Khatu Shyam Ji Katha

Khatu Shyam Ji

Khatu Shyam Ji name is not required any introduction in today’s world. The people who follow know his name and fame very well. I have taken the liberty to write the whole episode of his grace life in this small story. I hope the readers and god almighty will forgive me for my errors and mistake, if I made during writing.

Khatu Village is 16 kms away from Ringus (Reengus), Rajasthan-332602. The Ringus is on the Bikaner national highway between Jaipur and Sikar city.

One can reach to Khatu by following ways:

1.   Train: From Delhi to Reengus Junction and from Reengus to Khatu by Bus or Shared Cab (16 km from Reengus)

2.   Bus: Direct Buses are available from Delhi or Jaipur. Distance from Delhi is approx. 300 kms.

3.   Own car: One has to follow the Jaipur Highway till Shahpura and from Shahpura a sub road goes till Shri Madhopur from Shri Madhopur the road goes to Reengus and then Khatu.

The place got its glory by arrival of Shyam Ji.

It is the description of medieval Mahabharata. Many of the devotees must be knowing that the eldest among the five Pandava brothers was Yudhishthir, also known as Dharamaraj, and oldest Kaurava sibling was Duryodhan, who was the mirror image of unrighteousness and untruth. A cold war had always been raging between the Pandavas and the Kauravas right from their childhood to their youth. Yudhishthir couldn't leave the path of righteousness whereas Duryodhan wouldn't leave the path of sin.

Duryodhan, at every step, swindled the Pandavas and the limit of cheating was crossed when the Pandavas were compelled to stay in the lakshagraha or the house made of lakh. It was because of blessing of the Lord that the five Pandavas came out safely from lakshagraha along with their mother Kunti. Knowing Duryodhan to be their prime enemy, they did not return to Hastinapur. They started living in the forest. During the same period when, on one night, in a dense forest, mother Kunti, Yudhishthir, Arjun, Nakul and Sahdev were in deep sleep, the club bearer Bhim, symbol of strength, 'son of the wind' was guarding them alertly.

In the same forest, there lived a demon called Hidimb along with his younger sister Hidimba. He could smell the presence of some human being from a distance and he told Hidimba that today is a very happy day, as he smelled the presence of some human being in the forest. You go, hunt him, and bring the killed person to me and then both of us will eat human flesh happily. As the God would have it, when Hidimba reached there, she lost her heart to Bhim, who was in the guise of an alert guard. Now she had only one wish which gained strength with the passage of time. She thought, "Why should not I accept this lion in human form as my husband. There could not be better blessing for me than this." Since it was getting late, Hidimb himself reached the place. First, he scolded his sister because of seeing Bhim; she had forgotten her demonical nature and had adorned an attractive form. From this, Hidimb could realise that his younger sister had developed a soft feeling in her heart for Bhim. There was no limit to Hidimb's anger and he told his sister that he would kill immediately all the Pandavas and also teach her a good lesson. But the righteous Bhim said that this woman has come to my refuge and I won't even allow you to harm her. Hidimb was intoxicated with his pride and so began a fierce battle between Bhim and Hidimb. They used trees and boulders as weapons as they grappled one another. The Pandavas were aware and they believed that Bhim would defeat the demon and so it happened. When Hidimb was killed, Hidimba went to Mother Kunti with bowed head, folded hands, and humbly said, "Oh Mother, I have accepted your son Bhim as my husband in the heart of my hearts. You are a woman, and you know my feelings. Have pity on me and permit me to marry your son named Bhim."

Dharamraj Yudhishthir and mother Kunti both tried to convince her that they were passing through bad times and were wandering from jungle to jungle. In the circumstances, they asked her "what happiness would you get by marrying Bhim?" But who can prevent God's will from happening. Hidimba's repeated humble requests melted Kunti's heart. Bhim and Hidimba got married and the Pandavas and Kunti left Bhim there on the condition that either on the completion of one year or when Hidimba would bear a son, then Bhim would leave Hidimba and return to them. Time passed by quickly.

Hidimba gave birth to a son. At the time of his birth, the baby did not have any hair on his head and so he was named Ghatotkachch. Being the son of a demoness, he looked quite tall at time of his birth itself. Hidimba once again reached the Pandava brothers, took the blessings of mother Kunti, and went back taking Ghatotkachch with her. But before leaving, Ghatotkachch bowed to his father and uncles and they blessed him.

The boy promised them that whenever the Pandavas would require his services, he would definitely come to them. And same things happened.

After some time, the Pandava brothers were called back to Hastinapur By Bhishm Pitamah and Vidhur and were handed over the kingdom of Indraprastha to rule. Indraprastha was a lonely, rocky place, and the Pandavas had to convert it into a beautiful town. Realising his duty as a son, Ghatotkachch reached to his father. All the Pandava brothers blessed him. The righteous Yudhishthir said, "Oh Vasudev, Oh Krishna, Oh Madhava, Bhim's son has already grown up that he must get married now. Then with his heart-winning smile, Krishna Kanhaiya said, "yes, oh king of the righteous, the time for the marriage of Ghatotkachch has indeed come." He then turned to Ghatotkachch and told, "Son, there is powerful demon named Mur in Manipur. He has a daughter named Kamkantakata, who is very wise. She subjects anyone who comes with a marriage proposal to her to some very difficult questions. You go there with the blessings of all your elders and with the grace of God; you will answer all her questions, but don't perform the wedding rituals there. You come here along with her. Lord Krishna's words can never be false.

When Ghatotkachch reached Manipur, he had battle of wits with Kamkantakata and became victorious. Thereafter he reached Indraprastha with Kamkantakata after taking due permission from "MUR" Demon. There both of them got married in the presence of Lord Krishna. Then after seeking his elders' permission, Ghatotkachch proceeded towards east. Time waits for none. It just flows uninterrupted and just passes by and then, finally the auspicious time came when all the planets were so powerful that Kamkantakata bore an illustrious, strong, wise, kind hearted and religious son named Barbareek.

