Barbarika - Revision history

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	'''Barbarika''' (''Barbarīka'') in [[Hinduism]] is the son of [[Ghatotkacha]] and Princess Ahilawati or Maurvi. Ghatotkach is the son of [[Bhima]] and [[Hidimbi]]. Maurvi is the daughter of Daitya Moora (Army Chief of Demon King [[Narakasura]]) and Demoness Danavi.~~<~~ref name="Parmeshwaranand2001"~~>~~{{cite book\|last=Parmeshwaranand\|first=Swami\|title=Encyclopaedic Dictionary of Puranas\|url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_6F0ZIBIL2ZAC\|year=2001\|publisher=Sarup & Sons\|isbn=978-81-7625-226-3\|page=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_6F0ZIBIL2ZAC/page/n161 155]}}~~<~~/ref~~>~~ Babarika is a [[folk hero]] and is not directly attested in the [[Mahabharata]].		'''Barbarika''' (''Barbarīka'') in [[Hinduism]] is the son of [[Ghatotkacha]] and Princess Ahilawati or Maurvi. Ghatotkach is the son of [[Bhima]] and [[Hidimbi]]. Maurvi is the daughter of Daitya Moora (Army Chief of Demon King [[Narakasura]]) and Demoness Danavi.<ref name="Parmeshwaranand2001">{{cite book\|last=Parmeshwaranand\|first=Swami\|title=Encyclopaedic Dictionary of Puranas\|url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_6F0ZIBIL2ZAC\|year=2001\|publisher=Sarup & Sons\|isbn=978-81-7625-226-3\|page=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_6F0ZIBIL2ZAC/page/n161 155]}}</ref> Babarika is a [[folk hero]] and is not directly attested in the [[Mahabharata]].

	In [[Nepal]], Kirati king [[Yalambar]] is believed to be the Barbarik of Mahabharata, son of Ghatotkach and grandson of Bheem. Legend credits him with meeting Indra, the lord of heaven, who ventured into the Valley in human guise, while natives of the [[Kathmandu Valley]] portray him as [[Akash Bhairav]].~~<~~ref~~>~~{{Cite web \|url=http://www.harekrsna.com/sun/features/02-13/features2739.htm \|title={title} \|access-date=17 January 2014 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130225033948/http://www.harekrsna.com/sun/features/02-13/features2739.htm \|archive-date=25 February 2013 \|url-status=live \|df=dmy-all }}~~<~~/ref~~>~~		In [[Nepal]], Kirati king [[Yalambar]] is believed to be the Barbarik of Mahabharata, son of Ghatotkach and grandson of Bheem. Legend credits him with meeting Indra, the lord of heaven, who ventured into the Valley in human guise, while natives of the [[Kathmandu Valley]] portray him as [[Akash Bhairav]].<ref>{{Cite web \|url=http://www.harekrsna.com/sun/features/02-13/features2739.htm \|title={title} \|access-date=17 January 2014 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130225033948/http://www.harekrsna.com/sun/features/02-13/features2739.htm \|archive-date=25 February 2013 \|url-status=live \|df=dmy-all }}</ref>

	In [[Rajasthan]], Barbarika is worshipped as '''Khatu Shyam''' in [[Khatu Shyam Temple]],~~<~~ref~~>~~{{cite web \|title=जानिये कौन हैं ये खाटू श्याम महाराज \|url=https://www.newstrend.news/175965/khatu-shyam-maharaj-ki-kahani/ \|website=newstrend.news \|date=14 October 2018 \|publisher=Newstrend \|access-date=3 May 2020 \|language=hi}}~~<~~/ref~~>~~ and in [[Gujarat]], he is worshipped as '''Baliyadev'''.~~<~~ref~~>~~{{Cite web \|last=Pravase \|title=Baliyabapa Temple, Lambha Baliyadev Mandir, Ahmedabad{{!}}Pravase \|url=https://pravase.co.in/thingstododetail/176/india/gujarat/ahmedabad/baliyabapa-temple-lambha-mandir-timings-history-rituals-facilities \|access-date=2024-12-30 \|website=pravase.co.in \|language=en}}~~<~~/ref~~>~~		In [[Rajasthan]], Barbarika is worshipped as '''Khatu Shyam''' in [[Khatu Shyam Temple]],<ref>{{cite web \|title=जानिये कौन हैं ये खाटू श्याम महाराज \|url=https://www.newstrend.news/175965/khatu-shyam-maharaj-ki-kahani/ \|website=newstrend.news \|date=14 October 2018 \|publisher=Newstrend \|access-date=3 May 2020 \|language=hi}}</ref> and in [[Gujarat]], he is worshipped as '''Baliyadev'''.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Pravase \|title=Baliyabapa Temple, Lambha Baliyadev Mandir, Ahmedabad{{!}}Pravase \|url=https://pravase.co.in/thingstododetail/176/india/gujarat/ahmedabad/baliyabapa-temple-lambha-mandir-timings-history-rituals-facilities \|access-date=2024-12-30 \|website=pravase.co.in \|language=en}}</ref>

