Khatu Shyam Mandir, Rajasthan: An Important Pilgrimage Destination

Rajasthan is well known for the culture, tradition and architecture of temples. Khatu Shyam Mandir is one of the temples famous all over India. Khatu Shyam Mandir is located in the Sikar district in Rajasthan. It is believed that Khatu Shyam is the manifestation of Ghatotkach's son Barbarik. Numerous devotees come here from all over India and believe that chanting Khatu Shyam's name removes all pain and problems from the body and life. According to Hindu mythology, this temple is a very sacred place. 

As per beliefs of the Hindu Mythology, Barbarika's might was unrivalled before the period of the Mahabharata conflict. During the conflict, he had chosen to support the weaker side to maintain his moral integrity. Nevertheless, doing so would have destroyed both sides, leaving Barbarika as the lone survivor. According to legend, Shree Krishna begged Barbarika for his head to prevent such disastrous outcomes, and he gladly complied. Barbarika's heroic sacrifice made Shree Krishna so delighted that he bestowed a boon on him, according to which Barbarika would be recognised in the Kaliyug by Krishna's name, ‘Shyam Ji’ and worshipped in his form. 

Location: Shri Shyam Mandir Road, Committee, Khatoo, Sikar, Rajasthan

Timings: 5.30 AM - 1.00 PM, 5.00 PM - 9.00 PM (Winters)

                4.30 AM - 12.30 PM, 4.00 PM - 10.00 PM (Summers)

Best Time to Visit: October - March

The Khatu Shyam Mandir is located in Rajasthan. The interesting story behind the building of Khatu Shyam Mandir is the head of Barbaric was drowned by Lord Krishna in the Rupwati river. And the head was found in the village where a cow was crossing from that side and milking itself. When villagers saw the scene, they were surprised and started digging in the ground and found the head of Khatu Shyam. Roop Singh Chauhan was the king of that place who built the Khatu Shyam Mandir, as per the instructions he received in his dream.

The temple is an architectural marvel made of white marble. In addition to being a favourite spot for believers, the temple attracts lots of tourists who come to marvel at the grandeur of the building. The prayer room known as Jagmohan features ornately painted mythological themes on its walls. While the sanctum sanctorum's shutters are coated in a stunning silver sheet, which contributes to the temple's grandeur, the entrance and exit gates are built of marble and have marble brackets with ornate floral designs. 

A holy pond exists near Khatu Shyam Mandir. It is believed, the head of Khatu Shyam ji was located in the pond, which started to drain when Kaliyug began. According to Hindu mythology, the devotees dip in the pond to free themselves from all physical illness and be in good health. During the Phalguna mela, the kund is busy with devotees and believes it is too sacred at this time. 

Five aartis are conducted each day at the Khatu Shyam Ji mandir. If you visit this lovely temple, you should attend one of these aartis because the atmosphere of devotion and tranquillity created by the chanting and the aarti is unmatched. 

• Mangla Aarti- This aarti is performed every morning when they open the temple gate for devotees.
• Shringar Arti- This aarti is performed when the idol of Khatu Shyam is decorated accompanied by the aarti. 
• Bhog Arti- As the name suggests this is Arti performed when the bhog or Prasad serves lord Khatu Shyam. And this is the third Arti of the day.
• Sandhya Aarti- This Arti is performed in the evening at sunset.
• Sayana Aarti- Sayana Aarti is performed when the door of the temple is closed.

There are two special chants in the Khatu Shyam Mandir. One is Shri Shyam Aarti and the second one is Shree Shyam Vinati. 

Khatu Shyam Mandir is popularly known for the Annual fair that is held in the months of February and March. It is a 3-day festival known as Khatu Shyam Ji fair wherein Hindus perform rituals like getting hair shaved off of their boy child which is considered to be highly auspicious. Various other joyous entertainment events are also organized for visitors. Shopping for handicrafts and artwork is done and sweet delicacies are savoured. 

