the amazing pastimes of Barbarika the son of Ghatotkacha

[Paramananda das]

PAMHO AGTSP

My former siksa disciple Aditi devi dasi told me about how Barbarika the son of Ghatotkacha is worshipped like Krsna in Rajasthan.This is of course a misconception. But the pastimes of Krsna with

Barbarika is truely amazing and transcendental.Lord Shiva, pleased with him, gave him the three infallible Arrows and Agni Dev gave him a Bow, which would make him victorious in the three worlds.One time he fought with Bhima ,he did not know that he was his grandfather, and Bhima could not defeat him ...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Reengus_Temple_Art6.JPG Barbarika offering his head to Krsna before the battle of Kuruksetra.

Most of the great scholars of Gita may not have heard of the great Barbareek, the son of Ghatotkachch, grandson of Bhima. This brilliant child Barbareek, the grandson of the Bheema, the second eldest among the Pandavas, was born to Hidamba, the wife of Ghatotkachch. He had a lot of hair on his head, like a lion, so he was called Barbareek.
By the grace of Lord krishna,the stage for an important event (Mahabharata) is often set much in advance. So it was with Barbareek's sacrifice.
Barbareek wanted to gain all the best knowledge in military science as well as spiritual science. He was sent to serve a learned Brahmana who had acquired lots of knowledge, and was harassed by demons. Barbareek spent his time protecting the brahmana from the demons, and eventually he completed his learning and returned with blessings and supreme knowledge, back to his mother. Then he heard of the battle of Mahabharata which was about to begin, and consoling his mother, convincing her of his capability, he went away towards the battlefield. Lord Krishna knew that if Barbareek saw the battlefield, he would take the side of the losing forces. Knowing this, he disguised as a brahmana and approached Barbareek on his way.Barbareek had already met Bheema, his grandfather, when he set off on the journey, and was also blessed by Lord Siva as he went ahead. When he met Lord Krishna in the guise of a Brahmana, Lord Krishna asked him to prove to him his capabilities first. He had three great arrows, mystical in nature, with which he could destroy everyone in the battlefield. Lord Krishna said to Barbareek to show his powers, by piercing all the leaves of a tree, and he hid one leaf under His Lotus feet. When Barbareek shot the arrow, it pierced all the leaves of the tree except the one under Lord Krishna's feet, and the arrow came to rest at the feet of Lord Krishna. The Lord Krishna explained to Barbareek, that if he by chance took the side of the Kauravas, the efforts of the Pandavas would go in vain. Barbareek understood, and offered his own head as sacrifice to Lord Krishna, in order to make sure that Pandavas won the war, and thus his sacrifice has been known as the first beginning of the Mahabharata, which ensured that pandavas would win. Without such a sacrifice, it would have been very difficult for the Pandavas to win the mercy of the Lord. Thus the Lord accepted the head of Barbareek, and placed it on a mountain top, to view the battle. For 18 days, this head of Barbareek saw the war, and after the war was over, Lord Krishna then brought all the victorious Pandavas and their friends to see Barbarek's head, which was kept alive by the mystical pwers of the Lord. Thus Barbareek spoke in detail about the battle, and declared that had it not been for Sudarshana Chakra of the Lord, the Pandavas would have lost. All the killing was actually done by the Sudarshana Chakra! The pandavas thus lost their arrogance and they together took Barbareek's head to his mother, who heard the story of the battle of Mahabharata from the mouth of Barbareek himself! Only after that, Barbareek's head was entombed sacredly, according to vedic rituals. The blessing given to Barbareek by Lord Krishna was that he would be called with the name of Krishna itself (Shyam) and the place where he was entombed is called Khatu Shyam, where the temple of Barbareek still stands and is worshipped by all as an intimate

associates of Lord Krishna, although unknown to many.

.

your servant

Paramananda das

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbareek

there it is stated:

Barbarika

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Barbarika worshipped as Khatushyamji.

In the Mahābhārata, Barbarika (IAST Barbarīka) was the son of Ghatotkacha and Maurvi (Ahilawati), daughter of Muru, a Yadava king.

Barbarika was originally a yaksha, and was reborn as a man.

He wanted to fight on the side of the Pandavas, among whom his paternal grandfather Bhima was the second one. However, he was bound by his principle of always fighting on the losing side, which led him to stand witness to the battle without taking part.

In Rajasthan, he is worshipped as Khatushyamji, and is believed to have been sacrificed before the Mahabharata war to ensure the victory of his grand-fathers, the Pandavas. In return for his sacrifice, he was deified by a boon given by Krishna.

