Khatu Shyamji is famous for its Shyamji Temple. Khatu Shyamji Temple, Rajasthan, Jaipur, RajasthanThere is a steady stream of devotees the year round, but lakhs of them gather at the annual fair from Phalgun Sudi Dashmi to Dwadashi. Apart from being a place of pilgrimage, a large number of people come for the 'Jadula' ceremony (the first time all hair is shaved off the head) of their children.
Legend connects the place to the epic Mahabharat. Krishna, it is believed took the form of a Brahmin and asked for the head of Babhruvahan (Barbrik). He then placed the head on a hillock so that it could watch the war. Pleased with the sacrifice, Krishna, then, blessed Babhruvahan to be worshipped as Shyam himself in Kaliyug.
Legend
The legend begins with Mahabharata. Barbarika alias Shyam Baba alias Khatushyamji was a grandson of Bhima, second of Pandava brothers. He was the son of Ghatotkacha (Bhima`s son) and Kamkantkata Ma Morwi. Barbarika, in his childhood, was a brave warrior and mastered the warfare tactics from his mother. The epic Mahabharat battle between the Pandavas and the Kauravas was about to begin. Barbarik, true to the nature of a brave warrior (Kshatriya), wanted to be a part of this big battle.The possession of 3 divine arrows, which could finish the war in a moment, had made him invincible. Thus, the victory of the side which he would choose to support was certain.With a vow to his mother that he would support the weaker side in the battle, not the righteous one, Barbarik set out to take part in the war.On the other hand, Lord Krishna knew that the defeat of the Kauravas (adharma) was inevitable. He realized that if this brave boy joins their side, the result would then tilt in their favour, which will end the war with a doubt on correct justice.In order to prevent this, Lord Krishna, assuming the guise of a Brahmin, stopped Barbarik in his path.
The Brahmin (Krishna) asked him to sacrifice his head as 'daan'(charity). He happily obliged and cut off his head (that’s the reason he is also famously known as 'Sheeshdani').But he sensed that something was amiss and humbly requested the Brahmin to disclose his true identity. Thereafter, not only did Lord Krishna show him his divine form, but also blessed him with two boons.Firstly, as per his wish, his head was positioned on top of a small hill from where he could witness the entire battle. And as for the second one, Lord Krishna told him, "You will be remembered on earth forever; and in the age of Kaliyuga (current era), your head will be worshipped by humans in my name (Shyam). Just mere pronunciation of your name from the bottom of the heart will rid people of all their sorrows and bless them with immense joy." After the battle ended, his head was buried here in Khatu. Many years later, a head was found at Khatu which was worshipped by a Brahmin for many days. Shortly, the King of Khatu had a dream inspiring him to build a temple here and place this head of the courageous Barbarik, today worshipped as Khatu Shyam Baba.
Architecture of Khatu Shyamji Temple
Originally the temple was built 975 years ago by Smt. Narmada Kanwar and her husband Shri Roop Singh Chauhan. In Samvat 1777 (1720 A.D.).Diwan Abhaisingh at the behest of the then king of Jodhpur, renovated the old temple. The temple took its present shape at this time and the idol was enshrined in the Sanctum Sanctorum. There is an open chowk before the entrance gate of the temple. This temple is very rich in its architectural galore. Marble and lime motors have been extensively used in the constructing the structure. The shutters of the Sanctum Sanctorum are covered with silver sheet beautifully. The shutter of sanctum sanctorum is very serenely covered with silver sheet, just outside the prayer hall known as the Jagmohan. The measurement of the hall is 12.3 m x 4.7 m and the wall is meticulously painted symbolizing the mythological scenes. The entrance gate and exit gate are made of marble, their brackets are also of marble and feature ornamental floral designs. There is an open space in front of the entrance gate of the temple. The Shyam Bagicha is a garden near the temple from where flowers are picked to be offered to the deity. The Samadhi of Aloo Singh, a great devotee, is located within the garden.
Bathing in the Shyam Kund
This is the holy pond near the temple from where the idol was retrieved. It is believed that a dip in this pond cures a person from ailments and brings good health. Filled with devotional fervour, people take ritual dips in the Shyam Kund. Bathing during the annual Phalguna Mela festival is deemed especially salutary.
