barbarik Katu shyam

The Story of Barbarika

Barbarika was the son of Ghatotkacha and the grandson of Bhima, one of the Pandavas. Thus, he belonged to the Pandava lineage.

From childhood, Barbarika was extremely valiant and spiritually inclined. He performed severe penance and received three powerful arrows from Lord Shiva. These arrows were extraordinary:

One arrow could mark all targets he wished to destroy.

Another could mark what he wanted to protect.

The third arrow would destroy all marked targets and then return to his quiver.

Because of these three arrows, he was virtually invincible.

His Vow

Before the great war of Kurukshetra, Barbarika promised his mother that he would always support the weaker side in any battle.

When the war of Kurukshetra War was about to begin, Barbarika set out to participate.

His Encounter with Krishna

On the way, Lord Krishna (disguised as a Brahmin) stopped him and questioned him about his strength and intentions.

Barbarika explained the power of his three arrows. To test him, Krishna asked him to pierce all the leaves of a peepal tree with a single arrow.

Barbarika released one arrow. It pierced every leaf on the tree. Krishna secretly hid one leaf under his foot — but the arrow began circling around Krishna’s foot, ready to pierce the hidden leaf.

Krishna realized that if Barbarika entered the war:

He would first fight for the weaker side.

As soon as that side became stronger, he would switch.

Eventually, he alone would remain, and the war’s divine purpose would be defeated.

Krishna then asked Barbarika for daan (charity). Barbarika agreed.

Krishna asked for his head.

Without hesitation, Barbarika offered his head.

The Witness of the War

Moved by his devotion and sacrifice, Krishna granted him a boon:

Barbarika’s severed head would be placed on a hill to witness the entire Kurukshetra war.

After the war, when the Pandavas argued about who was responsible for victory, Krishna asked Barbarika’s head.

Barbarika replied:

"I saw only Krishna everywhere. His Sudarshana Chakra was destroying the warriors. All credit belongs to Him."

This teaches deep humility and surrender.

Spiritual Significance

Barbarika represents:

Absolute devotion

Readiness to sacrifice ego

Faith in divine will

The power of neutrality and dharma

In Rajasthan, he is worshipped as Khatu Shyam Ji, especially at the famous temple in Khatu Shyam Temple.