There is a reason behind the name Barbareek. At the time of his birth, he had hair like a lion's mane. And as you know, a lion is very ferocious and hence the name "Barbareek" was given to him. As has been said earlier, some of demonesses grow up as soon as they are born. Now there arose a doubt in Ghatotkachch's mind as to what his son would become. But he was fortunate enough to have the proximity of Shri Krishna. He took Barbareek to Dwarka and placed him at the feet of lord Shri Krishna. Then Barbareek bowed his head with folded hands, touched Shri Krishna's feet, and said, "Oh Banke Bihari Oh my Lord! How can a creature in this world be blessed? Some say religion brings blessings, some advocated philanthropy, some prefer meditation, some flavor riches, some like pleasure and enjoyment, but many argue that only salvation brings blessing. Oh Lord, out of all these options, please direct me along one path, grant me one option, which may prove to be auspicious for my dynasty and for all others. Please preach to me and advise me about that. "Lord Shri Krishna was very happy to know his feelings, his inner determination, and faith. Therefore, with his sweet attractive smile, he said, "Oh son'. All the four castes in society have their pre-destined paths of invoking blessings according to their position in society. Since you are a 'Kshatriya' or a "warrior', you should use your strength, that is you should use your might which you can get by seeking the blessings of 'Sureshwari Bhavani Bhagvati.' Therefore you should first worship the goddess. Barbareek again asked the Lord to which place he should go to meditate upon the goddess and seek her blessings. Then the Bhaktvatsal Lord Krishna told Barbareek to go to the meeting place of the oceans the meditate upon the 'Durgas' brought by Narada. Then heeding the venerable command of Shri Krishna, Barbareek proceeded. Reaching the meeting place of the oceans, he gained his perception and began to meditate upon the goddess. The goddess saw his intense meditation and determination and were so pleased that they granted him a boon that could not be accessed by anyone else in all the three worlds. The goddess said, "Son, we grant you unparalleled strength. Nobody will be able to defeat you in this world. But you stay here for a few more years because a Brahmin named Vijay will come here and you will receive even more blessings as a result of his company.

Barbareek stayed there following the goddess' command. The Brahmin named Vijay came there from Megadha and worshipping seven Shivlings, he became immersed in the meditation of the same goddess. The goddess came in the Brahmin's dream and blessed him and also asked him to meditate before the Sidha Mother to practice all his skills and learning. They told him that my devotee Barbareek would help him. Then that Brahmin named Vijay said to Barbareek, "Oh Brother! Please take care that my meditation is not disturbed till I practice all my skills." Therefore, Barbareek killed Replindu demon, and Dhruv-Dhruva demoness etc., who were obstructing in the Brahmin's meditation. He also killed the demons called Palasi who had been troubling Nagas from the Patal lok. On the killing of those demons, the king of the Nags, Vasuki came there and told Barbareek to ask for a boon. Barbareek humbly asked for a boon that the Brahmin Vijay's meditation may be completed uninterrupted.

At that time many Nag maidens seeing Barbareek's looks and bravery, were eager to marry him. But Barbareek told all of them that he had taken the vow of bachelorhood. Those Nag maidens were very pleased with his bahaviour and gave him the boon of being ever victorious. Thereafter the goddess granted Brahmin Vijay the boon of wealth and fortune and the Lord Shiva gave Barbareek three infallible arrows and blessing him, said that by using these arrows he would always be victorious in the three worlds.

Devotees! These are the same three arrows which we worship as Lord Shyam's weapons. These are kept in every Shri Shyam's temple and are worshipped with great devoutness.

In gaining Sindh fortune and glory, that Brahmin became famous by the name of Sindhsen. After a long time of his leaving that area, the Pandava brothers also reached the Sindh pilgrimage after losing everything in gambling. All the Pandavas worshipped the goddess and then sat a little away to take some rest. Then according to God's will, Bhim stood up and without washing his hand and feet, entered the sacred pond and began rinsing and gargling his mouth. Barbareek became very angry on seeing this. He went to Bhim and asked him what kind of a pilgrim he was. He said, "You know the water from this pond is used for the worship of the goddess and you have entered the pond without even washing your hands and feet and you are also gargling and rinsing your mouth." At this, the strong Bhim also got very angry and both started fighting. Bhim was very proud of his might and even after applying all his strength he couldn't defeat Barbareek. Seeing this, Bhim became very depressed and at the same time, Lord Shiva appeared at that place with all the goddess. Lord Shiva told Bhim not to feel depressed as Barbareek was from his own family and was indeed his descendent. He is Barbareek, the son of your son Ghatotkachch. Now Barbareek was very sad at what he had done. He felt sad at having fought with his grandfather. He felt disdain for his life and he went ahead to end his life. Then the goddess, who had granted Barbareek the might and Lord Bholenath, advised Barbareek that this is not the time for him to end his life. On everybody's advice, Barbareek calmed down and reunited with his family. Even after meeting the Pandavas, the flame of devoutness and meditation was there in Barbareek's mind. The Pandavas also after completing their one-year of hidden identity stay in the forest began demanding their kingdom back. But then Duryodhan refused them even five villages, what to say of their Kingdom and finally the destructive war of Mahabharata was decided on. The battle of truth and the falsehood was sure to take place.

Barbareek also completed his meditation at the meeting place of the oceans, returned to his mother, and touched her feet. When Barbareek got the news of the battle of Mahabharata, he also wished to see the same and told his mother about his desire. Then his mother told him, "If you want to see the battle, then go. But you are so brave and courageous that if you feel the urge to participate in the war, what will you do?

Barbareek remembered his mother wishes that one should always support the weak, then Barbareek said, "Mother, I will first watch the battle and then afterwards I will join the side of the party which is losing." Then taking his mother's permission and blessing, the strong and mighty, courageous, friend of the loser, Barbareek rode a blue horse at the speed of wind and proceeded towards the battlefield of Mahabharata, Kurukshetra.

He arrived at the battlefield and put his camp near the other soldier camps. The battle was more or less in between one family therefore everyone was curious to know from which side one is fighting. To see a young brave youth alone the soldiers couriously asked Barbareek that which side he will fight the battle. Barbareek repeated his world, told to her mother that he will see the battle first and then support the week/loser later. Everyone was suprised, one would never ever like to support the week in battle. Confidence was shining on Barbareek face, they again asked, if it true then where is your army. "These three arrows are enough", Barbareek said. Now everyone was stun with his statement, how can one fight with three arrows that also for one who is losing in battle, it is impossible. People were talking about this amazing personality.

