The Real name of Khatu Shyam Ji is Barbarik. He was from the Mahabharata time and the son of Ghatotkach, who was the son of Bheem. Barbarik was a great warrior and the most powerful in the whole Mahabharata.
The Biggest traits of his personality were courage, smartness, and Bravery. His personality is very related to lord krishna. He was so powerful yet so down to earth. Barbarik was never overproud and was always so humble and kind towards everyone.
He was blessed with three arrows (teer). Every arrow has its own significance. The first arrow had the power to recognise his enemy. The second arrow had the power to recognise the friends. The third arrow was the most powerful, which means it could destroy every enemy of its in a single shot.
The War Of the Mahabharata and Khatu Shyam Firm Vow
When Barbarik was a child, he vowed always to help the weak. So when the Mahabharata war was about to start. Barbarik thought that he would support the Pandavas, because the Pandavas were at a weak point. According to him, but in reality, the weak side was the Kauravas.
So, he eventually had to be on the side of the Kauravas. The Kauravas would get to the stronger side, and the war would have never stopped. Lord Krishna decided that he would meet Barbarik and would try to stop him.
So Krishna took the form of a saint and went to Barbarik and decided to take his exam and asked him how many warriors you kills at a time. He answered that my one arrow can kill the whole tribe. The three arrows can destroy the whole world.
Then Shri Krishna asked him to break all the leafs from the tree, and He did it with just one arrow.
Shri Krishna’s Demand
After all these happenings, Shri Krishna thought for some time and asked him, “If I demand something, will you give it to me”? Then Barbarik answered, Yes, saint, whatever you ask for, I’ll give it to you.
Krishna smiled and asked for his head. Barbarik gets shocked and is still for a moment, but then He remembers his promise to his mother about donating everything he asks for and agrees to give his head to Krishna. Is he himself who cuts his head and places it in front of Krishna?
Krishna’s Blessing and Khatu Shyam Prayer
Krishna got really happy with the honesty and purity of Barbarik and blessed him, told him, I’m very happy with you, and I want to bless you with my name. In the Future, you will be famous by my name, Shyam, and the world will worship you in Kalyuga.
Krishna promises him that he will be immortal until the Mahabharata ends, and his head will be kept on the top of the hill so that he can see the Mahabharata battle with his own eyes.
Barbarik saw the battle with his eyes, and when Krishna asked him who was the winner of the battle. He answered that he could only see Krishna in the whole battle. Krishna was very happy with Barbarik and blessed him to be the god of Kalyuga, and He said that devotees will get eternal happiness after their divine vision falls on them.
Story of Khatu Shyam’s Head
Khatu Shyam ji’s head was in Kalyuga long after the Mahabharata and Dwapar yuga ended. It is famous that a cow that belongs to the Khatu Village starts to release milk at a particular spot every day, and when some local people notice that, and start digging the particular place.
Barbarik’s head was found under the earth near a pond. The villagers took the head to the sarpanch of the village, Roop Singh Chauhan. They decided to build a temple and named it Khatu Shyam Ji Mandir as the world knows it today. Today, Khatu Shyam ji is the most Famous god in Kalyuga, and His blessings are always with his devotees.
Conclusion
Khatu Shyam ji’s story is very divine and famous because it teaches us that sacrifice sometimes is the most powerful thing a person can do for the good of others. Now in Kalyuga, Khatu Shyam ji is the most famous and the most divine lord because it is famous that if someone takes his name from the heart, Shyam Baba is always there to help them.
This Story also reminds us that true greatness does not always come from power and weapons always. But sometimes it comes from sacrifice, humanity, and devotion. Khatu Shyam ji temple is not just a holy place; it is a place where hearts find peace, tears find strength, and hope.
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