Contents [hide] 1 Barbarika(Belarsen) and his dialog with Krishna 2 Krishna's leg 3 The other interpretation of three arrows 4 Act of charity 5 Bearing witness to the war 6 External links

[edit] Barbarika(Belarsen) and his dialog with Krishna

The legend begins with the Mahābhārata. Barbarika alias Khatushyamji alias Shyam was a grandson of Bhima, Second of the Pandava brothers. He was the son of Ghatotkacha (who in turn was son of Bhima) and Kamkantkata Ma Morwi . Even in his childhood, Barbarika was a very brave warrior. He learnt the art of warfare from his mother. God Shiva, pleased with him, gave him the three infallible arrows (Teen Baan). Hence, Barbarika came to be known by the appellation Teen Baandhaari, the "Bearer of Three Arrows". Later, Agni (the god of Fire) gave him the bow that would make him victorious in the three worlds.

When Barbarika learnt that battle between the Pandavas and the Kauravas had become inevitable, he wanted to witness what was to be the Mahābhārata War. He promised his mother that if he felt the urge to participate in the battle, he would join the side which would be losing. He rode to the field on his Blue Horse equipped with his three arrows and bow.

Before the Mahabharata war began, Lord Krishna asked all the Pandavas how many days he would take to finish Mahabharata war alone. Bhishma answered that he would take 20 days to finish the war. Dronacharya replied that it would take him 25 days. When Karna was asked, he said he would take 24 days. Arjuna told Krishna it would take 28 days for him to complete the battle by himself. In this manner, Lord Krishna asked each warrior and received an answer.

Krishna disguised as a Brahmin stopped Barbarika to examine his strength. He baited Barbarika by mocking him for going to the great battle with only three arrows. On this, Barbarika replied that a single arrow was enough to destroy all his opponents in the war, and it would then return to his quiver. He stated that, the first arrow is used to mark all the things that he wants to destroy. On releasing the third arrow, it would destroy all the things that are marked and will then return to his quiver. If he uses the second arrow, then the second arrow will mark all the things that he wants to save. On using the third arrow, it will destroy all the things that are not marked. In other words, with one arrow he can fix all his targets and with the other he can destroy them. Krishna then challenges him to tie all the leaves of the peepal tree under which he was standing with these arrows. Barbarika accepts the challenge and starts meditating to release his arrow by closing his eyes. Then, Krishna without the knowledge of Barbarika, plucks one of the leaf of the tree and puts it under his foot. When Barbarik releases his first arrow, it marks all the leaves of the tree and finally starts revolving around the leg of Krishna. Then Krishna asks Barbarika, as why was the arrow revolving around his foot? For this, Barbarika replies that there must be a leaf under his foot and the arrow was targeting his foot to mark the leaf that is hidden under him. Barbarika advises Krishna to lift his leg, since, otherwise the arrow will mark the leaf by pricking Krishna's leg. Thus, Krishna lifts his foot and to his surprise, finds that the first arrow also marks the leaf that was hidden under his foot. Of course, the third arrow does collect all the leaves (including the one under Krishna's foot) and ties them together. By this Krishna concludes that the arrows are so infallible, that even if Barbarika is not aware of his targets, the arrows are so powerful that they can still navigate and trace all his intended targets. The moral of this incident is that, in a real battle field, if Krishna wants to isolate some one (for example: the 5 Pandava brothers) and hides them elsewhere in order to avoid them from being Barbarika's victim, then Krishna will not be successful as the arrows can still trace the target and destroy them. So, nobody will be able to escape from these arrows. Thus Krishna gets a deeper insight about Barbarika's phenomenal power.

Krishna then asks the boy whom he would favour in the war. Barbarika reveals that he intends to fight for the side whichever is weak. As Pandavas have only seven Akshouni army, when compared to Kauravas eleven, he considers that Pandavas are weak and hence wants to support them so that Pandavas will become victorious. But Krishna asks him, did he seriously gave a thought about the consequences before giving such a word to his mother (to support the weak side). Barbarika guesses that his support to the weaker side will make them victorious. Then, Krishna reveals the actual consequence of his word to his mother:

Krishna tells that whichever side he supports will only make the other side weak due to his power. Nobody will be able to defeat him. Hence, he is forced to support the other side that has become weaker due to his word to his mother. Thus, in an actual war, he will keep oscillating between the two sides, thereby destroying the entire army of both sides and eventually only he remains. Subsequently, none of the side is victorious as he will be the only lone survivor. Hence, Krishna avoids his participation from the war by seeking his head in Charity.

