PLEASE NOW LITTLE BIT ABOUT SHYAM BABA
SUSHEEL
The legend of Shyam Baba can be traced back to the Mahabharata .
Barbareek was a son of the great Pandava brother Bhima 's son
Ghatotkacha and Nag Kanya - Ahilawati . Barbareek, from his childhood
was very brave and a great warrior. He learnt the art of fighting from
his mother. Shiva , pleased with him, gave him the three infallible
Arrows (Teen Baan) and got the famous name of Teen Baandhaari , and
Agni Dev (the Fire God) gave him the Bow , which would make him
victorious in the three worlds.
The battle of Mahabharata was inevitable between the Pandavas and
Kauravas , and having got the news, Barbareek wanted to witness the
great war. He promised to his mother, that if he felt the urge, to
participate in the battle, he would join the side which would be
losing. He rode on the Blue Horse (Leela Ghora) equipped with the
three arrows and the bow. The omnipresent Krishna , disguising himself
as a Brahmin , stopped Barbareek to examine his strength. He even
tried to mock Barbareek saying that he was going to the great battle
with only three arrows.
On this, Barbareek replied that only one arrow was enough to destroy
all the enemies 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. Barbareek accepted the
challenge, removed one arrow from his quiver and released it from his
bow.
The arrow tied all the leaves together within moments. But Krishna had
one leaf under his foot. The arrow then started revolving around his
foot, and he asked the boy, whom would he favour in the war. Barbareek
reiterated that he would fight for the side which loses. Krishna knew
that defeat of Kauravas was inevitable, and if this brave boy joins
them, the result would be in their favour.
The Brahmin (Krishna) then wanted charity from the boy. Barbareek
promised him anything he wished. Krishna asked him to give his head in
charity. The boy was shocked, but he maintained his promise. He
requested the Brahmin to disclose his identity. Krishna showed him his
divine form.
He explained to Barbareek that before the battle, in order to worship
the battlefield, head of the bravest Kshatriya needs to be sacrificed.
And he considered Barbareek to be the bravest, and hence asked for his
head in charity.
Barbareek requested that he wanted to see the battle till its end, and
his wish was granted. Thus on the 12th day of Shukla Paksha of the
month Phalguna , he gave his head to Krishna ( Shish Daan). The head
was placed atop a hill near the battlefield. From the hill Barbareek
could watch the whole battle.
When the battle was over and Pandavas having won, they argued amongst
themselves as who was responsible for victory. At this, Krishna
suggested that Barbareek's head had watched the whole battle, and who
else would be a better judge. Barbareek's head suggested that it was
Krishna who was responsible for the victory, his advice, his presence,
his gameplan had been crucial. He could see only the Sudarshana Chakra
revolving around the battlefield which was hacking the Kaurava army to
pieces and Draupadi assuming the fearful form of Mahakali Durga was
drinking bowl after bowl of blood and was not allowing even one drop
of blood to fall on the earth.
Krishna, pleased with Barbareek'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.
His head was then buried in Khatu . Milk started to flow out of a
cow's udder when she reached the spot. Later, the place was dug up,
and the head appeared. The head was handed over to a Brahmin who
worshipped the head for many days. The King of Khatu had a dream where
he was inspired to build a temple and install the head. Subsequently,
a temple was built and the head "SHISH" was installed on the 11th day
of Shukla Paksha of Kartik month.
Some popular names
Barbareek
Khatushyamji's childhood name was '''Barbareek'''. His mother and
relatives used to call by this name before the name Khatushyamji was
given by Shri Krishna.
Sheesh Ke Daani
The meaning of this is who has donated his head on his own. When Shri
Krishna ask him for his head he has given it without any hesitation.
The reason behind this was Shri Krishna wants Pandavas as winner,
whereas Barbareek was who has taken the oath as supporter of defeating
team. Shri Krishna knows very well that the defeating team would be
Kauravas ' military force. So Krishnaji wants him not to take part in
Mahabharat . After demanding of head he has given his head happily and
requested krishna to see the big war of Mahabharat. Krishnaji accepted
his request and his donated head has been put near on the hilltop.
Hare Ka Sahara
This name is also one of his popular names. The meaning of the name is
"the supporter of defeating team". His mother Ahilawati advised him to
support that team which has less power and going to lose the match. he
has promised his mother to do so.
Teen Baandhaari
He had got three arrows which had infallibility in the world. He got
these arrows by Agni Dev after doing a very hard latria. These arrows
were sufficient to destroy the whole world. The title written below
these three arrows is "Maa Sevyam Parajitah".
Lakhadatari
The meaning is the donor of the things whatever you want. He never
hesitates to give his devotees the things whatever they need and
demand for.
