Khatu Shayam Ji Temple
Khatu Shayam Ji Temple

Khatu Shayam Ji Temple Rajasthan

Khatu Shyam Ji Temple, located in the Sikar district of Rajasthan, is an important pilgrimage site of Indian culture. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna in his avatar as Khatu Shyam ji. This temple is a symbol of the faith and reverence of the people today and holds an important place in Hinduism.

The Legend of Khatu Shayam Ji

The legend of Khatu Shyam Ji is deeply related to the Mahabharata. Khatu Shyam Ji, also known as Barbarika, was the son of Ghatotkach and the grandson of Bhima. His real name was Barbarik, and he is renowned for his role and legacy in the Mahabharata war. The fame of Khatu Naresh Ji is associated with this great war, where his virtues and bravery shone brightly.

According to mythological stories, Barbarika sought permission from his mother to participate in the war of Mahabharata. His mother permitted him to go to war but advised him to become the support of the loser in the war. Following this advice, Barbarika, equipped with his three powerful arrows which were given to him and each arrow possessed the power to destroy the world. He was ready to join the Kurukshetra battlefield. Since then, Khatu Shyam Ji has been known as ‘Hare Ka Sahara’, symbolizing the support for the weaker side.

During his journey to the battlefield, Lord Krishna, recognizing the potential threat Barbarika posed due to his unmatched prowess, Lord Krishna approached to him in disguise. Krishna tested Barbarika’s dedication and asked him whom would he support in the war. Barbarika, bounded by his vow to support the weaker side, replied that he would switch sides as the battle progressed to ensure the weaker side always had an upper hand. Realizing the involvements of such a powerful warrior shifting sides, Krishna asked for Barbarika’s head as a sacrifice.

Barbarika, showed his determined devotion and offered his head to Krishna. This act of sacrifice and devotion impressed Lord Krishna and he blessed Barbarika with the boon of being worshipped in Kaliyuga (the present age) as Shyam, a name synonymous with Krishna himself.

The story of Khatu Shyam Ji and his glory is available in many ancient texts. He is known to be as an excellent warrior and a devout individual who became famous for his virtues and adherence to dharma, along with his grandfather Bhima in mythology.

Location

The Khatu Shyam ji temple is in the town of Khatu, this town is about 80 kilometres from Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. The temple is in the beautiful Aravalli hills, which makes it a beautiful place for both devotees and tourists.

Suggested Read: Guide to Visit Mehandipur Balaji Temple

Things to do in Khatu Shyam

Khatu Dham is not just limited to darshan at Temple, despite that, you can do several things to make your trip memorable. Must attend Morning aarti, offer flower decoration for deity. Take part in bhajan especially at time of festivals like Navratri, Holi or Janmashtami. Take a dip in holy water of Shyam Kund known for medicinal healing power. Shop for Rajasthani masala, dresses and decorative items in market and enjoy delicious local cuisine.

Famous Places to eat near Khatu Shyamji Temple

Where Kadhi Kachori and Lassi is a must try dish, find some best restaurants to enjoy your meal. Marwar Restaurant, Govinddam, Om Restaurant, Aeroplane, Khatu Shyam Bhojanalaya, Gokul Food Corner, Dhaba Junction are

Places to visit near Khatu Shyam

If you have good time in your hand, visit famous attractions nearby Khatu as Jeen Mata Temple, Balaji Dham, Shakambhari Devi Temple, Khatu Fort, Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Wildlife Sanctuary. All these places are best to visit for short trips from Khatu. For a weekend trip with family, plan Jaipur Ajmer Pushkar Tour from Khatu and explore all famous places. Find distance of these attractions to plan a better trip.

Destination Near Khatu Distance
Salasar Balaji Temple 102 Km
Jhunjhunu 110 Km
Sikar 45 Km
Mandawa 98 Km
Jeen Mata Temple 20 Km
Pushkar 162 Km

What is Distance of Khatu Shyam from Major cities

  1. Jaipur: The Khatu Shyam Temple from Jaipur in about 100–120 km. It takes around two or three hours to drive there.
  2. Udaipur: The distance from Udaipur to Khatu Shyam ji is 431.5 km. It can take seven to eight hours to drive there.
  3. Delhi: From Delhi to Khatu Shayam ji, the distance is 283 km. It will take around 6 to 7 hours to reach the temple by road.
  4. Ahmedabad: The distance from Ahmedabad to Khatu Shayam ji is 693.2 km . It takes around 12 hours to reach there by road.

How to Reach Khatu Shyam

By Air

The nearest airport from Khatu village is Jaipur International Airport which is around 80 km from it and other airports closer to Khatu Shayam ji are Delhi (281 km), Agra (284 km) and Udaipur (366 km).