[edit] Krishna's leg

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 Abhimanu's son Parkishit, he looses 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.

[edit] The other interpretation of three arrows

The three arrows are signs of three "taaps" that humans experience. These include the physical, mental and emotional conflicts and confusions that are found almost everywhere. These three "taaps" are cleared with chanting of name of Shri Krishna. Thus, giving Barabarika the name "Shyaam", the Lord intended to remove the three taaps of human like, symbolized with the three arrows

[edit] Act of charity

Barbarika donates his head to Krishna.

The guised Krishna then sought charity from Babarika. Barbarika promised him anything he wished. Krishna asked him to give his head in charity. Barbarika was shocked. Perceiving that all was not as it appeared, he requested the Brahmin to disclose his real identity. Krishna showed Barbarika a vision of His Divine Form and Barbarika was thus graced. Krishna then explained to him that before a battle, the head of the bravest Kshatriya needs to be sacrificed, in order to worship/sanctify the battlefield. Krishna said that he considered Barbarika to be the bravest among Kshatriyas, and was hence asking for his head in charity. In fulfilment of his promise, and in compliance with the Krishna's command, Barbarika gave his head to him in charity. This happened on the 12th day of the Shukla Paksha (bright half) of the month of phaagun on Tuesday. Why Lord Krishna asks for Barbareek's head

Lord Krishna asked Barbareek to sacrifice himself for two reasons:

1. Before the beginning of the Mahabharat war, the head of the greatest warrior has to be sacrificed. Krishna considers Barbareek to be the greatest warrior

2. Barbarika was a Yaksha in his previous birth. Once Lord Brahma and several other Devas came to Vaikunta and complained to Lord Vishnu that the Adharma on Earth was increasing; it was not possible for them to bear the tortures causes by the wicked people.

Hence they came to seek the help of Lord Vishnu to check them. Lord Vishnu told the Devas that he will soon incarnate on Earth as a human being and destroy all the evil forces. Then, a Yaksha told the Devas that he alone is enough to kill all evil elements on the Earth, and it was not necessary for Lord Vishnu to descend to Earth. This hurt Lord Brahma very much. Lord Brahma curses this Yaksha that whenever the time comes to eliminate all the evil forces on Earth, then Lord Vishnu will first kill him. Later, the Yaksha takes birth as Barbarika and Lord Krishna seeks his head in charity as a result of this curse.

[edit] Bearing witness to the war

Before decapitating himself, Barbarika told Krishna of his great desire to view the forthcoming battle and requested him to facilitate the same. Krishna agreed and placed the head on top of a hill overlooking the battlefield. From the hill, the head of Barbarika watched the entire battle.

At the end of the battle, the victorious Pandava brothers argued amongst themselves as to who was responsible for their victory. Krishna suggested that Barbarika's head, which had watched the whole battle should be allowed to judge. Barbarika's head suggested that it was Krishna alone who was responsible for the victory: his advice, his presence, his gameplan had been very crucial.

It is explained that Barbarika even was given Krsnas name Shyama due to his devotion and dedication:

Khatushyamji

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

.

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Idol of Khatushyamji temple in Hyderabad.

In Hinduism, Khatushyamji is a name and manifestation of Barbarika, son of Ghatotkacha. This manifestation is especially popular in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The original Sanskrit name Barbarīka is often replaced in Rajasthan by the Hindi version, Barbarīk, often written as Barbareek.

Barbarika had obtained a boon from Krishna to the effect that he would be known by Krishna's own name (Shyam) in the Kaliyuga era (presently ongoing) and worshipped. Krishna had declared that Barbarika's devotees would be blessed just by pronouncing his name from the bottom of their hearts. Their wishes would be granted and troubles removed if they worship Shyamji (Barbarika) with a true piety.

