Hindu temple
Khatu Shyam Temple
Also known as Khatu Shyam Ji, Shyam Baba Temple.
In short
Khatu Shyam Ji, in Sikar district of Rajasthan, is one of the most visited Krishna shrines in North India. It honours Barbarika — the grandson of Bhima — to whom Krishna gave his own name, Shyam, as a boon. Vast crowds gather especially at the Phalguna fair.
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Key facts
- Presiding deity
- Krishna
- Significance
- A revered Krishna (Shyam) temple — the shrine of Barbarika, blessed with Krishna's own name
- Location
- Khatu (Sikar district), Rajasthan
Significance
The temple honours Barbarika, a warrior of unmatched power who vowed to fight for whichever side was losing. Before the Mahabharata war, Krishna asked him for his head in charitable sacrifice; moved by his selflessness, Krishna granted that he would be worshipped in Krishna's own name, Shyam, through the age of Kali.
Devotees know him as haare ka sahara — the support of the defeated and the helpless — and come seeking courage, relief, and the fulfilment of heartfelt wishes.
History
The shrine at Khatu is traditionally held to mark where Barbarika's head was enshrined. It has been renovated across the centuries and today draws enormous crowds, above all at the annual Phalguna Mela.
How to reach
At Khatu in Sikar district, Rajasthan. The nearest major hub is Jaipur, with Ringas as the closest railhead.
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About Khatu Shyam Temple
Who is Khatu Shyam?
Khatu Shyam is Barbarika, grandson of Bhima, to whom Krishna gave his own name, Shyam, as a boon — worshipped as a form of Krishna and known as the support of the defeated.
Where is the Khatu Shyam temple?
At Khatu in Sikar district, Rajasthan, near Jaipur; the nearest railhead is Ringas.
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