There, the hero of the Mahabharata, the omnipresent Lord Krishna saw through his divine foresight that a brave man astride on a blue horse was proceeding towards the battlefield with the speed of wind. The talk about Barbareek also reached when Barbareek arrived at battlefield. Shri Krishna thought in his mind. "Let me examine this brave youth." And the playful God disguising himself as a Brahmin sat under a peepal tree, a little distance away from the camp of Barabareek. It was day of Sukal Paksha, Phagun Sudi, Ekadashi. Barbareek was doing his Sandya aradhana (evening workship), he saw the Brahmin sitting under the peepal tree; he bowed humbly to the Brahmin and went there. Then the Lord, in the guise of a Brahmin, asked him who he was and what he is doing alone in battlefield? Barbareek replied, "Oh Brahmin! My name is Barbareek and I am here to see the great fight of Mahabharata and later I will support who will loses in the Battle." on this, the Lord said, "brave man, as i know that this is one of the great fight every fought so far as it is been participated by great warrior like Aryan Bhism, Guru Dron, Brave Pandvas and you are telling me that you are going to see it and later support the loser. O brave Man, neither i see a big army or lots of amunision with you by which you can save your words. Please explain and remove my surprise that how you are going to do this." Barbareek replied, "Oh Brahmin! Let alone three arrows, of these only one arrow is enough to destroy the entire armies taking part in this war in one second and then it will return back to my quiver. If I use all the three arrows then there will be havoc in the three worlds. Everything will be destroyed and after completing their task, the arrows will return to my quiver." Then the Brahmin said, "Oh brave youth, why are you so arrogant about your courage and your arrows?" Barbareek answered," Oh Brahmin! This is not arrogance; this is the strength of my meditation, my worship. That is why I am proud of them. The Lord in the guise of the Brahmin said, "If you are so proud of your bravery, then assume that this peepal tree under which I am sitting group of whole soldiers and show me how can you punch all the leaves of the peepal tree with one arrow."

The brave Barbareek agreed to fulfill his wish. He removed one arrow from his quiver and concentrating on his meditation, he released the arrow after bringing it near him. Within moments, the arrow mark all the leaves of the peepal tree and come back to his quiver in less than a second. Brahmin was surprise and took a round to see all the leaves were marked. During the round he pulk one leaf and kept under his foot without brining into notice of Barbareek. Now Barbareek released his next arrow, it gone to tree and punched all the leaves which was marked and punched the Brahmin foot too, where the last leaf was hidden and then returned to Barbareek’s quiver. Brahmin got the message that if anyone tried to escape during war then also he will not be escaped from the Barbareek arrow. Brahmin foot was injured; Barbareek advised if this foot again got any injury then it might take his life. Brahmin (Lord Krishna) was clear that if Barbareek got any chance to participate in the Battle then it will finish in an eye blink's time. The Pandva’s will win because they are favouring Dharma and Kauravas would definitely lose the battle, if Barbareek joins the losing side, the scene would change immediately. If this happened, then righteousness and religion would be destroyed and unrighteousness would emerge victorious. Moreover, this is a battle of Dharma against Adharma not a power game, in this people should learn that Adharma would lose despite of having backup of hundreds, big army, thousands of soldiers and Dharma would win despite of less in numbers. This is not a power show, where one can come and kill in once. Each soldier, each brave who supported the wrong side should know and fill the pain of wrong favouritism, whether it’s Bhisma, Karna or Dron.

(The other version of story tells that the first arrow indeed pricks Krishna's leg and mark the leaf that is hidden under Krishna's foot. This becomes a weak spot of Krishna. Prior to this event, lord Krishna also gets a boon from sage Durvasa that his entire body except his leg will be immune to all weapons. Hence, only his leg will be vulnerable. In the end of Kurukshetra war, when Krishna revives Abhimanyu's son Parkishit, he loses half of his strength and thereby making him even more weaker. Later, in Mausala parva, a hunter by name Jara hits at Krishna's foot mistaking him for a deer leads to the death of Krishna. In other words, this weak spot on Krishna's foot was first created by Barbareek's arrow.)

The Lord in the guise of the Brahmin said, "You are surely very brave. But just being brave or courageous doesn't constitute the meaning of being of Kshatriya. A Kshatriya should be a philanthropist, as well. At this Barbareek said, "O Brahmin, today I am standing in battlefield has limited sources, still whatever you asked me, if it is under my control, I will surely fulfill your wish." Then the playful Lord Krishna said. "First you promise me and then I will ask for a boon", Barbareek promised and gave him his words and told him to ask for whatever he wants.

Then the playful Krishna said, "Oh brave man! Give me your head in charity."

Barbareek became speechless with astonishment. He said, "Oh Brahmin! I have given you my words and so I will surely give you my head. But first you tell me who you are and why do you want my head? Because a Brahmin, who begs food or money for his living never ask a life from the donor therefore please disclose me your identity?

At this, Lord Krishna showed Barbareek his divine form and said, "Look Barbareek, before the battle in order to worship the battle field it is necessary to sacrifice a full, brave Kshatriya's head that is the bravest on this earth and no one is braver than you, Arjuna and me in this world. Arjuna will win the battle by fighting for Dharama and I will enlight his path for victory. Therefore, I have asked for you head in charity."

Barbareek said, "Oh Lord, I have been your devotee since my childhood. It is my good fortune that you have asked for my head. But Oh Lord! I too have a wish. I wish to see this battle till its end. If you fulfill this wish of mine then my life will be a success and will have a new meaning to it." Lord Krishna said. "So be it! Oh brave Barbareek your wish will surely be fulfilled."

Therefore on the eleventh of the brighter half of the Phalgun month, Barbareek sang devotional songs in the whole night and on the morning of the twelveth i.e. Dwadeshi, after bathing and doing his morning prayers, he gave his head to the playful Lord Krishna.

Lord Krishna by his power and herbs (nectar) placed the Head on height from where the whole scene of battlefield was appearing clear. Shri Krishna and the goddesses secured it from all the harms.

"BOLO SHISH KE DANI KE JAI"

The most destructive, most desolate war of Mahabharata started. Lakhs of soldiers were killed from both sides on the battlefield and it was only after 18 days of fierce battle that with great difficulty the question of victory and defeat was decided. It was because of the artful Shri Krishna's policies that the Pandavas could achieve victory.

After battle victory, Pandava began telling Lord Krishna, "Lord! Why have you asked for this innocent brave man's head? Then "Siddha Ambika, Tara, Kapali, Suvarna, Trikola, Chandika, Praneshwari, Bhutambika, Kodhmatru, Harisiddha, Charcha-cheeka, Yogeshwari& amp; Tripura etc., goddesses appeared, and said "Oh brave Pandavas! Hear from us the reason for taking the sacrifice of Barbareek's head.