	== His legendary arrows ==		== His legendary arrows ==
	Barbarika/ Belarsen was a grandson of [[Bhima]] (second of the [[Pandava]] brothers), and the son of Ghatotkacha. [[Ghatotkacha]] was the son of [[Bhima]] and [[Hidimbi]]. He learnt the art of warfare from his mother [[Ahilawati\|Ahilāvati]], who was also known as Mauravi (daughter of Mura). The gods (''ashtadeva'') gave him the three infallible arrows.~~<~~ref~~>~~{{cite book \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MMFdosx0PokC&pg=PA431 \|title=Rethinking India's Oral and Classical Epics \|author=Alf Hiltebeitel \|author-link=Alf Hiltebeitel \|publisher=University of Chicago Press \|year=2009 \|isbn=9780226340555 \|page=431 \|access-date=28 October 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305012600/https://books.google.ca/books?id=MMFdosx0PokC&lpg=PA431 \|archive-date=5 March 2016 \|url-status=live \|df=dmy-all }}~~<~~/ref~~>~~		Barbarika/ Belarsen was a grandson of [[Bhima]] (second of the [[Pandava]] brothers), and the son of Ghatotkacha. [[Ghatotkacha]] was the son of [[Bhima]] and [[Hidimbi]]. He learnt the art of warfare from his mother [[Ahilawati\|Ahilāvati]], who was also known as Mauravi (daughter of Mura). The gods (''ashtadeva'') gave him the three infallible arrows.<ref>{{cite book \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MMFdosx0PokC&pg=PA431 \|title=Rethinking India's Oral and Classical Epics \|author=Alf Hiltebeitel \|author-link=Alf Hiltebeitel \|publisher=University of Chicago Press \|year=2009 \|isbn=9780226340555 \|page=431 \|access-date=28 October 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305012600/https://books.google.ca/books?id=MMFdosx0PokC&lpg=PA431 \|archive-date=5 March 2016 \|url-status=live \|df=dmy-all }}</ref>

	==See also==		==See also==

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	{{use Indian English\|date=February 2016}}		{{use Indian English\|date=February 2016}}

	'''Barbarika''' (''Barbarīka)'', is a [[Hindu god\|Hindu deity]], particularly worshipped in western India.		'''Barbarika''' (''Barbarīka)'' or '''Khatu Shyam''', is a [[Hindu god\|Hindu deity]], particularly worshipped in western India.