Leele Ke Aswaar
He was the rider of the blue horse named "Leela". Many call it Neela
Ghoda . The horse was so fast that no one could imagine it.
In and around the temple
The temple was built in 1027 by Shri Roopsingh Chauhan / Smt Narmada
Kanwar in Khatu .
Some 975 years ago the wife of Roopsingh Chauhan saw in her dream that
deity instructed him to take his image out of the earth. The indicated
place, when dug up, yielded the present idol of Shri ShyamJi, which
was enshrined in the temple. That spot is now known as Shyam Kund.
Brief of the deity
Shyam Ji's head is worshipped. The idol is made of rare stone and
commands tremendous respect from visitors. Shyam Ji is the family god
of lakh s of families.
Architecture of the temple
The temple has been built in ancient style of architecture. The
shutters of the Sanctum Sanctorum are beautifully covered with silver
sheet. Outside is the prayer hall, Jagmohan . The walls of which have
beautiful depiction of mythological scenes elaborately painted. The
entrance gate and exit gate are made of marble, and their brackets are
of marble having ornamental floral designs.
Important architectural characteristics
Originally the temple was built 975 years ago by Smt. Narmada Kanwar
and her husband Shri Roop Singh Chauhan . In Samvat 1777 ( 1720 A.D.),
Diwan Abhaisingh at the behest of the then king of Jodhpur , renovated
the old temple. The temple took its present shape at this time and the
idol was enshrined in the Sanctum Sanctorum . There is an open chowk
before the entrance gate of the temple. A big hall for prayers of the
size 40'6" x 15'4" (12.3 m x 4.7 m) is also there. In the southeast is
the temple of Gopinathji . For the management and disposal of temple
work, a seven member committee is constituted. The Public Trust of
this committee is registered under registration No. 3/86.
Material of Construction: Lime mortar , marble , and tiles .
Total Construction Time: eight months in building the original temple
Religious aspects of temple
Shyam is worshipped as Krishna himself. Devotees from far-flung areas
and distant places such as Kolkata , Mumbai , Hyderabad , Nepal ,
Delhi , Uttar Pradesh , Haryana , Punjab , Uttranchal and rest of the
country assemble here on days held specially sacred to Shyam Ji. In a
routine way, hundreds of visitors visit everyday. A number of
Dharmashala s (Charity lodges) are available for their comfortable
stay. Newly married couples come to pay homage; newly born babies are
brought to the deity 's temple for Mundan (the first hair shearing)
ceremony and Sawamany ceremony.
Unique features of the temple
People filled with devotional fervor come here and take a holy dip in
the Shyam Kund. They believe, this sacred bath will relieve them of
diseases and contagion.
Temple timings
During winter (Ashwin Badi 1 to Chaitra Sudi 15): 5.30 am. to 1.00 pm.
and 4.00 pm. to 9.00 pm.
During summer (Baisakh Badi 1 to Bhadrapad Sudi 15): 4.30 am. to 12.30
pm. and 4.00 pm. to 10.00 pm.
Note: The temple is open 24 hours a day during every Shukla Paksha
11th. Also, the temple is open throughout the Falgun Mela from Falgun
Sudi 10th to 12th.
Around the temple
Shyam Kund
The holy pond near the temple from which the Sheesh (Head) was
retrieved. It is believed that a dip in this pond cures a person from
ailments and brings good health. People come at Falgun Mela from
various places here and assume sacred after taking bath. People take
water from here which they use to remove several diseases.
Shyam Bagichi
A blessed garden near the temple from where the flowers are picked to
be offered to the deity. The great devotee Lt. Aloo Singhji 's Samadhi
is also in the premises .
Gourishankar Temple
This is a Shiva temple which is near Shyamji 's temple. There is a
legend that the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb 's soldiers wanted to destroy
this temple, and attacked the Shiva Linga with a spear . Fountains of
blood appeared from the Shiva Linga, and the soldiers ran away,
terrified. One can still see the mark of the spear on the Linga.
Festivals
Shyamji is also worshipped in the form of Krishna . Thus, the vigour
in the festivity mood derives its flavour from the fickle and
colourful nature of Krishna.
The most important festival is the Falgun Mela in Khatushyamji which
occurs in the month of Phalguna Dashami to Dwadashi just 3-4 days
earlier from the great Indian festival Holi . A large crowd visit here
across India to enjoy a sight of Baba Shyam 's idol. The great singers
across all over the country come here to perform Bhajans on this holy
occasion.
It was said that Barbreek or Khatushyamji was a bachelor (= not
married). On this holy occasion pilgrim s all over the counry come
here on foot with nishans (holy mark - Flag s) in their hands. They
enjoyed this occasion as the marriage of Khatushyamji.
