Who is Khatu Shyam Baba? How did he become the Support of the Defeated?

In the Kali Yuga, the number of devotees of Baba Shyam is immense. He is known by many names such as Khatu Shyam, Shyam Baba, or Kalayugi Shyam. It is said that no one returns empty-handed from the doors of Baba Khatu. His divine story is beautifully written in the Skanda Purana. Lord Krishna gave Khatu the name Suhriday. The largest temple of Khatu Shyam is located in the village of Khatu in Rajasthan. Let’s explore some special aspects of Khatu Shyam Ji.

Who is Baba Khatu Shyam?

Khatu Shyam Ji’s original name is Barbarik. In fact, due to his curly hair, a sage named him Barbarik. Lord Krishna used to call him Suhriday. He was the grandson of Bhima, the greatest among the Pandavas, and the son of Ghatotkacha. Barbarik’s mother’s name was Morvi. Barbarik performed intense penance to please Goddess Bhagwati and Lord Shiva and obtained three invincible arrows. For this reason, some people also refer to him as the bearer of three arrows.

The Donation of His Head

Khatu Shyam is known as the Head Donor (Shish Ka Daani). According to the legends, Lord Krishna, as a token of Guru Dakshina, asked Barbarik for his head. After Barbarik obtained the three special arrows from his penance, he approached his mother Morvi and sought permission to participate in the Kurukshetra war. Morvi gave him permission but was concerned about which side Barbarik should support. She feared that, with the massive army of the Kauravas, the Pandavas would lose. She thus asked him to be the support of the defeated. Knowing the outcome of the war, Lord Krishna was concerned that if Barbarik saw the Kauravas being defeated, he might side with them. Hence, he asked Barbarik for his head. Barbarik, without hesitation, willingly donated his head to Lord Krishna.

Barbarik Becomes the Support of the Defeated

After the war ended, all the Pandavas went to Lord Krishna, each claiming the credit for the victory. Lord Krishna, being preoccupied, said, “I couldn’t observe anyone’s valor, so let’s go to Barbarik’s place.” When they arrived, Krishna asked Barbarik about the valor of the Pandavas.

Barbarik’s head responded, “Lord, it was your Sudarshan Chakra in action, and Mother Jagdamba was drinking the blood. I didn’t see anyone else.” Upon hearing this, everyone bowed their heads. Krishna, pleased with Barbarik, named him Shyam and granted him divine powers, saying, “Barbarik, there is no greater donor than you on Earth, nor will there ever be. According to the promise made to your mother, you will become the support of the defeated. Those who come to your court will never return empty-handed.” Thus, the Khatu Shyam temple came into existence.

Special Worship on Ekadashi

Khatu Shyam’s special Puja takes place on the Ekadashi tithi. Devotees perform special worship of Khatu Shyam Ji on this day, offering prayers and performing yajnas. Some devotees observe a fast on Ekadashi and break it on Dwadashi. Through this special worship, no devotee ever returns empty-handed. You too can participate in Baba Shyam’s special Puja on Ekadashi through Trilok