Shri Shyam Mandir Khatushyamji

The story of Khaatu Shyamji temple goes back to the time of the ‘Mahabharata’ around 5500 years back. It revolves around great Barberic who was the grandson of Bheema and son of Ghatothkach. Barberic mastered the ‘Vedas’ and meditated to gain wisdom and power. He worshiped the ‘Nine Durgas’ at a secret place of Mahisagar Sangam. His dedication and austerity won him many supernatural bents along with some magical bows and arrows.

When the fierce battle of Mahabharata was to be fought in Kurukshetra between the Kauravas and Pandavas, Barberic took the blessings of his mother and proceeded to take part in the impending battle. Interestingly, instead of being in his grandfather’s party, he decided to be on the side of the losing party. When Lord Krishna got to know about it, he realized that this way there will never be a concrete conclusion to this battle and he didn’t want Barberic to be on the side of the ‘Kauravas’. He had to intervene and stop him from participating in the battle. Hence, he disguised himself as a Brahmin and met him on his way to Kurukshetra.

When asked, Barberic told him that he was going to participate in the battle but Lord Krishna asked him to prove his competence first. Barberic dazzled him with his archery skills as he was able to shed all the leaves of a tree with a single arrow barring the single one which was lying in Lord Krishna’s feet. Barberic requested the Lord to remove his feet from the leaf lest his foot could get wounded by the arrow. Shri Krishna removed his foot in lieu of a promise. Barberic agreed to fulfil whatever his Lord wished from him.

Lord Krishna asked for his head in return. Such was the greatness of Barberic that he agreed readily but demanded to see Lord Krishna in his divine form as he was sure that no mortal being would ever ask for such a sacrifice. It was then that Lord Krishna was obliged to descend in his true form and blessed him. He asked Barberic to offer his head to ‘Ranchandika’ and gave him the blessing that during Kalyuga, he would be worshipped in his name as a reward for his supreme sacrifice. He honored him that he will be revered in the name of Krishna till the earth, sun and the moon will exist in the universe. Since then, Barberic is worshipped in the name of Khaatu Shyamji and has become immortal. He enjoys the same divinity as Lord Krishna. His immortal head witnessed the entire battle of Mahabharata till the end and then later disappeared into oblivion.