Khatu Shyam Temple

Getting there

• By road

  Khatu village is about 43 km from Sikar city.

Why devotees come here

Khatu Shyam Temple is a Hindu temple in Khatu village, Sikar district, Rajasthan. It is dedicated to Khatu Shyam, believed to be a form of the Mahabharata warrior Barbarika, and is one of the most revered religious sites in Rajasthan. The Falgun Mela draws lakhs of devotees, and many pilgrims walk the last stretch.

Khatu Shyam Temple is one of the most revered religious sites in Rajasthan, and it draws millions of devotees each year, especially during the Falgun Mela. The deity is worshipped as Khatu Shyam, believed to be a form of Barbarika, a character from the Mahabharata. Its Janmotsav, the birthday of Khatu Shyam, is celebrated each year in Kartik.

Legend says Barbarika gave his head. Krishna was moved by his devotion and selflessness and blessed him, declaring that he would be worshipped as Shyam, another name for Krishna, in Kaliyug. His head was placed on a hill, where he watched the whole battle of Kurukshetra.

Legend says the temple was first built in 1027 CE by Roop Singh Chauhan, a local ruler. The present structure is built with white Makrana marble in traditional Rajasthani style. Many pilgrims walk the last stretch, about 17 km from Reengus, to reach the temple.

Festivals

• Every yearFalgun Mela

  Lakhs of devotees walk in a procession carrying a Nishan flag. The Surajgarh white flag is hoisted on top of the temple every year during the mela.

• 11th day of the bright half of KartikJanmotsav

  The birthday of Khatu Shyam is celebrated each year on this day.

Tips for your visit

• Ringas Shyam temple, about 400 years old, lies 17 km before Khatu on the road.
• Many pilgrims walk the last 17 km from Reengus to the temple, so the walk is part of the visit for them.

Questions people ask