Khatu Shyam Temple
Barbarika, worshipped as Shyam (Khatu Shyam Ji / Baba Shyam), a name of Krishna temple · Khatu (Khatushyamji), Sikar, Rajasthan, India
Khatu Shyam Ji Temple, in the town of Khatu (Khatushyamji) in Sikar district, Rajasthan, is the main shrine of Khatu Shyam, also called Baba Shyam. Devotees identify him with Barbarika, a grandson of Bhima in Mahabharata folklore, who is worshipped under Krishna's name Shyam.
ETV Bharat reports that the temple's annual Phalgun Lakhi Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in the state, and that the temple is run by the Shri Shyam Mandir Committee. Large crowds also come on every Ekadashi (locally 'Gyaras').
Faith & Tradition
Religious Significance of Khatu Shyam Temple
The legend summarised by Wikipedia and Dynamite News tells of Barbarika, son of Ghatotkacha and grandson of Bhima, a warrior who held three infallible arrows and had vowed to fight for whichever side was weaker. Before the Kurukshetra war, Krishna asked him for his head, and Barbarika gave it willingly. According to the legend, Krishna granted him the boon that in the Kali Yuga he would be worshipped by Krishna's own name, Shyam.
Tradition holds that the head was later found buried at Khatu, near the pond now called Shyam Kund. Zee News reports the belief that the head was placed in the temple on Ekadashi of the bright half of Kartika (Devuthani Ekadashi), which is why that day is celebrated as Baba Shyam's birthday.
Devotees bring triangular flags (nishan) to the temple. Wikipedia describes the Nishan Yatra, in which pilgrims walk about 17 km from Reengus carrying saffron, orange or red flags. During the Phalgun fair, a white flag brought on foot from Surajgarh is hoisted on the temple's spire; ETV Bharat reports that the temple committee counts this tradition in centuries and that only the Surajgarh flag is placed on the pinnacle.
Heritage
History of Khatu Shyam Temple
According to tradition recorded by Wikipedia, the first temple was built in 1027 CE by Roop Singh Chauhan, who was guided in a dream to the spot near Shyam Kund where the idol was unearthed. This date comes from tradition rather than a dated inscription. Wikipedia also records that a devotional poem, Shyam Pacchisi, was composed in Braj Bhasha in 1675.
ETV Bharat reports that the temple is managed by the Shri Shyam Mandir Committee. In recent decades the crowds have grown very large: in August 2022 three women died in a crush outside the temple gates on a Gyaras morning, as reported by The Tribune, and the district administration and police now organise extensive crowd management for the main fair.
Architecture and sacred features
Wikipedia describes the present temple as built of white Makrana marble in a traditional Rajasthani style. Sources consulted do not give a detailed architectural account; the complex is associated with the nearby Shyam Kund pond, where devotees bathe during the fair.
Plan Your Visit
Darshan and Visitor Information
Very large crowds gather on Ekadashi days, on Baba Shyam's birthday and during the Phalgun Lakhi Mela, and special queue, traffic and darshan arrangements apply then. Follow police and temple volunteers' instructions in the queues. Confirm current darshan timings and fair-time rules with the Shri Shyam Mandir Committee or the Sikar district administration before visiting.
Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with Shri Shyam Mandir Committee (per ETV Bharat) before travelling. Last reviewed 1 November 2026.
Sacred Calendar
Festivals at Khatu Shyam Temple
Phalgun Lakhi Mela
The temple's biggest annual fair, lasting over a week and culminating on Ekadashi and Dwadashi; the Surajgarh flag is hoisted on the spire on the final day.
Baba Shyam's birthday (Devuthani Ekadashi)
Celebrated as the day the head is believed to have been placed in the temple; the image is decorated with flowers and a two-day fair is held.
Ekadashi (Gyaras)
Devotees crowd the temple on Ekadashi days, which are considered especially auspicious for darshan of Baba Shyam.
Location
How to Reach Khatu Shyam Temple
Khatu lies in Sikar district. Wikipedia notes that Nishan Yatra pilgrims walk about 17 km from Reengus (Ringas) to the temple, and ETV Bharat reports that during the Phalgun fair Khatu town and the Ringas road are made vehicle-free zones. Check current road and parking arrangements with the Sikar district administration before travelling at festival times.
Location: Khatu (Khatushyamji), Sikar, Rajasthan, India
More in Hindu temples in Rajasthan · Barbarika, worshipped as Shyam (Khatu Shyam Ji / Baba Shyam), a name of Krishna temples · Temples in Khatoo · Temples in Sikar District
Questions
Khatu Shyam Temple: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Khatu Shyam?
Khatu Shyam is Barbarika, grandson of Bhima in Mahabharata folklore. According to legend he gave his head to Krishna, who blessed him to be worshipped in the Kali Yuga by Krishna's own name, Shyam.
When is the Khatu Shyam Phalgun Mela held?
The Lakhi Mela is held every year in the bright half of Phalguna (February–March), ending on Ekadashi and Dwadashi. Dates are announced each year.
What is the Surajgarh flag at Khatu Shyam?
It is a white flag carried on foot from Surajgarh and hoisted on the temple's spire on the last day of the Phalgun fair; only this flag is placed on the pinnacle.
What is Shyam Kund?
Shyam Kund is the pond near the temple where, according to tradition, the head of Barbarika was found. Devotees bathe there during the fair.
Who manages Khatu Shyam Temple?
The temple is managed by the Shri Shyam Mandir Committee, according to ETV Bharat.
When is Khatu Shyam's birthday celebrated?
On Devuthani Ekadashi, the Ekadashi of the bright half of Kartika (October–November).
Sources and attribution
- ETV Bharat — Rajasthan: Falgun Lakhi Fair 2026 begins at Khatu Shyamji; 35 lakh devotees expected
- ETV Bharat — Know why Surajgarh flag is hoisted on Khatu Shyamji temple
- The Tribune — 3 dead, 2 injured in stampede at temple in Rajasthan's Sikar
- Zee News (Hindi) — Khatu Shyam Ji birthday: why it is celebrated on Devuthani Ekadashi
- Dynamite News — From warrior to deity: the mythical story behind Khatu Shyam's rise to deityhood
- Wikipedia — Khatu Shyam Temple
Further reading: Khatu Shyam Temple on Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Spotted an error? Write to info@hindutone.com — see our editorial policy.