	According to the ''[[Skanda Purana]]'', Barbarika was the son of [[Ghatotkacha]] (Son of Bhima) and Princess [[Ahilawati\|Maurvi]], daughter of Daitya Moora,<ref name="Parmeshwaranand2001">{{cite book\|last=Parmeshwaranand\|first=Swami\|title=Encyclopaedic Dictionary of Puranas\|url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_6F0ZIBIL2ZAC\|year=2001\|publisher=Sarup & Sons\|isbn=978-81-7625-226-3\|page=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_6F0ZIBIL2ZAC/page/n161 155]}}</ref> though other references state that he was a warrior from the south. He is not a character who appears in the original Mahabharata, likely retroactively added to certain traditions through [[syncretism]]. Barbarika was originally a [[yaksha]], reborn as a man. He was bound by his principle of always fighting on the weaker side, which led him to stand witness to the [[Kurukshetra War\|Kurukshetra war]] without taking part in it. In Nepali culture, Kirata King [[Yalamber]] of [[Nepal]] is portrayed as Barbarika, while natives of the Kathmandu Valley portray him as [[Akash Bhairav]].<ref>{{Cite web \|url=http://www.harekrsna.com/sun/features/02-13/features2739.htm \|title={title} \|access-date=17 January 2014 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130225033948/http://www.harekrsna.com/sun/features/02-13/features2739.htm \|archive-date=25 February 2013 \|url-status=live \|df=dmy-all }}</ref>		According to the ''[[Skanda Purana]]'', Barbarika was the son of [[Ghatotkacha]] (Son of Bhima) and Princess [[Ahilawati\|Maurvi]], daughter of Daitya Moora,<ref name="Parmeshwaranand2001">{{cite book\|last=Parmeshwaranand\|first=Swami\|title=Encyclopaedic Dictionary of Puranas\|url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_6F0ZIBIL2ZAC\|year=2001\|publisher=Sarup & Sons\|isbn=978-81-7625-226-3\|page=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_6F0ZIBIL2ZAC/page/n161 155]}}</ref> though other references state that he was a warrior from the south. He is not a character who appears in the original Mahabharata, likely retroactively added to certain traditions through [[syncretism]]. Barbarika was originally a [[yaksha]], reborn as a man. He was bound by his principle of always fighting on the weaker side, which led him to stand witness to the [[Kurukshetra War\|Kurukshetra war]] without taking part in it.

	In [[Rajasthan]], Barbarika is worshipped as '''[[~~Khatushyam~~ Temple~~\|Khatushyamji~~]]~~'''~~,<ref>{{cite web \|title=जानिये कौन हैं ये खाटू श्याम महाराज \|url=https://www.newstrend.news/175965/khatu-shyam-maharaj-ki-kahani/ \|website=newstrend.news \|date=14 October 2018 \|publisher=Newstrend \|access-date=3 May 2020 \|language=hi}}</ref> and in [[Gujarat]], he is worshipped as '''Baliyadev''' and is believed to have been sacrificed before the Mahabharata war to ensure the victory of his grandfathers, the [[Pandavas]]. In return for his sacrifice, he was deified by [[Krishna]].		In [[Nepal]], Kirati king Yalambar, is believed to be the Barbarik of Mahabharata, son of Ghatotkach and grandson of Bheem. Barbarik had the dubious honor of being slain in the battle of the Mahabharata, in which gods and mortals fought alongside each other. Legend credits him with meeting Indra, the lord of heaven, who ventured into the Valley in human guise, while natives of the Kathmandu Valley portray him as [[Akash Bhairav]].<ref>{{Cite web \|url=http://www.harekrsna.com/sun/features/02-13/features2739.htm \|title={title} \|access-date=17 January 2014 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130225033948/http://www.harekrsna.com/sun/features/02-13/features2739.htm \|archive-date=25 February 2013 \|url-status=live \|df=dmy-all }}</ref>

			In [[Rajasthan]], Barbarika is worshipped as '''Khatu Shyam''' in [[Khatu Shyam Temple]],<ref>{{cite web \|title=जानिये कौन हैं ये खाटू श्याम महाराज \|url=https://www.newstrend.news/175965/khatu-shyam-maharaj-ki-kahani/ \|website=newstrend.news \|date=14 October 2018 \|publisher=Newstrend \|access-date=3 May 2020 \|language=hi}}</ref> and in [[Gujarat]], he is worshipped as '''Baliyadev''' and is believed to have been sacrificed before the Mahabharata war to ensure the victory of his grandfathers, the [[Pandavas]]. In return for his sacrifice, he was deified by [[Krishna]].

