The God of Kaliyug: Haare Ka Sahara Shri Khatu Shyam Ji

“Hare ka sahara, Baba Shyam hamara” You may have noticed this line written behind vehicles. This is not a mere sentence, but an expression of the faith, trust, and devotion of millions of devotees. When life’s journey feels difficult and despair surrounds them, devotees find comfort and shelter in Shyam Baba.

Very few people know that the deity worshipped today as Baba Shyam was actually Barbarik, a legendary warrior from the Mahabharat Kaal. He was the grandson of Bhim and the son of Ghatotkach. Apart from being an extraordinary warrior, Barbarik’s life is a fine example of sacrifice, compassion, and righteousness.

He is known by other names such as Baliyadev, Belarsen, King Yalamber, and Akash Bhairav in Nepal.

Lovingly addressed by his devotees as "Shyam Baba", “Khaatu Shyam Baba,” "Hare Ka Sahara", and "Avatar of Kaliyug," he is considered an incarnation of Sri Krishna himself.

In this article, we will explore the major events in the life of Barbarik, also known as Khatu Shyam Ji. We will look at why he is called "the support of the defeated," his relationship with the great warriors of the Mahabharat, and the reason Lord Krishna blessed him with the boon to be worshipped by his own name in the Kaliyug.

Let us dive deep into this incredible journey of Barbarik becoming Baba Shyam, the inspiring stories of his sacrifice and devotion, and his divine glory.

Highlights of the blog:

• What Is the History of the Khatu Shyam Temple?
• Who Was Barbarik, and Who Were His Parents?
• What Is the Role of Devi Kamakhya in Barbarik’s Katha?
• What Question Did Barbarik Ask Sri Krishna?
• What Name Did Sri Krishna Give to Barbarik?
• What Is the Spiritual Meaning Behind Barbarik’s Three Arrows?
• How Did Barbarik Meet His Grandfather Bhima?
• Why and How Did Sri Krishna Test Barbarik as per the Puranas?
• Why Did Sri Krishna Meet Barbarik Near a Peepal Tree?
• Why Did Barbarik Give His Head Without Hesitation?
• Does Barbarik’s Story Connect to Any Teaching of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita?
• What Is the Importance of Ekadashi for the Devotees of Khatu Shyam Ji?

What is the History of the Khatu Shyam Temple?

Khatu Shyam Ji, a highly revered deity, is considered the manifestation of warrior Barbarik from the Mahabharat era. He offered his head to Sri Krishna, who placed it on a mountain peak in a place named ‘Khatu’, and gave him the boon that in Kaliyug, Barbarik will be known as ‘Shyam.’ He is therefore revered as Khatu Shyam Baba, the silent witness and divine protector of his devotees. Sri Krishna had blessed Barbarik that the world would worship him, and he would fulfil the wishes of his devotees.

(Khatu Shyam Ji temple in Sikar, Rajasthan)

The main Khatu Shyam Ji Temple is located in Khatu town, Sikar district, Rajasthan. Raja Roop Singh Chauhan originally built it around 2,000 years ago. In 1720, Abhay Singh rebuilt the temple, which became a centre of deep faith for devotees.

Every Ekadashi, and particularly during the Phalgun mela, the number of devotees who arrive for darshan of Shyam Baba increases to 25 lakh to 35 lakh (2.5 to 3.5 million).

Who was Barbarik, and Who Were his Parents?

Barbarik was the son of Ghatotkach and Maurvi, the daughter of Asur Muru. He was the grandson of Bhimsen and Hidimba.

Skand Puran describes him as radiant as the rising sun with bright, expressive eyes and a complexion like a blue cloud. He achieved youth immediately after birth, as Rakshasas do. His hair, standing upright, resembled that of the Barbaras, an ancient tribe in India. This became the reason for his name—Barbarik.

What is the Role of Devi Kamakhya in Barbarik’s Katha?

Worried about Ghatotkach's marriage, Yudhisthir asked Sri Krishna to suggest a suitable wife for him.

Sri Krishna suggested that Ghatotkach go to the city of Praagjyotish and win over Maurvi, the daughter of the Daitya Mura, whom Sri Krishna had already slain.

When Mura fell, his courageous daughter Maurvi attacked Sri Krishna. When Sri Krishna lifted his Sudarshan Chakra to kill her, Devi Kamakhya appeared and announced that she had granted Maurvi the boon of invincibility in battle, gifted her a sword, shield, and spear, and made peace between the Daitya warrior Maurvi and Sri Krishna.

Ma Kamakhya told Maurvi that since she was to become the daughter-in-law of Sri Krishna's cousin Bhim, she should touch her future father-in-law's feet. Sri Krishna then blessed her.