Contents [hide] 1 Legend 1.1 Krishna tests Barbarika 1.1.1 Krishna's leg 1.1.2 The other interpretation of three arrows 1.2 Act of charity 1.2.1 Why Lord Krishna asks for Barbareek's head 1.3 Bearing witness to the war 2 Other names 3 Temple 3.1 Architectural features 3.2 Precincts 4 Observances and festivals 5 Administration and amenities 6 See also 7 References 8 External links

[edit] Legend

The legend begins with the Mahābhārata. Barbarika alias Khatushyamji alias Shyam Baba was a grandson of Bhima, Second of the Pandava brothers. He was the son of Ghatotkacha (who in turn was son of Bhima) and Kamkantkata Ma Morwi . Even in his childhood, Barbarika was a very brave warrior. He learnt the art of warfare from his mother. God Shiva, pleased with him, gave him the three infallible arrows (Teen Baan). Hence, Barbarika came to be known by the appellation Teen Baandhaari, the "Bearer of Three Arrows". Later, Agni (the god of Fire) gave him the bow that would make him victorious in the three worlds.

When Barbarika learnt that battle between the Pandavas and the Kauravas had become inevitable, he wanted to witness what was to be the Mahābhārata War. He promised his mother that if he felt the urge to participate in the battle, he would join the side which would be losing. He rode to the field on his Blue Horse equipped with his three arrows and bow.

[edit] Krishna tests Barbarika

Krishna disguised as a Brahmin and stopped Barbarika to examine his strength. He baited Barbarika by mocking him for going to the great battle with only three arrows. On this, Barbarika replied that a single arrow was enough to destroy all his opponents in the war, and it would then return to his quiver. He stated that, the first arrow is used to mark all the things that he wants to destroy. On releasing the third arrow, it would destroy all the things that are marked and will then return to his quiver. If he uses the second arrow, then the second arrow will mark all the things that he wants to save. On using the third arrow, it will destroy all the things that are not marked. In other words, with one arrow he can fix all his targets and with the other he can destroy them.

Krishna then challenges him to tie all the leaves of the peepal tree under which he was standing with these arrows. Barbarika accepts the challenge and starts meditating to release his arrow by closing his eyes. Then, Krishna without the knowledge of Barbarika, plucks one of the leaf of the tree and puts it under his foot. When Barbarik releases his first arrow, it marks all the leaves of the tree and finally starts revolving around the leg of Krishna. For this Krishna asks Barbarika, as why was the arrow revolving around his foot? For this, Barbareek replies that there must be a leaf under his foot and the arrow was targeting his foot to mark the leaf that is hidden under him. Barbarika advises Krishna to lift his leg, since, otherwise the arrow will mark the leaf by pricking Krishna's leg. Thus, Krishna lifts his foot and to his surprise, finds that the first arrow also marks the leaf that was hidden under his foot. Of course, the third arrow does collect all the leaves (including the one under Krishna's foot) and ties them together. By this Krishna concludes that the arrows are so infallible, that even if Barbarika is not aware of his targets, the arrows are so powerful that they can still navigate and trace all his intended targets. The moral of this incident is that, in a real battle field, if Krishna wants to isolate some one (for example: the 5 Pandava brothers) and hides them elsewhere in order to avoid them from being Barbarika's victim, then Krishna will not be successful as the arrows can still trace the target and destroy them. So, nobody will be able to escape from these arrows. Thus Krishna gets a deeper insight about Barbarika's phenomenal power.

Krishna then asks the boy whom he would favour in the war. Barbarika reveals that he intends to fight for the side whichever is weak. As Pandavas have only seven Akshouni army, when compared to Kauravas eleven, he considers that Pandavas are weak and hence wants to support them so that Pandavas will become victorious. But Krishna asks him, did he seriously gave a thought about the consequences before giving such a word to his mother (to support the weak side). Barbarika guesses that his support to the weaker side will make them victorious. Then, Krishna reveals the actual consequence of his word to his mother:

Krishna tells that whichever side he supports will only make the other side weak due to his power. Nobody will be able to defeat him. Hence, he is forced to support the other side that has become weaker due to his word to his mother. Thus, in an actual war, he will keep oscillating between the two sides, thereby destroying the entire army of both sides and eventually only he remains. Subsequently, none of the side is victorious as he will be the only lone survivor. Hence, Krishna avoids his participation from the war by seeking his head in Charity.

[edit] Krishna's leg

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 Abhimanu's son Parkishit, he looses 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.

[edit] The other interpretation of three arrows

The three arrows are signs of three "taaps" that humans experience. These include the physical, mental and emotional conflicts and confusions that are found almost everywhere. These three "taaps" are cleared with chanting of name of Shri Krishna. Thus, giving Barabarika the name "Shyaam", the Lord intended to remove the three taaps of human like, symbolized with the three arrows.

