Khatu Shyam Mandir is a holy Hindu temple located in Khatoo, Sikar district in Indian state of Rajasthan. It dedicates Barbarika- also called Khatu Shyam who is a divine character in the Mahabharata The temple is constructed with white Makrana marble and has lovely mythological painting and a sacred pond called Shyam Kund, where the devotees take a purification bath.
Millions of people pay a visit to the temple each year particularly during the Phalgun (FebruaryMarch) Mela. The fair was attended by approximately 2.5 million (25 lakh) devotees in 2025 (A major ritual is the Nishaan Yatra, a foot pilgrimage of over 17 km by pilgrims from Reengus to Khatu to hoist the Nishaan, a sacred flag, on top of the temple; this ritual is more than 300 years old .
The temple starts early; 4.30 AM in summer and 5.30 AM in winter and has aaratis five times daily, Mangala, Shringar, Bhog, Sandhya and Shayan To a tourist in 2025, these figures visitor statistics date of establishment, distance travelled to engage in pilgrimage and frequency of rituals, all signify the great age the temple has reached and its life in the present.
TTD 500 Rs Darshan ticket Booking 2025:Timings & Arjitha Sevas
History of Khatu Shyam Mandir
Khatu Shyam Mandir is a renowned temple in the Sikar district of the Rajasthan state of India. The temple is in honour to Khatu Shyam, who is reported to be identical with the Barbarika of the Mahabharata legend. Barbarika, as legend has it, was a grandson of Bhima one of the Pandavas. He was an immensely courageous fighter and had given an assurance to be ever on the side of the weaker side of the war.
Lord Krishna had requested to sacrifice the head of Barbarika before the battle of Mahabharata. Barbarika dared and Krishna blessed him that in future people would bow him down in the name of Shyam. They say that the head of Barbarika was interred at Khatu village. The head was later discovered in 1027 AD around a place known as Shyam Kund by a local ruler, Roop Singh Chauhan where he raised a temple.
This temple is currently built of white marble and was again built with the help of one king by name Diwan Abhaisingh in 1720 AD. Khatu Shyam Mandir has since then turned out to be a very important pilgrimage site. Thousands of worshippers come daily and most of all at the time of Phalgun Mela millions of people attend to pay their respects to Khatu Shyam.
An overview table for Khatu Shyam Mandir
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Khatu Shyam Mandir |
| Location | Khatu village, Sikar district, Rajasthan, India |
| Deity | Khatu Shyam (Barbarika from Mahabharata) |
| Historical Origin | Around 1027 AD |
| Founder | Roop Singh Chauhan (built the first temple) |
| Rebuilt Year | 1720 AD by King Diwan Abhaisingh |
| Special Legend | Barbarika gave his head to Lord Krishna before the Mahabharata war |
| Sacred Site | Shyam Kund (place where the head was found) |
| Architecture | White Makrana marble with carvings |
| Major Festival | Phalgun Mela (February–March) |
What are the timings of temple
| Season | Temple Opens (Morning) | Temple Closes (Midday) | Reopens (Evening) | Closes (Night) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (approx. April–September) | 4:30 AM | 12:30 PM | 4:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
| Winter (approx. October–March) | 5:30 AM | 1:00 PM | 4:00 PM | 9:00 PM |
Aarti (Prayer) Timings
| Aarti | Summer Time | Winter Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mangala (early morning) | 4:30 AM | 5:30 AM |
| Shringar (morning) | 7:00 AM | 8:00 AM |
| Bhog (noon) | 12:30 PM | 12:30 PM |
| Sandhya (evening) | 7:30 PM | 6:30 PM |
| Shayan (night closing) | 10:00 PM | 9:00 PM |
What Are the Nearby attractiond
- Shyam Kund
This is a sacred pond by the side of the temple. It is believed that head of Barbarika (Khatu Shyam) was discovered here. Devotees bathe in the pond hoping that this will create blessings. The main temple is only a few feet walk away. - Gouri shankar Temple
It is a beautiful small temple devoted to Lord Shiva. It lies close to Khatu Shyam Mandir. Tourists visit this place to observe the ancient stone carvings and ambience. - Roop Niwas Palace
Thirty five miles from Khatu, in Nawalgarh, this palace is famous because of royal architecture and gardens. The royal family used to live here and today it opens its doors to visitors. - Jeen Mata Temple
This temple is approximately 30 km away (just about 12 miles) towards Khatu and it is devoted to Goddess Jeen Mata. It is a temple on top of a hill and has a magnificent view of the place. - Salasar Balaji Temple
This well known temple of the deity Lord Hanuman is located around 65 km away. A lot of people combine Khatu Shyam shand Salasar Balaji when they visit them.
How To Reach The Temple
By Road
The place is well connected with road. You can take of buses, taxis and you own Car . Salasar Balaji is about 80 kms from Jaipur & 300 kms from Delhi. Buses run frequently from Jaipur, Sikar and other nearby cities. It takes about 4 2 hours by car from Jaipur to it.
By Train
The railway station closest to Khatu is Ringas Junction (about 17 km from there). A lot of trains like Delhi, Jaipur and other cities stop over here. Auto-rickshaws, taxis as well as buses are available to drive to the temple which is located from Ringas. From te station it’s about 20-25 minutes.
By Air
The closest airport is Jaipur International Airport it is 95 km from the temple. From airport you can get a private taxi or take a bus to Khatu. It is a 2–2.5 hour drive by road.
Local Transport
In Khatu town, one can get e-rickshaws as well as cycle ricksaws and small autos from the hotels or bus stands to the temple.