By Train

Closest railway station to Khatu village is Reengus Junction (18 km), this distance can be covered either by Car/Jeep or by Bus. From the capital Jaipur, Reengus can be reached via trains and currently as per the schedule, seven trains run daily to reach Reengus. You can book Tempo Traveller Service in Jaipur to pick you up from Reengus and drop at same after your tour.

From Delhi there is only one train “Chetak Express” with the last junction as Udaipur halts at Reengus Junction, whereas there are no direct trains from Kolkata.

By Road

NH11 (now NH 52) passes through Sikar which connects Jaisalmer and Fatehpur in Rajasthan. Another National Highway close to the village is NH8 which connects Delhi to Mumbai is one of the busiest Highways.

Daily bus services from Delhi are operated by DTC, Haryana Roadways and Rajasthan Roadways. Buses are also available from Jaipur to reach Khatu Shyam easily.

Innova Crysta

  • Fit for: 6-7 Persons
  • Rate per km: ₹18/-

Maruti Ertiga

  • Fit for: 5-6 Persons
  • Rate per km: ₹15/-

Swift Dzire

  • Fit for: 4 Persons
  • Rate per km: ₹12/-

Best Time to Visit Khatu Shyam

You can plan your visit around Falgun Lakhi Mela which is held every year in March before the Holi festival. You can also plan a Trip to Rajasthan in Holi and enjoy vibrant celebration all around. The temple is full of hustle and bustle, with a very lively and festive atmosphere. Visiting Khatu Shayam ji temple during the winter months, from October to March is also a good idea as the weather is pleasant. But if you want to feel the atmosphere, visiting during this time is highly recommended.

Darshan Timings of Khatu Shyam Temple

Winters: Open from 5:30 AM to 1:00 PM and from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Summers: Open from 4:30 AM to 12:30 PM and from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

The Temple is kept open 24 hours during the Falgun Lakhi Mela for 10 days. Darshan Timings are subject to change during festivities, you can contact temple authorities before visiting or browse Khatu Shyam Temple Official website for latest updates.

What are the Aarti Timings and charges for pooja in Temple

Seva/Pooja Timings Cost (INR)
Mangala Aarti 5:30 AM Free
Abhishek Pooja 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM Rs 501
Bhog Pooja 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Rs 101
Rajbhog Pooja 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Rs 201
Sandhya Aarti 6:00 PM Free
Shayan Aarti 8:00 PM Free

Where to stay in Khatu Shyam Temple?

You can find various Dharamshalas in Khatu Shyam available with best facilities for yatri as washroom, almirah, Bhojanalaya, room with bed. Rate of 1 room for 2 or 3 persons start from 500 Rs and range upto 1000 Rs with AC and Non AC options. Vrindavan Dham Dharamshala, Gadiya, Jhunjhunu, Shri Shyam Chaukhani Bhawan, Kanha Kunj are few names which are very near to Mandir. Hotel Shyam Raj, Lakhdatar, Amar Mahal, Gayatri Palace are good hotels with clean room and facilities.

FAQs for Khatu Shyam Temple

Distance between Jaipur and Khatu Shyam is 80 km approx. that can be covered in 1.5 hours by road trip.
You can visit this temple anytime of year, but Ekadashi of every month is most fruitful and attracts visitors.
In summer season, opening time of Khatu Shyam temple is from 4:30 am morning to 12:30 noon and in evening, it opens during 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
One day is enough to visit Khatu Shyam Temple where you can have darshan and perform puja rituals.
It costs approx 1000 to 2000 Rs per person for transport, stay, eat and buying prasad.
The mela begins in Falgun month Ekadashi Date and runs for 10 days. You can book a room in hotel or dharamshala in Khatu to enjoy this fair.
You can find very cheap rooms and Dharamshala in Khatu Shyam with all arrangement of bath, sleep and meal.
During mela, any special occasion, Gyaras or festival, it takes 6-7 hours approx. to have darshan of Khatu Shyam. You have to pass through multiple lines to reach main temple. In normal days, darshan is very easy and needs lesser time within an hour.
There is no dress code, but one should wear modest dress that covers shoulders and knees. Try to avoid flashy jewelleries or accessories that distract other.
Conclusion

Khatu Shyam Ji is one of the most visited holy temples in Rajasthan. The peaceful atmosphere and divine aura of this temple makes it must visit holy place. Many devotees believe that a visit to Shree Khatu Shyam Mandir brings fulfillment of wishes and relief from life’s troubles. The unwavering faith in Khatu Shyam Ji is a testament to the temple’s powerful spiritual presence and its role in the lives of millions.

Khatu Shyam Ji, with its rich history and spiritual significance, continues to draw devotees seeking blessings and solace. Embark on this divine journey, immerse yourself in devotion, and experience the mystical aura of Khatu Shyam Ji.