Further, young Barbarik did intense sadhana and received a divine boon from Devi Kamakhya, making him undefeatable. However, his boon came with two conditions: he could never use his arrows for personal revenge, and he must always fight for the weaker side.

What Question Did Barbarik Ask Sri Krishna?

Barbarik displayed wisdom and humility from his earliest years. Therefore, to seek guidance about his future, his father took him to Sri Krishna in Dwarka.

Barbarik asked Sri Krishna, "What truly brings well-being and success?" He wondered if it came from good deeds, luck, self-control, fasting, or worship.

Sri Krishna explained to him about the Dharm (duty of an individual), saying that the path to success depends on a person's role in life and background.

The teachers and priests achieve success through self-control, studying holy texts, and teaching others. The warriors and rulers, on the other hand, achieve success through strength, punishing wrongdoers, and protecting the innocent. The merchants and farmers achieve success through agriculture, animal care, and mastering trades; the workers achieve it through honest work, caring for their staff, and practising daily spiritual rituals.

What Name Did Sri Krishna Give to Barbarik?

ghatotkacharya putraste drahdham suhridayo hyasau ||
tasmat suhrdayetyevam dattam nam mayaa dvikam ||

-Chapter 61, Verse 32-33: Skand Puran, Kaumarika-Khand

Meaning: O Ghatotkach, your son is certainly a noble-hearted one (suhriday). Hence, a second name, 'Suhriday', is given to him by me," said Sri Krishna.

Sri Krishna also advised Barbarik that since he belonged to the warrior class, his main goal was to gain unmatched power to protect good people and stop wrongdoers. Sri Krishna pointed out that this kind of power comes from the blessings of the Divine Mother.

(Barbarik worshipping Devi at Maha-sagar-sangam)

He then directed Barbarik to a sacred place called Guptakshetra at Mahi-sagar-sangam (the place where the earth and sea meet) to worship the Goddesses of the ‘four directions’ and ‘nine forms of Ma Durga’. Sri Krishna explained that finding these distinct supreme powers perfectly unified in one place was nearly impossible, and by pleasing them, Barbarik would gain everything he desired, including power, happiness, and success.

What is the Spiritual Meaning Behind Barbarik's Three Arrows?

Barbarik possessed great power, and Mother Divine had blessed him with teen baan (three divine, invincible arrows) that could destroy the enemy instantly. These three arrows carry deep spiritual symbolism that reflects the core principles of Hindu philosophy and the nature of Dharm (righteousness).

The first arrow, marking everything that Barbarik wishes to destroy, symbolises Vivek (discrimination between right and wrong), self-awareness to recognise what needs to be eliminated, wise judgment to distinguish between friends and foes, and the ability to see through illusions and hidden enemies.

On a personal level, this arrow represents identifying our inner enemies, namely ego, greed, anger, lust, and jealousy, that must be destroyed for spiritual growth.

The second arrow marks all targets one wishes to protect. This symbolises Daya (compassion) and kindness. It reflects a warrior's duty to protect the innocent and preserve Dharm.

On a deeper level, this arrow represents preserving and nurturing our positive qualities of truth, love, peace, devotion, and righteousness, which must be protected and strengthened.

The third arrow, which destroys everything marked by the first arrow, symbolises complete transformation through the destruction of negative energy and liberation (Moksh) from worldly attachments.

This is the arrow of spiritual transformation—the power that destroys our negative tendencies and leads to self-realisation and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

The three arrows, therefore, symbolise the three fundamental aspects of existence:

• Srishti (creation) - The first arrow marks the vulnerable spots that must be removed, while the second arrow, by identifying what's good and worthy of sustaining, "creates" the foundation for existence.
• Sthiti (preservation) - Maintaining what's good
• Samhaar (destruction) - Eliminating what's harmful through the first and third arrows

The arrows are a spiritual roadmap for living a life of dharm, by knowing what to destroy, what to preserve, and how to transform negativity into liberation.

How did Barbarik Meet His Grandfather Bhim?

(Barbarik meeting his grandfather Bhim and other Pandavas)

The Skand Puran mentions that the Pandavas, on their pilgrimage, reached the Mahi-sagar-sangam, where Barbarik was worshipping Devi Ma. Barbarik saw them but didn't recognise the Pandavas as they had never met before. Thirsty Bhim entered the sacred water tank to drink without washing his feet. Barbarik angrily stopped him. 

Bhim refused to leave, and they began fighting. Both were incredibly strong warriors. Barbarik overpowered Bhim, lifted him, and was about to throw him into the sea. Suddenly, Lord Rudra spoke from the sky: "Stop! This is Bhim, your grandfather! You must pay respect to your elders!

