Khatu Shyam Ji Temple

According to the Mahabharata tradition, Barbarika possessed such power that he could have ended the great war in moments; Krishna, to protect dharma, sought his head in charity, and in return blessed him to be worshipped by his own name Shyam in Kali Yuga. Khatu Shyam is thus revered as a giver of refuge to the helpless and the defeated. The Phalguna Mela is among the largest religious fairs in Rajasthan. His worship blends the valour of the epic with tender, hopeful bhakti.

The temple in Khatu village enshrines the head of Barbarika, the mighty grandson of Bhima, worshipped as Shyam (a name of Krishna). Its marble sanctum, lotus-shaped tank and lively bazaar draw enormous crowds, particularly on the eleventh day (ekadashi) of each lunar month and during the vast Phalguna Mela, when millions of saffron-clad pilgrims walk to Khatu. The deity, adorned with flowers and known for his kind, all-embracing gaze, is especially beloved by those seeking hope in difficult times. The devotional singing of 'Shyam' bhajans fills the town day and night.