This fort is about 10 KM away from the Sikar on Harshnath road. It was constructed by Rao Raja Devi Singh in 1787. It is well-known as a tourist destination and is the royal place where the king's family stayed. As there are no direct roads to reach the fort, be prepared to hike to the fort. The place will please you with its historical glory and its unique vibrancy that attracts visitors. Kunj Bihari temple is also a popular destination situated in Devgarh.

Traveller Information:

• Famous For: A Royal place 
• Location: Deogarh, Rajasthan
• Distance from Khatu Shyam Mandir: 47 KM

Things to do:

• Adventure Activities: (In Sikar) Hiking, Camel Safari, Hot Air Ballooning, Zip Line, etc.  

This temple is one of the best places in the Sikar district. The distance is 14 KM from Sikar district and situated on the top hills of the city. Travelling is a little risky, but when you reach the top, its panorama is your reward. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the oldest temples. Shikargah, Khatu Shyam Mandir and Roop Niwas Kothi are the most attractive points which are near Harsh Nath Temple.

Traveller Information:

• Famous For: Situated atop a hill.
• Best Time to Visit: October to March 
• Location: Harsh Nath Temple, Harsh, Rajasthan
• Distance from Khatu Shyam Mandir: 66 KM

Things to do:

• Adventure Activities: (In Sikar) Hiking, Camel Safari, Hot Air Ballooning, Zip Line, etc.  

It is one of the city's most overlooked locations. Amazing wall frescoes are the real highlight of this building. The location will be a magnificent treat for the eyes and soul for its lovely architecture. The Cenotaph is a fantastic location for photography because it is adorned with many wall paintings. Include it in your Rajasthan trip because it is one of the top sites to see in the Sikar area. 

Traveller Information:

• Famous For: Architecture 
• Best Time to Visit: October to March 
• Location: Seth Ramgopal Poddar Chhatri, Ramgarh, Rajasthan

Things to do:

• Adventure Activities: (In Sikar) Hiking, Camel Safari, Hot Air Ballooning, Zip Line, etc.  

This is located in the Shekhawati area in the Sikar district and this is unique. It lies on the top of a hill and is loaded with architecture and historical significance. The temple in the fort is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and open for devotees, but the fort is private property and attracts tourists and visitors. The fort is a top-notch tourist destination and offers a stunning view of the city from its base. 

Traveller Information:

• Famous For: Temple's shape & architecture
• Best Time to Visit: All year around 
• Location: Laxmangarh Town, Sikar district
• Distance from Khatu Shyam Mandir: 85 KM

Things to do:

• Adventure Activities: (In Sikar) Hiking, Camel Safari, Hot Air Ballooning, Zip Line, etc.  

The temple has stunning architecture and is situated in the centre of Sikar city. The murals on the temple's walls add to the sanctity of the space. It is a very peaceful and holy spot to pray to the Lord because of the general atmosphere of the location. It is undoubtedly one of the most amazing spots to visit in Sikar. Visit this temple to marvel at the architecture, experience the magical aura and fill your soul with abundant positivity.

Traveller Information:

• Famous For: Architecture
• Best Time to Visit: October to March 
• Location: Subhash Chowk, Sikar, Rajasthan.
• Distance from Khatu Shyam Mandir: 55 KM

Things to do:

• Adventure Activities: (In Sikar) Dune Bashing, Desert Camping, Hiking and Camel Safari

By Train:

• The nearest railway station is the Ringas junction which is about 1.1 KM away from the Khatu Shyam Mandir. From here you can hire a taxi.

By Air:

• The nearest airport is the Jaipur International airport which is 78 KM away from the temple and you can hire a private taxi or cab to reach there.

By Road:

• You can reach Khattu Shyam Mandir from Pink city, Jaipur as there are several buses that ply from the former city to Khatu. From the Khatu bus stop, you can hire an auto-rickshaw to the temple. 

The Khatu Shyam Mandir is one of the holy temples and one of the largest temples you can visit. According to Hindu mythology, this temple is blessed by Lord Krishna in the Mahabharata period. When you come to Rajasthan then never miss coming here. Highly recommend visiting this temple because of the great interesting story behind the building of Khatu Shyam mandir. Experience the divine and return home with buoyant vibes. Chant ‘Khatu Shyam’, to free yourself from physical illness and sins.