Once upon a time all the Gods prayed to Shri Vishnu that Lord! The unrighteousness on earth has increased greatly. Please lessen this burden from the earth. Then Lord Vishnu assured everyone and putting their minds of rest promised that he would take an incarnation and remove the burden from the earth. Then a Yaksha named Suryavarcha, who was present there, said that he alone could take an incarnation and he would remove earth's burden. As soon as he said that, Lord Brahma became extremely furious and he cursed Suryavarcha saying that whenever the time comes for him to remove the world's burden, he would die by the hands of Shri Krishna. Then Suryavarch asked what he could do to escape from Lord Brahma's curse. Lord Vishnu said that whenever the burden of sin and unrighteousness will descend on the earth, Shri Krishna will release you from your curse and with his blessings you will become famous. He is the same brave man whose head Shri Krishna has taken as a sacrifice and behind this also lies the good for righteousness.

Thereafter Shri Krishna and the goddesses secured Barbareek's head at the top of a high hill near the battlefield with the help of nectar vines so that he could watch the war till its end. Then after blessing the Pandavas and the head of Barbareek, the goddesses disappeared.

The victory was still roaming on Pandvas heads, all the five Pandavas began describing their own individual courage in glorious terms and began to show arrogance at their victory. Each of them was thinking himself to be the cause of this victory. While Arjuna was arrogant about his archery skills, Bhim was proud of his clubbing skills. Each of them thought himself to be the rightful recipient of victory.

Then Shri Krishna said, "Oh brave Pandavas! Don't be so proud of yourselves. The correct decision regarding the real winner can only be taken by the brave Barbareek's head. You all were fighting in the battle but that brave man's head has seen all that happened on the battlefield from beginning to end from the top of the hill with rapt attention. Come, let's go, and ask the brave Barbareek's head." All the Pandava brothers accompanied Shri Krishna to the peak of the hill where Barbareek's head was secured with nectar vines. In front of Barbareek's head, all the Pandavas began to say that they were each responsible for the victory and were so happy that they couldn't contain their happiness within themselves.

Barbareek smiled and said, "Hey Shrest (elders) why don't you briefly tell me about your bravery act because it might be possible that I missed something during war."

The proud was over spilling from their faces, one by one they started.

Yudistira said, “I served my life for truth and dharma therefore we win. I never lied in my life.”

Yudhisthira (meaning "steady in war", from yudh meaning war, and sthira meaning steady, also Bharata (descendant of the line of Bharata) and Ajatashatru (one without enemies)), the eldest son of King Pandu and Queen Kunti. For his piety, he was known as Dharmaraja (which may be translated as either 'righteous king' or 'king of dharma'). He was the leader of the successful Pandava side in the Kurukshetra War.

Yudhisthira's true prowess was shown in his unflinching adherence to satya (truth) and dharma (righteousness to fulfill one's moral duty), which were more precious to him than royal ambitions, material pursuits and family relations. Yudhisthira rescued Bhima from Nahusha. He also rescued his four brothers from death by exemplifying not only his immense knowledge of dharma, but also understanding its finer implications, as judged by Lord Yama, who was testing him in the guise of a Crane and a Yaksha.

The Yaksha Prashna about Yudhistira is world famous, which are:

Dharma: What is heavier than earth, higher than heavens, faster than the wind and more numerous than straws?

Yudhishthira: One's mother is heavier than the earth; one's father is higher than the mountains. The mind is faster than wind and our worries are more numerous than straws.

Dharma: Who is the friend of a traveler? Who is the friend of one who is ill and one who is dying?

Yudhishthira: The friend of a traveler is his companion. The physician is the friend of one who is sick and a dying man's friend is charity.

Dharma: What is that which, when renounced, makes one lovable? What is that which is renounced makes happy and wealthy?

Yudhishthira: Pride, if renounced makes one lovable; by renouncing desire one becomes wealthy; and to renounce avarice is to obtain happiness.

Dharma: What enemy is invincible? What constitutes an incurable disease? What sort of man is noble and what sort is ignoble?

Yudhishthira: Anger is the invincible enemy. Covetousness constitutes a disease that is incurable. He is noble who desires the well-being of all creatures, and he is ignoble who is without mercy.

Dharma: Who is truly happy? What is the greatest wonder? What is the path? And what is the news?

Yudhishthira: He who has no debts is truly happy. Day after day countless people die. Yet the living wish to live forever. O Lord, what can be a greater wonder? Argument leads to no certain conclusion, the Srutis are different from one another; there is not even one Rishi whose opinion can be accepted by all; the truth about Dharma and duty is hid in caves of our heart: therefore, that alone is the path along which the great have trod. This world full of ignorance is like a pan. The sun is fire, the days and nights are fuel. The months and the seasons constitute the wooden ladle. Time is the cook that is cooking all creatures in that pan (with such aids); this is the news.

In war, Krishna knew that it was not possible to defeat Drona when he had bow and arrow in his hands. Krishna also knew that Drona loved his son Ashwatthama very dearly. So, Krishna suggested to Yudistra and other Pandava brothers that, if he were convinced that his son was killed on the battlefield, then Drona would get dejected to such an extent that he would lay down all his arms on the ground and it would be easier to kill him.

In order to find a way out, Krishna suggested Bhima to kill an elephant by name Ashwatthama and claim to Drona that he has killed Drona's son Ashwathama. Following this plan, Bhima located and killed an elephant named Ashwatthama, i.e. the same name as Drona's son. He then loudly proclaimed that he had slain Ashwatthama, so as to make Drona think that his son was dead.

Drona however, did not believe Bhima's words and approached Yudhisthira. Drona knew of Yudhisthira's firm adherence to Dharma and that he would never ever utter a lie. When Drona approached Yudhisthira and questions him as to whether his son was truly slain in the battle by Bhima, Yudhisthira responded with the cryptic Sanskrit phrase "Ashwatthama hathaha iti, narova kunjarova" (Sanskrit: "अश्वत्थामा हतः इति, नरोवा कुंजरोवा..." meaning 'Ashwatthama is dead. But, I am not certain whether it was a human or an elephant').

Krishna also knew that it was not possible for Yudhisthira to lie outright. On his instructions, the other warriors blew trumpets and conches, raising a tumultuous noise in such a way that Drona only heard that "Ashwatthama is dead", but could not hear the latter part of Yudhishthira's reply.

Drona knew that if Ashwattamma was dead, then his soul must have gone to heaven. So, out of grief, and believing his son to be dead, Drona descended from his chariot, laid down his arms and sat in meditation. Closing his eyes, his soul went to Heaven in search of Ashwathamma's soul.

In the meantime, Drupada's son Dhristadyumna took this opportunity and beheaded the unarmed Drona who was not aware of the whole proceedings on Earth. This was considered an act of cowardice on Dhristadyumna's part.

Drona's soul, which went to Heaven could not find Ashwathama's soul there and so returned to Earth in order to find the truth about Ashwathama's death. But it could not get back into its body as Drona's head was separated from his body.

