About the TempleKhatu Shyamji temple is situated around 48 km from the Sikar district in Rajasthan. This ancient white marble temple is consecrated to Lord Krishna. The idol of the presiding deity, Lord Shyam Ji is worshipped in the form of a head in this temple. The idol is made of very rare stone. A dip in the holy Shyam Kund is considered auspicious by the devotees. The beautiful landscape of Shyam Garden in the temple premises attracts large numbers of tourists.

Temple History

After the Mahabharata battle, Barbarik’s head was buried in the Khatu village in Sikar district. Once, a cow started pouring milk on the burial spot. The locals dug the spot place to discovered buried head of Barbarik which was handed over to a brahmin who worshipped it for many days.

The temple was built in 1027 AD by Roop Singh Chauhan, king of Khatu and his wife Narmada Kanwar after they had a dream in which the Lord instructed them to take his idol out of the earth. When then dug up the place. it yielded the idol, which was enshrined in the temple. The idol was installed on the 11th day of the Shukla paksha of the month of Kartik.

Temple ArchitectureThe temple has been built in the ancient style of architecture. The doors of the Sanctum Sanctorum are covered with a silver sheet. The temple also has a separate prayer hall. The temple walls have a beautiful depiction of mythological scenes. The entrance gate and exit gate are made of marble with ornamental floral designs.

Temple LegendA legend connected to the temple dates back to the time of Mahabharata. It is believed that before the start of the Mahabharata battle, Barbarik, the grandson of Bhim requested Lord Krishna to allow him to take part in the war. However, Lord Krishna did not want him to participate in the war due to his chivalry and prowess. Hence, Lord Krishna in the disguise of a Brahmin asked for the head of Bhim's grandson, Barbarik. He agreed readily and chopped off his head. Pleased with this supreme sacrifice, Lord Krishna blessed him with two boons. One was that he would be able to see the war from the hillock, where Lord Krishna had placed his head. Another boon was that he would be worshipped as Shyam (Lord Krishna) himself, in the Kaliyug.

Festivals, Puja and Celebrations

The temple organizes a grand festival from the tenth day to twelfth day of the month of Falgun which is attended by thousands of devotees.

Other festivals celebrated in this temple are Janamashtami, Jal Jhulani Ekadashi, Holi and Basant Panchami.

The annual fair called Khatu Shyamji Fair lasts for three days, from Phalgun Sudi Dashmi to Dwadashi. It attracts large numbers of devotees. The another attraction of the fair is the Jadula ceremony in which head shaving of young children is done for the first time.

How to reach

By Road: The temple is easily accessible via road and can be reached by bus, auto-rickshaw or taxi.

By Train: The nearest railway station is Ringas Junction which is about 18.5 km away from the temple.

By Air: The nearest airport is Sanganer airport at Jaipur which is 95 km away.