Barbarik immediately released him, fell at his feet, crying for forgiveness. Bhim embraced him warmly: "Dear son, we didn't know you. I am blessed that my grandson, just like my ancestors, protects Dharm."

Barbarik, feeling guilty, jumped into the sea to sacrifice his body. Then Goddess Siddhambika, along with 14 other goddesses and Lord Rudra, stopped him and said, "You are not sinful if you did something by mistake. Your death is destined soon at Sri Krishna's hands. Death by Sri Hari Vishnu's hand is far more excellent. Wait for it."

During their pilgrimage, the Pandavas witnessed the supreme goddess Adi Para Shakti manifest herself. She revealed her future forms and said I will kill 'Asur Durgama’ in this sacred spot to the east of Mahi-Sagar, and hence would be called by the name 'Durga ’. The Pandavas installed Barbarik at that very sacred place where the goddess revealed herself. The Pandavas said, “When the time for our final departure (Mahaprasthana to leave the world and go to heaven) arrives, you also come.” In this way, Barbarik becomes not only a guardian of that sacred ground but also a divine companion waiting for the Pandavas’ final journey.

Why and How Did Sri Krishna Test Barbarik as Per the Puranas?

The Kaumarika Khand of the Skand Puran narrates that just before the Mahabharat war, Arjun declared he could kill all the Kauravas in a single day, to which Barbarik said he could destroy the entire Kaurav army in just one muhurta (around 48 minutes). When Sri Krishna asked how he would do that, Barbarik demonstrated his prowess by taking out the first arrow (out of his three divine arrows) and marking the vulnerable spots of warriors, including Bhishm, Karna, Drona, Duryodhan, and even Sri Krishna, while leaving the Pandavas untouched. As the kings praised him, Sri Krishna cut off Barbarik’s head with the Sudarshan Chakra.

Just then, the fourteen goddesses appeared, and Devi Chandika explained that Barbarik was the reborn Yaksh king Suryavarcas. When adharm became dominant, and Sri Hari Vishnu was about to take birth as Sri Krishna, Suryavarca said, ‘I alone am enough to kill all the evil on Earth, Sri Hari does not need to take the avatar.’ Due to his arrogance, Lord Brahma cursed him to be killed by Sri Krishna at the start of the battle of Mahabharat itself.

Suryavarcas bowed to Sri Hari Vishnu and requested, ‘If my death must occur, please grant me an intellect that accomplishes all tasks since my birth.’ In response, Sri Hari Vishnu granted him two powerful boons. First, the ability to understand and accomplish any task. Second, that people would worship his head, and goddesses would love him. This boon became the foundation of Barbarik’s divine status after his death.

(Barbarik witnessed Sri Krishna as the ultimate force in the Kurukshetra war)

When Sri Krishna fulfilled Lord Brahma’s curse and cut off Barbarik’s head, the goddesses sprinkled Amrit on it, making it immortal. Sri Krishna then placed Barbarik’s head on a mountain peak, from where he witnessed the entire Mahabharat war.

Why Did Sri Krishna Meet Barbarik Near a Peepal Tree?

Regional folklore tells another version of Barbarik’s meeting with Sri Krishna before the Mahabharata war. Before coming to the war, Barbarik had made a promise to his mother that he would always fight on the side of the weaker group. Mounted on his blue horse, he set off for the battlefield.

Sri Krishna, on the other hand, had already learned of Barbarik’s extraordinary power and the promise Barbarik had made to his mother. Sri Krishna knew this promise could disturb the cosmic balance and the war's destined outcome. To prevent the destruction of both armies, Sri Krishna disguised himself as a wise Brahman and met Barbarik near a large peepal tree. He asked Barbarik how he was expected to win such a massive war with only three arrows. Barbarik confidently explained that one arrow would mark his targets, the second would mark his allies, and the third would destroy the enemies.

To test his claim, Sri Krishna asked him to pierce every single leaf on the peepal tree, while he hid one leaf that had fallen to the ground beneath his foot.

Barbarik released his arrow, marking every leaf on the tree. It then flew directly above Sri Krishna’s foot. Barbarik smiled and said, "Lord, please move your foot. Otherwise, the arrow will pierce it to mark the leaf you are hiding." Sri Krishna was amazed by the young warrior's unmatched skill. Barbarik then declared, "I can finish the entire Mahabharat war in just one minute if I fight alone."

Why Barbarik Gave His Head Without Hesitation?

(Sri Krishna revealed his Vishwaroop to Barbarik)

When Barbarik said he could finish the entire war in just one minute, Sri Krishna asked him the critical question: "On whose side will you fight, the Pandavas or the Kauravas?"