	==Other names==		==Other names==
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	*'''Khatu Naresh:''' Literally: "The King of [[Khatushyamji (Town)\|Khatu]]"; One who rules Khatu and the whole universe.		*'''Khatu Naresh:''' Literally: "The King of [[Khatushyamji (Town)\|Khatu]]"; One who rules Khatu and the whole universe.
	*'''Kalyug Ke Avtaar:''' Literally: "The God of [[Kali Yuga]]"; As per Krishna he will be the God who will save good people in the era of Kali Yuga.		*'''Kalyug Ke Avtaar:''' Literally: "The God of [[Kali Yuga]]"; As per Krishna he will be the God who will save good people in the era of Kali Yuga.
	*'''Shyam Pyarey:''' Literally: "~~The God who loves all and all love to him, the spiritual relation between bhakt and Bhagwan called nishkaam Pyaar/prem~~ "		*'''Shyam Pyarey:''' Literally: "Beloved Shyam"
	*'''Baliya Dev:''' Literally: " ~~Dev with superpower~~; newly born children are blessed in the temple located in Vasna, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.		*'''Baliya Dev:''' Literally: " The god who sacrificed himself"; newly born children are blessed in the temple located in Vasna, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
	* '''Morechadidharak''': Literally: "The bearer of the stick made of peacock feathers"		* '''Morechadidharak''': Literally: "The bearer of the stick made of peacock feathers"
	* '''Shyam Baba'''		* '''Shyam Baba:''' The name prevalent between [[Marwari people\|marwadi]] community.
	* '''Barish Ka Devta:''' Literally: "The God of rain"; One who controls rain according to his will. Prevalent name in Kamrunag Temple at [[Mandi, Himachal Pradesh\|Mandi]], [[Himachal Pradesh]].		* '''Barish Ka Devta:''' Literally: "The God of rain"; One who controls rain according to his will. Prevalent name in Kamrunag Temple at [[Mandi, Himachal Pradesh\|Mandi]], [[Himachal Pradesh]].
	* '''Yalambar:''' [[Yalambar]] was a Kirat warrior and First King of [[Kirata Kingdom]] in [[Nepal]].		* '''Yalambar:''' [[Yalambar]] was a Kirat warrior and First King of [[Kirata Kingdom]] in [[Nepal]].<ref>{{Cite web \|last=SUN STAFF \|title=Nepal in the Mahabharata Period, Part 12 \|url=https://www.harekrsna.com/sun/features/02-13/features2739.htm \|access-date=2022-07-31 \|website=www.harekrsna.com}}</ref>
			* '''[[Akash Bhairav]]a:''' Literally: "The God of sky"; One of the many dangerous [[Bhairava]] form of Lord Shiva.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=About Baba Khatu Shyam Ji: Who is He, His Story & History - Rudra Centre \|url=https://www.rudraksha-ratna.com/articles/lord-khatushyamji \|access-date=2022-07-31 \|website=www.rudraksha-ratna.com \|language=en}}</ref>
			* '''Sava Bhakku Deva''': Literally: "The Guardian of the sky"; Prevalent name between [[Licchavi (tribe)\|Licchavi]] community in [[Kathmandu]]
			* '''Wanga Dya''': Literally: "The God of sky protection"; the first ancestral King of [[Kirati people\|Kirat]] People in [[Nepal]].<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Sun Staff \|title=Nepal in the Mahabharata Period, Part 4 \|url=https://www.harekrsna.com/sun/features/02-13/features2731.htm \|access-date=2022-07-31 \|website=www.harekrsna.com}}</ref>
			* '''Hatu Dyah''': Literally: "The pure alcohol God "; One who gives alcohol as a blessing, Prevalent name in [[Newar language\|Newari Language]]
			* '''Āju Dyah''': Literally: "The ancestral God"; Commonly known as progenitor of the [[Maharjan]] community of Nepal

