Deity · Haare ka Sahara

Khatu Shyamखाटू श्याम जी

Khatu Shyam Ji is worshipped in Rajasthan and across North India as a form of Shri Krishna. He is Barbarika, the grandson of Bhima and son of Ghatotkacha, whose story is told in folk and Purana traditions linked to the Mahabharata.

  • Also known asShyam Baba, Barbarika, Sheesh ke Daani, Haare ka Sahara
  • LineageSon of Ghatotkacha, grandson of Bhima
  • Form ofShri Krishna
  • TempleKhatu, Sikar district, Rajasthan
  • Sacred dayEkadashi; Phalguna Shukla Ekadashi mela
Khatu Shyam
Image: Indrapal Jangid, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

About Khatu Shyam

Barbarika had vowed always to fight on the losing side. Knowing this would prolong the war without end, Krishna asked him for the gift of his head, and he gave it without hesitation. Moved by his sacrifice, Krishna blessed him to be worshipped in the Kali Yuga by Krishna's own name, Shyam.

His temple is at Khatu in Sikar district, Rajasthan, where the Phalguna Mela around Ekadashi draws vast crowds. Devotees call him 'Haare ka Sahara' — the support of those who have lost — and 'Sheesh ke Daani', the giver of his head.

Khatu Shyam mantra

Jaikara

जय श्री श्याम

jaya śrī śyāma

Victory to Shri Shyam — the greeting and call of Khatu Shyam devotees.

Read the Khatu Shyam Chalisa →

Prayers to Khatu Shyam 2

Chalisas, aartis, stotras and mantras for Khatu Shyam, each with the full text, transliteration and meaning.

Chalisa · 6–8 min Khatu Shyam Chalisa खाटू श्याम चालीसा Hymn to Barbarika/Khatu Shyam — beloved deity of Rajasthan and the Krishna devotional tradition. Read with meaning → Aarti · 3 min Om Jai Shri Shyam Hare — Khatu Shyam Aarti ॐ जय श्री श्याम हरे The aarti of Khatu Shyam Ji sung at the Khatu temple in Rajasthan and in Shyam bhajan sandhyas — describing Baba Shyam on his jewelled throne and the offerings of his devotees. Read with meaning →

Temples of Khatu Shyam

Khatu Shyam Mandir

Khatu Shyam Mandir खाटू श्याम मंदिर

Khatu, Rajasthan · Khatu Shyam (Barbarika)

Barbarika (Mahabharata) worshipped as Shyam. "Haare ka sahara" — support of the losers. 25-day Phalgun Mela draws 2+ million devotees. Famous nishan (flag) procession.

Temple guide →Map

Frequently asked questions

Who is Khatu Shyam?

He is Barbarika, grandson of Bhima, who gave his head to Krishna before the Mahabharata war. Krishna blessed him to be worshipped in his own name, Shyam, in the Kali Yuga.

When is the Khatu Shyam mela?

The main fair is held in Phalguna, around Shukla Ekadashi, usually in February or March. Every Ekadashi and the birthday on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi (Dev Uthani) are also special.

Why is he called Haare ka Sahara?

Because Barbarika vowed to help the side that was losing; devotees believe he still stands by anyone who feels defeated and turns to him.