Barbarik replied, "I have promised my mother that I will always fight on the side of the weaker. Whichever side is losing during the war, I will join that side."

Krishna then explained the paradox: "As the war progresses, the weaker side will constantly change. When one side loses warriors, the other becomes weaker. You will keep switching sides, and in the process, you will end up killing everyone on both sides, becoming the only survivor. This will not serve the purpose of Dharm."

Barbarik realised the truth in Sri Krishna's words. He was now trapped by his promise to his mother, but understood that his participation would disturb the cosmic order.

Sri Krishna then asked for Barbarik’s head as Dana (charity). Barbarik immediately agreed but wished to see Sri Krishna’s supreme divine form and the entire war.

Pleased with Barbarik's devotion and selflessness, Sri Krishna revealed to him his Vishvaroop (cosmic form). Barbarik willingly cut off his own head, which Sri Krishna placed on a hill near Khatu, where it could witness the entire 18-day Mahabharata war.

After the war ended, when the Pandavas argued about who was ultimately responsible for their victory, Barbarik revealed that Sri Krishna was the greatest force he would see on the battlefield. His teachings, presence, and tactics were decisive. He could only see his Sudarshan Chakra rotating on the battlefield, killing the enemy army. Ma Mahakali, on Sri Krishna's orders, was consuming cups filled with the enemy's blood.

Does Barbarik's Story Connect to Any Teaching of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita?

Yes, Barbarik's story beautifully connects to several core teachings of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita. According to tradition, the Srimad Bhagavad Gita discourse was witnessed not only by Arjun but also by Sanjay, Sri Hanuman, and Barbarik.

While Sri Krishna placed his head on the mount, Barbarik was also given the capacity to listen to the profound teachings of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita.

Here is how Barbarik demonstrated the teachings of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita through his actions:

• By sacrificing his head voluntarily before the war, Barbarik acted in Nishkaam Karm (selfless action without desire for results). His sacrifice was selfless, not for personal glory.
• Sri Krishna pointed out that you perform, do it as an offering to me. Barbarik showed his ultimate shraddha (devotion) when, in the final moments, he completely surrendered to Sri Krishna, acting in accordance with the divine plan. His merging with Sri Krishna after the war represents his ultimate faith in Sri Krishna.
• Barbarik gave up his promise to fight on the weak side when he understood its impact on the cosmic plan. Here, he followed the teachings of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, which say, “Duty is to be done, not for what you gain, but because it is right."
• He experienced the war in Sakshi Bhav (witness) and realised that the Supreme Lord is present everywhere and that he is the one destroying all evil at the battlefield.
• Barbarik attained the ultimate union with Sri Krishna (Moksh) when, after the war, he merged into Sri Krishna, attaining the eternal union he had longed for.

What is Shyam Kund?

(The sacred Shyam Kund)

The site where the sheesh (head) of Barbarik was found is now known as Shyam Kund, a sacred pond located near the main Khatu Shyam Ji’s temple. The water in this kund is considered highly sacred.

A cowherd noticed his cow spontaneously releasing milk at the spot every time she came near it. This led to the excavation of the divine head of Shyam Baba. Subsequently, the temple was constructed at that site, and the head was enshrined on the Ekadashi of the Kartik month, which is celebrated as Baba Shyam's appearance day.

It is believed that the water flows from the underworld, and anyone who bathes in it is cleansed of all their sins.

What Is the Importance of Ekadashi for the Devotees of Khatu Shyam Ji?

Barbarik (Khatu Shyam Ji) has a special and sacred connection to Ekadashi, making this day particularly significant for his devotees. It is said that the supreme sacrifice of Barbarik occurred on Ekadashi, and his head became immortal on this day.

Dev Uthani Ekadashi, or the Kartik Ekadashi, is considered to be Khatu Shyam ji's prakatya-divas.

It is also the day when Lord Vishnu awakens from his four-month sleep (Chaturmas).

Ekadashi links Sri Hari Vishnu to Barbarik because he is believed to be an avatar of Sri Krishna, Sri Hari Vishnu's own incarnation.

Ekadashi to Khatu Shyam ji’s devotees signifies the day when he witnessed Sri Krishna’s Vishwaroop and attained union with him, which is the ultimate goal of all Ekadashi fasting and devotion.

However, when this very devotion and faith are tested during difficult times, Baba Shyam steps into a devotee's life. He shields the devotees from tough situations when human effort fails, when unfair events happen, and when a situation feels completely out of one's control.

Therefore, when a devotee feels defeated, Baba Shyam enters as ‘Haare Ka Sahara’. It is in that exact moment of absolute surrender that human helplessness ends, and Baba Shyam’s blessings begin.

*The images in the blog are representational and created using AI