	==Barbarika ~~(Belarsen)~~ and his dialogue with Krishna==		==Barbarika and his dialogue with Krishna==
	Barbarika was a grandson of [[Bhima]] (second of the [[Pandava]] brothers), and the son of Ghatotkacha. [[Ghatotkacha]] was the son of [[Bhima]] and [[Hidimbi]]. Even in his childhood, Barbarika was a very brave warrior. He learnt the art of warfare from his mother. The gods (''ashtadeva'') gave him the three infallible arrows.<ref>{{cite book \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MMFdosx0PokC&pg=PA431 \|title=Rethinking India's Oral and Classical Epics \|author=Alf Hiltebeitel \|author-link=Alf Hiltebeitel \|publisher=University of Chicago Press \|year=2009 \|isbn=9780226340555 \|page=431 \|access-date=28 October 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305012600/https://books.google.ca/books?id=MMFdosx0PokC&lpg=PA431 \|archive-date=5 March 2016 \|url-status=live \|df=dmy-all }}</ref> Hence, Barbarika came to be known as "Bearer of Three Arrows".		Barbarika/ Belarsen was a grandson of [[Bhima]] (second of the [[Pandava]] brothers), and the son of Ghatotkacha. [[Ghatotkacha]] was the son of [[Bhima]] and [[Hidimbi]]. Even in his childhood, Barbarika was a very brave warrior. He learnt the art of warfare from his mother. The gods (''ashtadeva'') gave him the three infallible arrows.<ref>{{cite book \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MMFdosx0PokC&pg=PA431 \|title=Rethinking India's Oral and Classical Epics \|author=Alf Hiltebeitel \|author-link=Alf Hiltebeitel \|publisher=University of Chicago Press \|year=2009 \|isbn=9780226340555 \|page=431 \|access-date=28 October 2015 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305012600/https://books.google.ca/books?id=MMFdosx0PokC&lpg=PA431 \|archive-date=5 March 2016 \|url-status=live \|df=dmy-all }}</ref> Hence, Barbarika came to be known as "Bearer of Three Arrows".
	When Barbarika learnt that the battle between the Pandavas and the Kauravas had become inevitable, he wanted to witness what was to be the Mahābhārata War. He promised his mother that if he felt the urge to participate in the battle, he would join the side that would be losing. He rode to the field on his blue horse, equipped with his three arrows and bow.		When Barbarika learnt that the battle between the Pandavas and the Kauravas had become inevitable, he wanted to witness what was to be the Mahābhārata War. He promised his mother that if he felt the urge to participate in the battle, he would join the side that would be losing. He rode to the field on his blue horse, equipped with his three arrows and bow.

	According to folklore, before the [[Kurukshetra War]] ~~war~~ began, [[Krishna]] asked all the warriors how many days it would take to finish the Mahabharata war alone. [[Bhishma]] answered that he would take 20 days to finish the war. [[Dronacharya]] replied that it would take him 25 days. When [[Karna]] was asked, he said he would take 24 days. [[Arjuna]] told Krishna it would take 28 days for him to complete the battle by himself. In this manner, Krishna asked each warrior and received an answer.{{citation needed\|date=February 2017}}		According to folklore, before the [[Kurukshetra War]] began, [[Krishna]] asked all the warriors how many days it would take to finish the Mahabharata war alone. [[Bhishma]] answered that he would take 20 days to finish the war. [[Dronacharya]] replied that it would take him 25 days. When [[Karna]] was asked, he said he would take 24 days. [[Arjuna]] told Krishna it would take 28 days for him to complete the battle by himself. In this manner, Krishna asked each warrior and received an answer.{{citation needed\|date=February 2017}}

