारत के युद्ध में दोनों किसकी तरफ से लड़े |url=https://hindi.news18.com/news/knowledge/who-was-the-grandfather-of-khatu-shyam-father-mother-of-barbarik-mahabharat-baba-khatu-shyam-temple-8050203.html |access-date=2025-06-26 |website=News18 हिंदी |language=hi}}</ref>

== Nishaan Yatra ==
Nishaan Yatra is a revered [[pilgrimage]] honouring [[Khatu Shyam]], a deity linked to [[Krishna|Lord Krishna]] and [[Barbarika]], held annually in [[Khatoo, Rajasthan]]. During the [[Phalguna Mela]], lakhs of devotees participate in this procession, carrying a [[Flag|nishan]]—a sacred triangular flag in saffron, orange, or red—symbolising devotion. Pilgrims typically travel on foot from [[Reengus]] to the Khatu Shyam Temple, covering a distance of about 17 km, chanting prayers, singing bhajans, and dancing.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-04-19 |title=खाटू श्याम पहुंचकर चढ़ाना है निशान? तो ध्यान रखे कहां से शुरू करनी है पदयात्रा, नहीं तो अधूरी रहेगी मन्नत |url=https://hindi.news18.com/news/rajasthan/sikar-khatu-shyam-nishan-yatra-start-from-ringas-temple-otherwise-wish-will-remain-unfulfilled-local18-9187674.html |access-date=2025-06-26 |website=News18 हिंदी |language=hi}}</ref> The flag is offered at the temple to seek blessings.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Surajgarh Nishan Yatra 2025: खाटूश्यामजी मंदिर पर कैसे शुरू हुई निशान चढ़ाने की परंपरा? झूंझुनू के सूरजगढ़ से है खास कनेक्शन |url=https://rajasthan.ndtv.in/rajasthan-news/khatu-shyam-mandir-surajgarh-nishan-yatra-2025-ki-mahima-lakhi-fair-7859854 |access-date=2025-06-26 |website=rajasthan.ndtv.in |language=hi}}</ref>
[[File:Khatu_shyam.jpg|250px|thumb|Nishan Yatra at temple]]
The Surajgarh white flag is hoisted annually atop the Khatushyam temple during the [[Phalguna Mela]]. Originating from Surajgarh, a town on the [[Haryana]]–[[Rajasthan]] border, this flag, adorned with a blue horse, has been raised for over 300 years. It embodies a rich history tied to resistance against [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] and [[British Empire|British]] attempts to disrupt temple practices.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-03-15 |title=खाटू धाम की शान, सूरजगढ़ का निशान: अंग्रेजों ने मंदिर पर ताला लगा दिया था, मोरपंख से खुला द्वार, 325 साल से शीर्ष पर चढ़ता आया है यह ध्वज |url=https://www.bhaskar.com/local/rajasthan/sikar/jhunjhunu/news/the-british-had-locked-the-temple-the-door-opened-with-peacock-feathers-only-the-flag-of-surajgarh-climbs-to-the-top-for-325-years-129513435.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220318223906/https://www.bhaskar.com/local/rajasthan/sikar/jhunjhunu/news/the-british-had-locked-the-temple-the-door-opened-with-peacock-feathers-only-the-flag-of-surajgarh-climbs-to-the-top-for-325-years-129513435.html |archive-date=18 March 2022 |access-date=2025-06-26 |work=Dainik Bhaskar |language=hi |url-status=live }}</ref>

Crafted in Surajgarh’s ancient temple, the flag is carried in a 152-km padyatra (foot pilgrimage) to [[Khatoo, Rajasthan|Khatushyam]]. The flag, believed to house Baba Shyam’s divine presence, is hoisted on [[Phalguna]] [[Paksha|Shukla Paksha]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-19 |title=मोर पंख से खोल दिया था खाटूधाम का ताला,सबसे पहले खाटू में चढता है सूरजगढ़ का निशान,12 महीने शिखर बंध पर लहराता है ये निशान |url=https://hindi.news18.com/news/family-and-welfare/spirituality-khatu-shyam-what-is-the-story-of-the-mark-on-the-top-of-the-temple-its-connection-with-surajgarh-8162554.html |access-date=2025-06-26 |website=News18 हिंदी |language=hi}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Salasar Balaji Temple]]
* [[Jeenmata]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Hindu temples in Rajasthan]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Sikar district]]
[[Category:Culture of Rajasthan]]
[[Category:Sikar district]]
[[Category:Hindu pilgrimage sites in India]]
[[Category:1027 establishments]]

Khatu Shyam Temple - Revision history

Nhungexim at 17:54, 18 April 2026