Other festivals are Krishna Janmaashtami , Jal Jhulani Ekadashi ,
Holi , Basant Panchami .
Ekadashi / Dwadashi
(Shukla Paksha - 11th & 12 of every month)
Ekadashi gains its importance from the fact that Shree Shyamji was
born on 11th day of Shukla Paksh in the month of Karttika .
Dwadashi - Shree Shyamji donated His Head "SHISH" to Krishna during
the great battle of Mahabharata - "SHISH DAAN".
Darshan on these two days are very auspicious and thousands come
regularly every month from all parts of the country. The temple
remains open throughout the night of Ekadashi for darshan.
Devotees engage themselves in Bhajan-Kirtan on the Ekadashi night
(Jaagran). Renowned bhajan singers from different parts of the country
sing Bhajans for the deity in different dharamshalas throughout Khatu.
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 Ringas to Khatu (17 km) on foot.
Nishans are offered in millions during the Falgun Mela, and it is a
site to see.
Phalguna Mela
It is one of the biggest festivals of Rajasthan. The SHISH appeared on
Phalguna Sudi Ekadashi (11th of Shukla Paksha - Phalguna month) and
hence the fair is organised from 9th to the 12th of Phalguna month.
An estimated 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. The government of Rajasthan takes care of
the law and order during the fair.
Hundreds of stalls are put throughout the town selling sweets, food
stuff, music cassettes, books etc. Special arrangements are made for
feeding the devotees in almost all the Dharamshala s and Vishram Griha
s.
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.
Special trains & buses also ply during the mela . The whole town along
with the temple is illuminated.
Name of Dharamshala in Khatu or other part of India
Shree Shyam Brijanand Khatu Dham -Haridwar Ph-09319040920
Other pages about Shri Shyam
Shri Shyam Aarti
Shri Shyam Vinati
Shri Shyam Chalisa
Shri Shyam Mantras
Devotees
There are millions of devotees who worship Shyamji throughout the
world. A great number have devoted their whole life to the cause.
Their devotion being so divine and pure, that they themselves have
been considered as cult figures and are worshipped too.
Some of his devotees who have devoted their lives in the name of Shyam
Baba are :
Lt. Shree Shyam Bahadur ji
Lt. Shree Alu Singh ji
Lt. Shree Shiv Charanji Bhimrajka
Lt. Shree Sanwalramji
Lt. Shree Manglaramji
Lt. Shree Matriduttji.
Shree Chandraji Sharma
The list is endless and we hope that more and more names are added to
the above list.
Singers
Devotees engage themselves in Bhajan-Kirtan on the Ekadashi night
( Jaagran ). Renowned bhajan singers from different parts of the
country sing Bhajans for the deity in different dharamshala s
throughout Khatu .
Bhajan Singers, both professional and amateur hailing from different
parts of the country, are present in Khatu to sing devotional songs
and please the Lord. Devotees throughout the world organise Bhajan
programmes (Jaagrans) and invite these Bhajan Singers to sing
devotional songs.
Following are some of the renowned Bhajan Singers / Poets from
different parts of the country.
One of the singer is Shri Mahendraji Bhagaria ( ni...@gmail.com ) our
group member.
As few people knows only he can is a sings very good Bhajans of
Shri Shyam Baba.
Tarachand Sharma , Kolkata
Nandkishore Sharma ( Nanduji ), Ahmedabad
Lakhbir Singh Lakha , Mumbai
Jai Shankar Chowdhary ( Agarwal ), Kolkata
Rajendra Jain, Kolkata
Kunj Bihariji ( Behariji ), Vrindavan
Shiv Kumar Jalan ( Shibu ), Bhilwara
Ravindra Kejriwal ( Ravi ), Kolkata
Damodar Sharma, Bhagalpur
Binod Kr. Garodia (Binnu), Barakar
Sanjay Mittal , Kolkata
Shyam Sundar Sharma, Delhi
Sohanlal Lohakar, Khatu
Sanjay Agarwal, Kolkata
Kumar Narendra, Jaipur
Pawan Bhatia, Kolkata
Sandeep Sultania, Kolkata
Sanjay Sharma, Kolkata
Vijay Soni, Kolkata
Harjeet Singh Heera, Tatanagar
Baby Uma Lahari, Jaipur
Liyakat Ali, Khatu
Babulal Sharma, Khatu
Pappu Sharma, Khatu
Raj Kumar Khandelwal, Mumbai
Gopal Bajaj, Hyderabad
Ramesh Sharma, Bhagalpur
Zubin Mehta, Delhi
RAJESH GOEL
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