	Krishna, disguised as a ~~brahmin~~, stopped Barbarika to examine his strength. When asked how many days he would take to finish the war alone, Barbarika answered that he could finish it in one minute. Krishna then asked Barbarika how he would finish the great battle with just three arrows. Barbarika replied that a single arrow was enough to destroy all his opponents in the war, and it would then return to his quiver. He stated that the first arrow is used to mark all the things that he wants to destroy. If he uses the second arrow, then the second arrow will mark all the things that he wants to save. On using the third arrow, it will destroy all the things that are marked and then return to his quiver. In other words, with one arrow he can fix all his targets and with the other, he can destroy them.{{citation needed\|date=February 2017}} Another version of the story goes thus, "Barbarika had come to Kurukshetra armed with just three arrows. ‘With one, I can destroy the Pandavas. With the other, the Kauravas. And with the third, Krishna,’ he said boastfully."<ref>{{Cite book\|last=Pattanaik\|first=Devdutt\|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/692288394\|title=Jaya : an illustrated retelling of the Mahabharata\|date=2010\|isbn=978-0-14-310425-4\|location=Gurgaon, Haryana, India\|oclc=692288394}}</ref>		Krishna, disguised as a Brahmin, stopped Barbarika to examine his strength. When asked how many days he would take to finish the war alone, Barbarika answered that he could finish it in one minute. Krishna then asked Barbarika how he would finish the great battle with just three arrows. Barbarika replied that a single arrow was enough to destroy all his opponents in the war, and it would then return to his quiver. He stated that the first arrow is used to mark all the things that he wants to destroy. If he uses the second arrow, then the second arrow will mark all the things that he wants to save. On using the third arrow, it will destroy all the things that are marked and then return to his quiver. In other words, with one arrow he can fix all his targets and with the other, he can destroy them.{{citation needed\|date=February 2017}} Another version of the story goes thus, "Barbarika had come to Kurukshetra armed with just three arrows. ‘With one, I can destroy the Pandavas. With the other, the Kauravas. And with the third, Krishna,’ he said boastfully."<ref>{{Cite book\|last=Pattanaik\|first=Devdutt\|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/692288394\|title=Jaya : an illustrated retelling of the Mahabharata\|date=2010\|isbn=978-0-14-310425-4\|location=Gurgaon, Haryana, India\|oclc=692288394}}</ref>

	Krishna then challenged him to tie all the leaves of the [[Ficus religiosa\|peepal]] tree under which he was standing, using his arrows. Barbarika accepted the challenge and started meditating to release his arrow by closing his eyes. As Barbarika started meditating, Krishna quietly plucked a leaf from the tree and hid it under his foot. When Barbarika released his first arrow, it marked all the leaves of the tree and finally started hovering around the leg of Krishna. Krishna asked Barbarika why the arrow was hovering over his foot. Barbarika replied that there must be a leaf under his foot and the arrow was targeting his foot to mark the leaf that was hidden underneath. Barbarika advised Krishna to lift his leg, since otherwise the arrow would mark the leaf by piercing Krishna's foot. Krishna then lifted his foot and the first arrow also marked the hidden leaf. The third arrow then collected all the leaves (including the hidden leaf ) and tied them together. By this, Krishna concluded that the arrows were so powerful and infallible, that even if Barbarika was unaware of the whereabouts of his targets, his arrows could still navigate and trace his intended targets. Thus, Krishna gets a deeper insight into Barbarika's phenomenal power.		Krishna then challenged him to tie all the leaves of the [[Ficus religiosa\|peepal]] tree under which he was standing, using his arrows. Barbarika accepted the challenge and started meditating to release his arrow by closing his eyes. As Barbarika started meditating, Krishna quietly plucked a leaf from the tree and hid it under his foot. When Barbarika released his first arrow, it marked all the leaves of the tree and finally started hovering around the leg of Krishna. Krishna asked Barbarika why the arrow was hovering over his foot. Barbarika replied that there must be a leaf under his foot and the arrow was targeting his foot to mark the leaf that was hidden underneath. Barbarika advised Krishna to lift his leg, since otherwise the arrow would mark the leaf by piercing Krishna's foot. Krishna then lifted his foot and the first arrow also marked the hidden leaf. The third arrow then collected all the leaves (including the hidden leaf ) and tied them together. By this, Krishna concluded that the arrows were so powerful and infallible, that even if Barbarika was unaware of the whereabouts of his targets, his arrows could still navigate and trace his intended targets. Thus, Krishna gets a deeper insight into Barbarika's phenomenal power.
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	* ''Bhog Aarti'': performed at noon when ''bhog'' ([[Prasadam]]) is served to the .		* ''Bhog Aarti'': performed at noon when ''bhog'' ([[Prasadam]]) is served to the .
	* ''Sandhya Aarti'': performed in the evening, at sunset.		* ''Sandhya Aarti'': performed in the evening, at sunset.
			* ''Shayan Aarti'':<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Team \|first=Editorial \|date=2022-08-04 \|title=Baba Khatu Shyam {{!}} खाटू श्याम : कलयुग के देव \|url=https://kalpanaye.in/khatu-shyam-mandir-information/ \|access-date=2022-08-05 \|website=Kalpanaye \|language=en-US}}</ref> performed in the night, at around 10 PM.

