Location of Khatushyam Ji Temple, History of Khatushyam Ji Temple, Architecture of Khatushyam Ji Temple, Visiting hours in Khatushyam Ji Temple.
Location of Khatushyam Ji Temple:
This Temple is situated at a distance of 65 Km from Sikar City, 17 Km from Ringas and 80 Km from Jaipur City in town Khatu, District Sikar, Rajasthan.
History of Khatushyam Ji Temple:
It is dedicated to Lord Shyam Ji who is considered to be the God of the Kaliyug. Shyam Ji is synonymous with Lord Krishna and thus, he is worshiped in the same form also.
The legend of Shyam Baba can be traced back to Mahabharata Period. At that time, the Kauravas and the Pandavas used to rule over Hastinapur. The Pandavas lost the game of Chausar and had to go to forests for 14 years. In a forest, Bhima (one of the five Pandava brothers) married Hidimba and she gave birth to a son named Ghatotkacha. Ghatotkacha married Kamkatkata and she gave birth to a son named Barbareek. Barbareek was very brave from his childhood and he learnt the art of fighting from his mother. Goddess Durga was pleased with him and gave him the three infallible Arrows (Teen Baan) and a Bow.
The battle of Mahabharata was about to start between the Pandavas and Kauravas. Barbareek wanted to witness the great war. He promised to his mother that he would join the side which would be losing. He rode on the blue horse taking three arrows and the bow. Lord Krishna, disguising himself as a Brahmin, stopped Barbareek and said that he was going to the great battle with only three arrows.
Barbareek replied that only one arrow was enough to destroy all the enemies in the war. Then Lord Krishna challenged him to tie all the leaves of the Peepal tree under which he was standing, with one arrow. Barbareek shot an arrow from his bow and the arrow tied all the leaves together. But Lord Krishna had one leaf under his foot, so the arrow started revolving around his foot. Lord Krishna asked him whom would he join in the war. Barbareek said that he would fight for the losing side. Lord Krishna knew that defeat of Kauravas was inevitable, and if this boy joins them, the result would be in their favour.
The Brahmin (Lord Krishna) then wanted charity from the boy. Barbareek promised him anything he wished. Lord Krishna asked him to give his head in charity. Barbareek requested the Brahmin to disclose his identity. Lord Krishna showed him his divine form. Barbareek requested that he wanted to see the battle and his wish was granted. Thus, on the 12th day of Shukla Paksha of Falgun month, he gave his head to Lord Krishna. The head was placed atop a hill near the battlefield from where, Barbareek could watch the whole battle.
The Pandavas won the battle and they discussed amongst themselves as who was responsible for victory. At this, Lord Krishna suggested them to go to Barbareek. Barbareek’s head suggested that it was Lord Krishna who was responsible for the victory. Lord Krishna granted him the boon that when Kaliyug descends, he would be worshipped by the name of Shyam in his form. His devotees would be blessed just by pronouncing his name from the bottom of their hearts. His head was then buried in Khatu.
One day milk started to flow out of a cow’s udder when she reached the spot. Later, the place was dug up, and the head appeared. The head was handed over to a Brahmin who worshiped the head for many days. The King of Khatu had a dream where he was inspired to build a temple and install the head. Subsequently, a Temple was built and the head was installed on the 11th day of Shukla Paksha of Kartik month.
Architecture of Khatushyam Ji Temple:
This Temple lies at the heart of the town and is constructed of the famous pure white Makrana marble. It is an example of unique architecture. The idol is in the form of a ‘Shish’ (a head) which appeared in the holy pond known as ‘Shyam Kund’. The Shish was retrieved and was installed in the Temple.
Shyam Kund is a holy pond near the Temple from which the head was retrieved. It is believed that a dip in this pond cures a person from ailments and brings good health.
Shyam Bagichi is a blessed garden near the Temple from where the flowers are picked to be offered to the deity. The great devotee Lt. Aloo Singhji’s Samadhi is also situated in the premises.
Gourishankar Temple is a Shiva temple situated near Shyam Ji’s temple. It is a legend that the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s soldiers wanted to destroy this temple, and attacked the Shiva Linga with a spear. Fountains of blood appeared from the Shiva Linga, and the soldiers ran away, terrified. One can still see the mark of the spear on the Linga.
Visiting Hours in Khatushyam Ji Temple:
The Temple remains open from 5.30 A.M. to 1.00 P.M. and 4.00 P.M. to 9.00 P.M. during Winter. It remains open from 4.30 A.M. to 12.30 P.M. and 4.00 P.M. to 10.00 P.M. during Summer.
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