In this way, Drona was killed in the Mahabharata War. His death greatly aggrieved and enraged Arjuna, who had immense affection towards his teacher, and had hoped to capture him alive rather than killing him.

Barbareek said, "O Dharamraj, this is true that you despite of many ups and down of life you never lied but in battle due to your personal benefits you lied to your own guru. Yet it was covered with the help of Lord Krishna but your heart and mind knew that the words has been spoken out intentionally therefore given reasons are not enough to claim your victory."

Yudhistir was mum and has no word to discuss anymore.

Now, Bhim come forward and told Barbareek about his glorious victory stories.

Bhima also Vrikodara (one with a wolf's belly) is the second of the Pandava brothers.

"Bheemascha, Balabhadrascha(Balarama), Madrarajasya(Shalya) veeryavan" (The 4 greatest identified mace wielders of that time were reputed to be Bhima, Balarama, Shalya and Keechaka). Amongst the most important personalities that Bhima quaralled were Baka (head of a cannibalistic race), Kirmira (Baka's brother), MaNiman (leader of the anger-demons in Kubera's garden), Jarasandha, Dushasana etc. He also withheld mighty Dronacharya by breaking his chariot eight times while Arjuna was trying to find and kill Jayadratha. On the 15th, he killed the elephant Ashvatthama, which was a material cause for the death of Drona.

"Bhaktir jyanam sa Vairagyam Prgna Medha dhrithi sthiti:

"Yogo Praanam Balam Chaiva Vrikodara iti smruta:"

He was the fountainhead of 10 qualities

It is said that Bheema, Duryodhana, Keechaka, Jarasandha and Bakasura were born in the same cosmic phase. It was said that the one who kills the first among these five will kill the rest of them too. Bhima is the first to kill Bakasura and eventually slays everyone else.

Bhima was a great general in the great battle of Kurukshetra, second in command only to the generalissimo Dhristadyumna, killing six out of the eleven akshauhinis of the other side (Kauravas). Six Akshauhinis adds up to the astronomical figure of around 1,705,860 men and 787,320 beasts which is testimony to the portrayal as the character of supreme physical prowess. During the battle, the Kauravas were frightened to face his might and sent elephants to fight him. An entire sub-chapter is devoted to describing the "light chat" or banter that he used to maintain with Krishna's son whilst fighting the enemies - yet another glimpse into the power that Veda-Vyasa invests in Bhima's persona. Bhima's weapon of choice was the mace - in the use of which he was second to none.

On the final day of the battle, Bhima fights Duryodhana, After striking him clean blow when Duryodhana tries a bad move with and upside down attack, servers the nerve attaching the back bone and both the thighs of Duryodhana in a duel. Thus, fulfilling the vow to break his thighs (in a mace fight hitting below waist is not allowed). Hence, his blow to Duryodhana was above his waist level but on his back with severed the nerve that brings mobility to legs. Hence, breaking the nerve also means breaking the legs. At this time, Balarama criticised Bhima for that blow, but was calmed down by Krishna. It was Krishna, who told Bhim to hit on thing by showing signs on hit at thing secretly, which was understood by Bhim and killed Duryodhana.

Barbareek asked again so who was there to help Bhim? Bhima was also mum and couldn’t utter a word.

It was time for Arjuna, who talked about his glory.

Arjuna is the greatest warrior on earth and is one of the Pandavas, the heroes of the Hindu epic Mahābhārata, and a key historical figure in the Dwapar Yuga. Arjuna, whose name means 'bright', 'shining', 'white' or 'silver' was such a fearless archer that he is often referred to as Vishnu – the unbeatable.

The third of the five Pandava brothers, Arjuna was the son of the king of gods, Indra, and Kunti, wife of king Pandu of Kuru. Arjuna was an ambidextrous master archer and as a Maharathi played a key role in the victory of Yudhisthira in the Mahabharata War. Taught by the master of military arts Drona, Arjuna used the magnificent bow Gāndeeva, and killed many Kaurava generals like Karna and Jayadratha. He was also a close friend of Krishna. Arjuna had four wives, Subhadra, Draupadi, Chitrangada and Ulupi.

In the epic, Arjuna is said to have an amsha, or spiritual element, of sage Nara. Nara is the eternal companion of Narayana (identified with Vishnu), and sometimes considered one of the forms of Narayana. One of his most important roles was as the dear friend and brother-in-law of Lord Krishna, from whom he heard the Bhagavad Gita before the battle of Kurukshetra, and who acted as his charioteer during the battle. Arjuna is sometimes referred to as the 'fourth Krishna' of the Mahabharata.

Shortly after his return to Indraprastha, Arjuna visited the Khandava forest with Krishna. They encountered Agni, the fire-god, who was ill from consuming ghee as one king had performed many 'yagnas' (ritual invocations with fire), thus feeding ghee to Agni. He asked for Arjuna's and Krishna's help in consuming the forest in its entirety to restore him to health. Takshaka, the serpent-king, a friend of Indra's, resided there and Indra caused rain whenever Agni tried to burn his friend's home (it was due to this fire that the serpent king fled from there and took refuge with Karna and told him that he can use him at the tip of his arrow when fighting with Arjuna). Arjuna told Agni that he must possess a powerful unbreakable bow to withstand the power of Indra's astras. Agni invoked Varuna, and gave Arjuna the Gāndeeva, an incredibly powerful bow, which gave its master victory in battle and a divine chariot, with powerful white horses that did not tire and could not be wounded by ordinary weapons.

Arjuna told Agni to proceed, and fought a duel with his father which lasted several days and nights. A voice from the sky eventually proclaimed Arjuna and Krishna to be the victors, and told Indra to withdraw.

It is said that the Gandeeva was created by Brahma himself (Karn Parv, sec 72).

In the burning of the forest, Arjuna spared one Asura, named Maya, who was a gifted architect. In his gratitude, Maya built Yudhishtra a magnificent royal hall, unparalleled in the world. It is this hall, which triggers the pinnacle of Duryodhana's envy, causing the game of dice to be played.

During the fifth year of their exile, Arjuna leaves the others to do tapas for Lord Shiva, to obtain the Pashupata, Shiva's personal astra (i.e. "godly arrow" meaning Brahmastra that is referring to Brahma, Indrastra that is referring to Indra, while Pashupatastra referring to Shiva), one so powerful as to lack any counter-astra.

