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 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.
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.
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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.
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
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 |
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 |
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.
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.