Shree Shyam Kund, also known as Shyam Sarovar, is a sacred water tank located near the Khatu Shyam Ji temple in the Sikar district of Rajasthan, India. It is an integral part of the Khatu Shyam Ji pilgrimage and holds immense religious significance for devotees.
The Shyam Kund is believed to be the place where Barbarik, a mythical character from the Mahabharata, offered his head as a sacrifice to Lord Krishna. Legend has it that after Barbarik’s sacrifice, Lord Krishna blessed him with the boon of being worshipped in the Kaliyuga as Khatu Shyam Ji. The water of the Shyam Kund is considered holy and is believed to possess healing properties.
Devotees visiting the Khatu Shyam Ji temple often take a holy dip in the Shyam Kund before proceeding for darshan (worship) of the deity. The serene surroundings of the kund and its religious significance make it a must-visit place for pilgrims and tourists alike.
Aside from its religious importance, Shree Shyam Kund is also known for its architectural beauty and serene ambiance, attracting visitors seeking spiritual solace and tranquility. Many devotees perform rituals and offer prayers at the kund as part of their pilgrimage to Khatu Shyam Ji temple.
History of Shyam Kund Khatu
The history of Shyam Kund (also known as Shyam Sarovar) in Khatu Shyam Ji, Rajasthan, is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and legend. The kund holds significant religious importance for devotees of Khatu Shyam Ji, a manifestation of Lord Krishna.
According to Hindu mythology, the story of Shree Shyam Kund is associated with a legendary figure named Barbarik (also known as Khatushyamji). Barbarik was the grandson of Bhima (one of the Pandava brothers from the epic Mahabharata) and the son of Ghatotkacha. He possessed immense prowess and was granted powerful weapons by various gods, Religious Places in Rajasthan.
Barbarik was an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna. Legend has it that during the Kurukshetra War, when Barbarik expressed his desire to participate, Lord Krishna asked him how many arrows he could carry in his quiver. Barbarik replied that he could fit all the arrows needed to finish the war in his quiver.
Impressed by Barbarik’s devotion and skill, Lord Krishna tested him by asking him to tie his own head with his hair. Barbarik complied, and Lord Krishna was pleased with his devotion. As a reward, Lord Krishna blessed Barbarik with a boon that he would be worshipped in the Kaliyuga as Khatu Shyam Ji.
Before participating in the war, Barbarik performed a yagna (sacrificial fire ritual) to ensure victory. As part of the ritual, he promised to offer his head as a sacrifice to Goddess Kali. However, to fulfill his promise without hindering the war, he made a condition that he would participate in the side that was losing.
During the war, Barbarik’s presence led to the rapid decimation of the opposing forces. He was able to use his divine powers to change the tide of the battle. Eventually, seeing the rapid pace at which Barbarik was causing destruction, Lord Krishna devised a plan to test his devotion.
Lord Krishna disguised himself as a Brahmin and approached Barbarik, asking for his head as a dakshina (offering). Barbarik, true to his word, severed his head with his arrows and offered it to the Brahmin. Pleased with Barbarik’s unwavering devotion, Lord Krishna granted him a boon that his devotees’ wishes would be fulfilled by visiting his temple and offering prayers.
It is believed that the site where Barbarik offered his head is the location of Shree Shyam Kund in Khatu Shyam Ji. The water of the kund is considered holy and is believed to possess healing properties. Devotees visiting the Khatu Shyam Ji temple often take a dip in the Shyam Kund before offering their prayers to seek blessings and fulfill their wishes.
Place to Visit near khatu Shyam Ji
If you’re visiting Khatu Shyam Ji, which is a famous temple located in the Sikar district of Rajasthan, India, there are several other places nearby that you might find interesting to visit:
Jeen Mata Temple: Located around 30 kilometers from Khatu Shyam Ji, this temple is dedicated to Jeen Mata, a goddess revered by the locals.
Salasar Balaji Temple: Approximately 60 kilometers from Khatu Shyam Ji, this temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is another significant pilgrimage site in the region.
Mukundgarh: This is a small town located about 20 kilometers from Khatu Shyam Ji, known for its well-preserved havelis (traditional mansions) and forts.
Shakambhari Mata Temple: Situated around 70 kilometers from Khatu Shyam Ji, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Shakambhari, a form of Goddess Durga.
Nimbi Jodha: A historical site around 30 kilometers from Khatu Shyam Ji, known for its ancient stepwell and temple ruins.
Rani Sati Temple, Jhunjhunu: Though a bit further away (around 90 kilometers), this temple in Jhunjhunu is dedicated to Rani Sati, a Hindu folk deity known for her sacrifice and devotion.
These are just a few options, and there are many more places of historical, religious, and cultural significance in the region surrounding Khatu Shyam Ji that you might consider exploring during your visit.
How to Reach Shyam Kund Khatu Shyam
Shree Shyam Kund (Shyam Sarovar) in Khatu Shyam Ji, Rajasthan, is a significant pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Krishna, particularly Khatu Shyam Ji. Here’s how you can reach Shyam Kund:
By Air: The nearest airport to Khatu Shyam Ji is Jaipur International Airport, which is approximately 100 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Khatu Shyam Ji.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Khatu Shyam Ji is Reengus Railway Station, which is around 15 kilometers away. From Reengus, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Khatu Shyam Ji. Another option is to reach Sikar Junction, which is about 45 kilometers away, and then proceed to Khatu Shyam Ji by taxi or bus Shree Shyam Kund.
By Road: Khatu Shyam Ji is well-connected by road to various cities in Rajasthan and neighboring states. You can reach Khatu Shyam Ji by bus or car from major cities like Jaipur, Delhi, and other nearby towns. The roads are well-maintained, making the journey comfortable.
Once you reach Khatu Shyam Ji, Shyam Kund is located near the Khatu Shyam Ji temple complex. It’s a short walk from the temple, and you can easily locate it with the help of locals or signboards.
Local Transportation: Once you reach Khatu Shyam Ji, you can explore the town and visit Shree Shyam Kund on foot. The town is small and easily navigable. You can also hire auto-rickshaws or cycle-rickshaws for local transportation within Khatu Shyam Ji.