In addition to the guidance of and personal attention from Krishna, Arjuna had the support of Hanuman during the great battle of Kurukshetra. Arjuna entered the battlefield with the flag of Hanuman on his chariot. This came about when Hanuman appeared as a small talking monkey before Arjuna at Rameshwaram, where Sri Rama had built the great bridge to cross over to Lanka to rescue Sita. Upon Arjuna's wondering out aloud at Sri Rama's taking the help of "monkeys" rather than building a bridge of arrows, Hanuman (in the form of the little monkey) challenged him to build one capable of bearing him alone. Unaware of the monkey's true identity, Arjuna accepted the challenge. Hanuman then destroyed all Arjuna's bridges, who then decided to take his own life. Vishnu appeared before them both, chiding Arjuna for his vanity, and Hanuman for making the accomplished warrior Arjuna feel incompetent. As an act of 'penitence', Hanuman agreed to help Arjuna by stabilizing and strengthening his chariot during the upcoming great battle.

Barbareek quoted the instances by which Arjuna got the energy and power to run the battle, which includes following two instances as well:

There was a custom that the king used to step down second after the sarathi. But on last day when Pandvas won the fight, Krishna requested Arjuna to step down first and then he signaled Hanuman Ji to get off from flag and then he came down. As soon as he came down the rath burned because of the impact of weapons which were used on it by various warrior like Bhisma, Karna, Achary Dron etc. It was presence of Shree Krishna, which was delaying the impact.

There is another incident when Arjuna got pissed off with Krishna for praising Karna for being able to move his ratha an inches, as and when Karna arrow touches his Rath but Arjuna was not praised since he was moving Karna’s rath many meters away with his arrows.

Shree Krishna noticed it and get down from Rath for a while. This time, Karna’s arrow took Arjuna’s rath many miles away. Shree Krishna explained to Arjuna, Hey Arjuna I am sitting on your Rath and Hanuman Ji sitting on the flag but still Karna is moving your Rath with inches, which is remarkable sign of his bravery.

Arjuna was quit after listening from Barbareek.

However, Nakula and Sahadeva were not left with much but they both were brave. There were twins and never talked about glory of victory.

Nakula (most handsome in the lineage) and Sahadeva were twins born to Madri, who had invoked the Ashwini Kumaras using Kunti's boon.

Nakula greatly improved his archery and swordplay skills under the tutelage of Drona. His expertise and mastery earned him the title of an Athirathi.

Nakula married Draupadi during this period and had a son, Satanika. Nakula also married Karenumati, the daughter of the Chedi Kingdom, who bore him a son, Niramitra.

Nakula's military expedition to the western kingdoms, as per epic Mahabharata. He seemed to have followed the Uttarapatha route.

Nakula was sent west by Yudhisthira to subjugate kingdoms for the Rajasuya sacrifice, after crowning as the Emperor of Indraprastha. Nakula set forth to the kingdom once dominated by Vasudeva with a huge army.

It is said that Nakula needed ten-thousand camels to bring the entire wealth back to Indraprastha.

Yudhisthira's loss in the game of dice meant that all Pandavas had to live in exile for 13 years. Once in exile, Jatasura, disguised as a Brahmin, kidnapped Nakula along with Draupadi, Sahadeva and Yudhisthira. Bhima rescued them eventually, and in the fight that ensued, Nakula killed Kshemankara, Mahamaha and Suratha.

In the 13th year, Nakula disguised himself as an ostler and assumed the name of Granthika (within themselves Pandavas called him Jayasena) at the Kingdom of Virata. He worked as a horse-trainer who looked after horses in the royal stable.

Nakula desired Drupada to be the general of the Pandava army, but Yudhisthira and Arjuna opted for Dhristadyumna.

As a warrior, Nakula slew prominent war-heroes on the enemy side. The flag of Nakula's chariot bore the image of a red deer with golden back. During the gambling loss, Nakula had taken an oath of slaying Shakuni's son, Uluka. He accomplished this task successfully on the 17th day of battle. Nakula also slew Chitrasena, Sushena and Satyasena, the sons of Karna.

After the war, Yudhisthira appointed Nakula as a supervisor of the army.

Nakula's deep understanding of horse breeding and training is documented in the Mahabharata after the death of Narakasura by Krishna. In a conversation with Virata, Nakula claimed to know the art of treating all illnesses of horses.

Nakula was a great astrologer, but he could say something about the future just once, after which he used to forget what he had said. Before the epic Mahabharta War started, Duryodhana approached Nakula asking him who would win the war. Nakula replied that the army of the one could can hoist his flag on the stone of a mountain would win the war. As soon as he said this to Duryodhana, he forgot what he had said, but Bheema heard it. Duryodhana sent his army and men to hoist a flag at a particular mountain. Bheema ran alone. Duryodhana's men were able to reach the mountain before Bheema could. Bheema fought them and put a few of them down, but he had forgotten to carry the flag of his side. He was clad only in his underclothes ('Gerua'), which he hoisted as his side's flag.

Being a son of the physicians, Ashwini Kumaras, Nakula was also believed to be an expert in Ayurveda.

Similarly, Sahadeva (a thousand Gods) was the youngest of the five Pandava brothers. Nakula and Sahadeva were twins born to Madri, who had invoked the Ashwini Kumaras using Kunti's boon.

Sahadeva's core skill lay in the wielding of the sword. Sahadeva is said to be mild-mannered, bashful and virtuous.

All five Pandava brothers were wed concurrently to Draupadi, and each had a son by her. Sahadeva's son with Draupadi was Srutakarma. Sahadeva also married Vijaya, the daughter of Dyutimat, the king of Madra, and had a son named Suhotra.

Sahadeva was sent south by Yudhisthira to subjugate kingdoms for the Rajasuya sacrifice, after crowning as the Emperor of Indraprastha. He was specifically chosen for the south because of his expertise with the sword, and because Bhishma opined that Southerners are skilled with sword-fighting in general.

The Mahabharata mentions several kingdoms to the south of Indraprastha which were conquered by Sahadeva. Some of them are as under: 

• Surasenas
• Matsya, the king Dantavakra, kings Sukumara, Sumitra, other Matsyas and Patacharas
• Vibhishana, the brother of Ravana and grandson of Pulastya. He offered him diverse kinds of jewels and gems, sandalwood, celestial ornaments, costly apparel and valuable pearls
• At Kishkindha, the monkey-kings Mainda and Dwivida were defeated in a 7-day war
• City of Mahishmati, which was ruled by King Nila. Since the kingdom had the blessings of Agni, a huge fire obstructed the army when Sahadeva tried to invade; later a prayer to Agnideva enabled Sahadeva to complete the conquest
• King Rukmi of Bhishmaka and territories of Bhojakata
• Nishadas, the hill of Gosringa and King Sreenimath.
• Navarashtra, under King Kunti-Bhoja
• King Jamvaka, on the banks of the river Charmanwati.
• Kingdoms that lay on the banks of the Narmada.
• Avanti, kings called Vinda and Anuvinda, town of Bhojakata
• King of Kosala, King of Tripura, King of Saurashtra
• Surparaka kingdom, Talakatas and Dandakas
• Surabhipatna, and the island called the Copper island, and a mountain called Ramaka. 