[edit] Act of charity

The guised Krishna then sought charity from Babarika. Barbarika promised him anything he wished. Krishna asked him to give his head in charity. Barbarika was shocked. Perceiving that all was not as it appeared, he requested the Brahmin to disclose his real identity. Krishna showed Barbarika a vision of His Divine Form and Barbarika was thus graced. Krishna then explained to him that before a battle, the head of the bravest Kshatriya needs to be sacrificed, in order to worship/sanctify the battlefield. Krishna said that he considered Barbarika to be the bravest among Kshatriyas, and was hence asking for his head in charity. In fulfilment of his promise, and in compliance with the Krishna's command, Barbarika gave his head to him in charity. This happened on the 12th day of the Shukla Paksha (bright half) of the month of phaagun on Tuesday.

[edit] Why Lord Krishna asks for Barbareek's head

Lord Krishna asked Barbareek to sacrifice himself for two reasons:

1. Before the beginning of the Mahabharat war, the head of the greatest warrior has to be sacrificed. Krishna considers Barbareek to be the greatest warrior
2. Barbareek was an Yaksha in his previous birth. Once Lord Brahma and several other Devas came to Vaikunta and complained to Lord Vishnu that the Adharma on Earth was increasing; it was not possible for them to bear the tortures causes by the wicked people. Hence they came to seek the help of Lord Vishnu to check them. Lord Vishnu told the Devas that he will soon incarnate on Earth as a human being and destroy all the evil forces. Then, a Yaksha told the Devas that he alone is enough to kill all evil elements on the Earth, and it was not necessary for Lord Vishnu to descend to Earth. This hurts Lord Brahma very much. Lord Brahma curses this Yaksha that whenever the time comes to eliminate all the evil forces on Earth, then Lord Vishnu will first kill him. Later, the Yaksha takes birth as Barbareek and Lord Krishna seeks his head in charity as a result of this curse.

[edit] Bearing witness to the war

Before decapitating himself, Barbarika told Krishna of his great desire to view the forthcoming battle and requested him to facilitate the same. Krishna agreed and placed the head on top of a hill overlooking the battlefield. From the hill, the head of Barbarika watched the entire battle.

At the end of the battle, the victorious Pandava brothers argued amongst themselves as to who was responsible for their victory. Krishna suggested that Barbarika's head, which had watched the whole battle should be allowed to judge. Barbarika's head suggested that it was Krishna alone who was responsible for the victory: his advice, his presence, his gameplan had been very crucial.

[edit] Other names

• Barbarika: Khatushyamji's childhood name was Barbarika. His mother and relatives used to call him by this name before the name Shyamji was given by Shri Krishna.
• Sheesh Ke Daani: Literally: "Donor of Head"; As per the legend related above.
• Haare Ka Sahara: Literally: "Support of the defeated"; Upon his mother's advise, Barbarika resolved to support whoever has less power and is losing. Hence he is known by this name.
• Teen Baan Dhaari: Literally: "Bearer of three arrows"; Reference is to the three infallible arrows that he received as boon from God Shiva. These arrows were sufficient to destroy the whole world. The title written below these three arrows is Maam Sevyam Parajitah.
• Lakha-datari: Literally: "The Munificent Giver"; One who never hesitates to give his devotees whatever they need and ask for.
• Leela ke Aswaar: Literally: "Rider of Leela"; Being the name of his blue-coloured horse. Many call it Neela Ghoda or "blue horse."
• Khatu Naresh: Literally: "The King of Khatu"; One who rules Khatu and the whole universe.
• Kalyug ke Avtaari: Literally: "The God of Kaliyug"; As per Krishna he will be the God who will save good people in the era of Kalyug.
• SHYAM PYAREY: Literally: "The God who love all and all love to him, the spiritual relation between bhakt and bhagwan called nishkaam pyaar/prem "

[edit] Temple

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 location was obscured until well after the Kaliyuga period began. Then, on one occasion, milk started flowing spontaneously out of a cow's udder when she neared the burial spot. Amazed at this incident, the local villagers dug the place up and the buried head was revealed. The head was handed over to a Brahmin who worshipped it for many days, awaiting divine revelations as to what was to be done next. 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.

[edit] Architectural features

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.

[edit] Precincts

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 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 lies 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.

Khatu Shyam ji Main temple resides at Khatu Town near jaipur 80 km far .

view more about khatu shyam ji temple

[edit] Observances and festivals

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. 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:

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

[edit] Administration and amenities

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

your servant

Paramananda das

see also http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghatotkacha and

http://www.khatushyam.in/full-story-of-khatushyamji-1.php