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.
The saga of Barbarika
The saga of Shyam Baba begins with the Mahābhārata. Barbarika was a grandson of Bhima, Second of the Pandava brothers. He was the son of Ghatotkacha, son of Bhima, by his wife Nagakanya Ahilawati. Even in his childhood, Barbarika was very brave warrior. He learnt the art of warfare from his mother. { Matha Siddambika gave the three arrows to Barbarika } 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.
Krishna tests Barbarika
The omnipresent 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. If all the three were used, it would create havoc in the three worlds. Krishna challenged him to tie all the leaves of the peepal tree under which he was standing, with one arrow. Barbarika accepted the challenge, removed one arrow from his quiver and released it from his bow. The arrow tied all the leaves together within moments. However, Krishna had held one leaf under his foot, and the arrow started revolving around it. Krishna then asked the boy whom he would favour in the war. Barbarika revealed that he intended to fight for whichever side appeared set to lose. Krishna knew that the defeat of the Kauravas was inevitable. He judged that if this brave boy joins their side, the result would then tilt in their favour.
Barbarika’s act of charity
Krishna, pleased with Barbarika’s great sacrifice, granted him the boon that when Kaliyuga descends, he would be worshipped by the name of Shyam in his form. His devotees would be blessed just by pronouncing his name from the bottom of their hearts.
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 it. Krishna agreed, and placed the head atop a hill overlooking the battlefield. From the hill, the head of Barbarika watched the whole battle.
At the end of the battle, the victorious Pandava brothers argued amongst themselves as to who was responsible for the 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 crucial. Barbarika’s head said that he had seen the Sudarshana Chakra revolving around the battlefield, hacking the Kaurava army to pieces; and Draupadi, assuming the fearful form of Mahakali Durga, drinking bowl after bowl of blood without allowing even one drop of blood to fall on the earth.
Other names of the deity
- Barbarika: Khatushyamji’s childhood name was Barbarika. His mother and relatives used to call him by this name before the name Khatushyamji 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.
“LELE KE SAWAR KI JAI”
“SHISH KE DANI KI JAI”