In the 13th year, Sahadeva disguised himself as a Vaishya and assumed the name of Arishtanemi (within themselves Pandavas called him Jayadbala) at the Kingdom of Virata. He worked as a cowherd who supervised the maintenance and upkeep of all cows in Virata's kingdom.

Sahadeva desired Virata to be the general of the Pandava army, but Yudhisthira and Arjuna opted for Dhristadyumna.

As a warrior, Sahadeva slew prominent war-heroes on the enemy side. The flag of Sahadeva's chariot bore the image of a silver swan. During the gambling loss, he had taken an oath of slaying Shakuni. He accomplished this task successfully on the 17th day of battle. Among other prominent war-heroes killed by Sahadeva was Rukmaratha, the son of Shalya.

After the war, Yudhisthira appointed Sahadeva as a personal bodyguard of his.

Sahadeva is said to be a great astrologer who prognosticated forthcoming events.

Then Barbareek's head smiled and said, "Oh brave Pandavas! You have achieved the victory in this war only because of Lord Krishna's plans and policies. It was only because of this artful God's delusions that you have emerged victorious. The actual winner of this war is only Lord Krishna. It's only because of his wisdom and policies that you have won the great battle of Mahabharata.

Barbareek's head continued, "Oh brave Pandavas, I could see only the Sudarshan Chakra revolving everywhere which was hacking the Kaurava army to pieces and Draupadi assuming the fearful form of Mahakali Durga, was drinking bowl after bowl of blood and was not allowing even one drop of blood to fall on the earth." Saying this Barbareek's head became silent and flowers were showered from heaven on his head.

Hearing all this, the Pandavas became ashamed of themselves and started begging for forgiveness. Lord Krishna said, "Barbareek, I am pleased with your great sacrifice and I grant you the boon that you will be greatly worshipped by the name of Shyam in my form only in the Kaliyug. Devotees will be blessed just by remembering you and by worshipping you with a true heart and piety, all the jobs of the devotee will be completed."

(Somewhere it is said that after hearing all this Bhima aggressively push the head with hand by stating that it not fare as you both have praised each other and we all are not counted at all. This happened at the place of Chulkana, it is a village in the state of Haryana, District Panipat, Tehsil Samalkha in northern India and by Bhima’s push the head landed at Khatu village.)

After the Mahābhārata battle, Barbarika's head was drown in the river name rupawati by lord krishna giving lots of blessings. After many years when kalyug started the head was found buried in the village of Khatu in present-day Rajasthan.
The rest Body was taken by the Horse (Neela) towards Himalaya's, during his journey on his way near Jammu, when people observed the Body without Head on Horse. They started the voices & noises, the Body fall on the ground and a Rudraksh (tied on his arm) also apart from body. All three turned into Pindi Roop (stone form), people tried to dig the Pinidies but all three going too going dip and dip. Finally people understood the Holiness of place and made a temple on these Pindies, it is situated at Akhnoor (Near Jammu) in Jammu & Kashmir. The three Pindies, are symbol of Baba Shyam great sacrific.
The Holy Sish (Barbarika's Head) location was obscured until well after the Kaliyuga period began; then the time came for the head to appear.

A shepherd used to graze the cows of Khatu outside Khatu. One of the cows while returning home after grazing used to stop at a place some distance away from the village and milk used to start flowing from her teats into the earth. The cow's owner was very worried and upset that his cow was not giving any milk daily. He admonished the shepherd and asked him whether he milked the cow every evening so that the cow was not giving any milk to him. Even after the shepherd denied, the cow's owner did not believe him and followed the cow the whole day and what he saw was that at a particular distance from the village, milk starts flowing from the teats of the cow and enters the earth. Seeing this, he was dumbstruck with astonishment and began wondering who was inside the earth that drank the milk in such a fashion. He became eager to know more about this.

He started getting the field dug up. When the digging was completed, a sound was heard beneath the earth. Then he gave orders for the digging operation to proceed slowly. After passage of some time, the brave Barbareek's head i.e. Shyamji's head was found. The cow's owner gave away the head to a Brahmin. That Brahmin worshipped the head continuously for many days in his house.

According to Bhaghavat Purana, this place was the town of Khatu Khatank. Roopsingh Chauhan, king of Khatu, then had a dream where he was inspired to build a temple and install the head therein. Subsequently, a temple was built and the idol was installed on the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha (bright half) of the month of Phagun.

(There is another, only slightly different version of this legend. Roopsingh Chauhan was the ruler of Khatu. His wife, Narmada Kanwar, once had a dream in which the deity instructed her to take his image out of the earth. The indicated place (now known as Shyam Kund) when then dug up. Sure enough, it yielded the idol, which was duly enshrined in the temple.)

The original temple was built in 1027 AD by Roopsingh Chauhan and his wife Narmada Kanwar. In 1720 AD, a nobleman known as Diwan Abhaisingh renovated the old temple, at the behest of the then ruler of Marwar. The temple took its present shape at this time and the idol was enshrined in the sanctum sanctorum. The idol is made of rare stone. Khatushyam is the family deity of a large number of families.

The temple is architecturally rich. Lime mortar, marble and tiles have been used in constructing the structure. The shutters of the sanctum sanctorum are beautifully covered with silver sheet. Outside is the prayer hall, named Jagmohan. The hall is large in size (measuring 12.3 m x 4.7 m) and its walls are elaborately painted, depicting mythological scenes. The entrance gate and exit gate are made of marble; their brackets are also of marble and feature ornamental floral designs.

There is an open space in front of the entrance gate of the temple. The Shyam Bagicha is a garden near the temple from where flowers are picked to be offered to the deity. The flowers for the decoration of Shri Shyam are chosen from here. The Samadhi of Aloo Singh, a great devotee, is located within the garden.

The Gopinath temple lies to the south-east of the main temple. The Gaurishankar temple also nearby. There is an interesting tale associated with the Gaurishankar temple. It is said that some soldiers of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb wanted to destroy this temple. They attacked the Shiva lingam enshrined within this temple with their spears. Immediately, fountains of blood appeared from the Shiva Lingam. The soldiers ran away, terrified. One can still see the mark of the spear on the Lingam.

There is a Shyam pond at a little distance from the temple where the head of Shri Shyamji had appeared. There is a special importance to bathing in that pond. Many devotees believe that by bathing in that pond, the afflictions of the body are cured.

Barbarika is worshiped as Shyam, being Krishna himself. Therefore, the flavour of the festivities reflects the playful and vibrant nature of Krishna. The festivals of Krishna Janmaashtami, Jhool Jhulani Ekadashi, Holi and Vasant Panchami are celebrated with gusto in the temple. The Phalguna Mela detailed below is the principal annual festival.

Hundreds of devotees visit the temple every day. A big fair is held at Khatu on the twelfth of the Shukla Paksha of the Phalgun month. Lakhs of men and women sing devotional songs on the night of the eleventh and getting immersed in the joy of Krishna, they dance the whole night. And at dawn of the twelfth, people go to the temple and worship Shri Shyam. Newly married couples come to pay homage and newborn babies are brought to the temple for their mundan (the first hair-shaving) ceremony. An elaborate aarti is performed at the temple five times a day. These are:

1. Mangala Aarti: performed in the early morning, when temple is open.
2. Shringaar Aarti: performed at the time of make-up of Baba Shyam. The idol is grandly ornamented for this aarti.
3. Bhog Aarti: performed at noon when bhog (Prasadam) is served to the Lord.
4. Sandhya Aarti: performed in the evening, at sunset.
5. Sayana Aarti: performed in the night, when temple is closed. 

Two special hymns, the "Shri Shyam Aarti" and the "Shri Shyam Vinati," are chanted on all these occasions. The Shri Shyam mantra is another litany of the Lord's names that is chanted by devotees.

The aarti reads as follows:

Aum jai shri shyam hare, baba jai shri shyam hare

Khatu dham virajat, anupam roop dhare, aum jai shri shyam hare...

Ratan jadit sinhasan, sar per chanvar dhure

Tan keshariya baago, kundal shravan pade, aum jai shri shyam hare...

Gal pushpon ki maala, sir pe mukut dhare

Khevat dhoop agni par, deepak jyoti jale, aum jai shri shyam hare...

Modak kheer choorma, suvaran thaal bhare,

Sevak bhog lagaavat, seva nitya kare, aum jai shri shyam hare...

Jhanj katora aur ghadiyaaval, shankh mridang dhure,

Bhakt aarti gaave, jay jay kaar kare, aum jai shri shyam hare...

Jo dhyave phal paave, sab dukh se ubare,

Sevak jan nij mukh se, shri shyam shyam uchare, aum jai shri shyam hare...

Shri shyam bihariji ki aarti, jo koi nar gave

Kahat alusingh swami, manvanchit phal paave, aum jai shri shyam hare...

Aum jai shri shyam hare, baba jai shri shyam hare,

Nij bhakton ke tumne, pooran kaaj kare, aum jai shri shyam hare...

Other particular observances include:

• Shukla Ekadashi and Dwadashi:
• The 11th and 12th days of the bright half of every month in the Hindu calendar is of special significance to the temple. This is because Barbarika was born on the 11th day of the bright half of the month of Kartika, and he donated his head (Sheesh) to Krishna on the 12th day of the bright half of the month of phaagun on Tuesday. Darshan on these two days is therefore considered auspicious and devotees come in their thousands every month. The temple remains open throughout the night that falls between these days. Night-long Bhajan sessions are organised since devotees traditionally pass the night in singing the praises of the Lord. Devotees organise Bhajan programmes and invite Bhajan singers to sing devotional songs.

• Bathing in the Shyam Kund:
This is the holy pond near the temple from which the idol was retrieved. It is believed that a dip in this pond cures a person from ailments and brings good health. Filled with devotional fervor, people take ritual dips in the Shyam Kund. They believe that this will relieve them of diseases and contagion. Bathing during the annual Phalguna Mela festival is deemed specially salutary.

• Nishan Yatra:
It is believed that your wishes are granted if you offer a Nishan at the temple. A Nishan is a triangular flag of a particular size, made of cloth, which is hoisted on a bamboo stick. It is carried in one's hands while covering the route from the town of Ringas to Khatu (17 km) on (bare) foot. Nishans are offered in millions during the Phalguna Mela.

• Phalguna Mela:
The most important festival associated with the temple is the Phalguna Mela which occurs just 3–4 days before from the festival of Holi. Barbarika's head appeared on Phalguna Shuddha Ekadashi, the 11th day of the bright half of the Hindu month of Phalguna. Therefore, the fair is held from the 9th to the 12th of that month.
An estimated one million devotees visit the temple during these four days from all corners of the country. There is virtually no vacant space in the town during this period. There is celebration and festivity in the moods of the devotees who wait for hours in long serpentine queues for a moment's glance of the deity. The whole town, along with the temple, is illuminated. Singers from all over the country come here to perform Bhajans on this holy occasion. Special arrangements are made for feeding the devotees in almost all the Dharamshalas and rest-houses. Special trains and buses operate during the mela. The government of Rajasthan takes care of the law and order during the fair.
In the fair, lakhs of devotees walk in procession of foot from Reengas to Khatu carrying religious symbols and offer those colorful symbols of Shri Shyam at Khatu temple. Though devotees throng Khatu daily, it is on Vijaydasahmi that Khatu is overcrowded with devotees. The sight of thousands of devotees offering unique symbols of their faith of Shri Shyam with songs and dances is a marvelous sight. On the 11th of the brighter half of the Kartik month also, Shri Shyam's birthday is celebrated with gusto and fervor in Khatu.

The Public Trust that has charge of the temple is registered under registration No. 3/86. A 7-member committee oversees the management of the temple. A number of Dharmashalas (charity lodges) are available for their comfortable stay.

The temple timings are as follows:

• In winter (Ashvin bahula 1st to Chaitra shuddha 15th): 5.30 am - 1.00 pm and 4.00 pm - 9.00 pm.
• In summer (Vaishakha bahula 1st to Bhadrapada shuddha 15th): 4.30 am - 12.30 pm and 4.00 pm - 10.00 pm. 

The temple is open 24 hours a day on every Shukla Paksha Ekadasi, i.e., on the 11th day of the bright half of every month in the Hindu calendar. The temple is also open throughout the 4-day Phalgun Mela.

"BOLO SHYAM PRABHU KI JAI"

"LELE KE SAWAR KI JAI"

"SHISH KE DANI KI JAI"

(Story source: www.shrishyamjagat.com & Wikipedia)