	Two special hymns, the "Shri Shyam Aarti" and the "Shri Shyam Vinati," are chanted on all these occasions. The Shyam mantra is another litany of the 's names that is chanted by devotees.		Two special hymns, the "Shri Shyam Aarti" and the "Shri Shyam Vinati," are chanted on all these occasions. The Shyam mantra is another litany of the 's names that is chanted by devotees.
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	[[File: Khatushyamji Rath1.JPG\|thumb\|200px\|Khatushyamji Rath idol during [[Padayatra\|Pad Yatra]] from [[Kota, Rajasthan\|Kota]] to Khatushyamji in 2008 ]]		[[File: Khatushyamji Rath1.JPG\|thumb\|200px\|Khatushyamji Rath idol during [[Padayatra\|Pad Yatra]] from [[Kota, Rajasthan\|Kota]] to Khatushyamji in 2008 ]]

	On this holy occasion pilgrims all over the country come here on foot with [[nishaan]]s (holy mark - [[flag]]s) in their hands. People enjoy their holy journey by singing ''[[Khatushyamji\|shyam]] [[bhajan]]s'' and playing various musical instruments. They enjoy the journey by playing ''Holi'' with [[gulal]]. Many Shyam [[Bhakta]]s supply food to pedestrians in the shade of tents. They encourage also them to complete their journey with full enthusiasm. They enjoy this occasion as the marriage of Khatushyamji. People enjoy the [[mela]] by purchasing various things. On Dwadashi (= 12th day of a month), [[Bhog]] is being prepared as Baba's –[[Prasadi]] of [[Kheer]] Churama.		On this holy occasion, pilgrims all over the country come here on foot with [[nishaan]]s (holy mark - [[flag]]s) in their hands. People enjoy their holy journey by singing ''[[Khatushyamji\|shyam]] [[bhajan]]s'' and playing various musical instruments. They enjoy the journey by playing ''Holi'' with [[gulal]]. Many Shyam [[Bhakta]]s supply food to pedestrians in the shade of tents. They encourage also them to complete their journey with full enthusiasm. They enjoy this occasion as the marriage of Khatushyamji. People enjoy the [[mela]] by purchasing various things. On Dwadashi (= 12th day of a month), [[Bhog]] is being prepared as Baba's –[[Prasadi]] of [[Kheer]] Churama.

	Special arrangements for security are made to control the crowd. Around 500,000 people visit in three days of this holy mela in this small village. To briefly see Baba Shyam's idol, very tight security is made with the help of [[bamboo]] fence around {{convert\|2\|km}}.		Special arrangements for security are made to control the crowd. Around 500,000 people visit in three days of this holy mela in this small village. To briefly see Baba Shyam's idol, very tight security is made with the help of [[bamboo]] fence around {{convert\|2\|km}}.

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{{Short description|Hindu god}}
{{more citations needed|date=April 2016}}
{{use dmy dates|date=February 2016}}
{{use Indian English|date=February 2016}}
{{Infobox deity
| father = [[Ghatotkacha]]
| affiliation = Devotee of [[Durga]], [[Shiva]] and [[Krishna]]
| texts = [[Skanda Purana]]
| mother = [[Ahilavati]]
| type = Hindu
| image = Khatushyamji Pad Yatra from Kota.JPG
| alt = Barbarika
| caption = Barbarika worshipped as Khatushyam
| other_names = Khatu Narashji, Haare Ka Sahara, Lakhdaatar {{lang|hi|Maurvinandan, Sheesh Ka Daani}}
}}
'''Barbarika''' (''Barbarīka)'', also spelt as '''Barbareek(a)''', is a [[Hindu god]], particularly worshipped in western India.

In the ''[[Skanda Purana]]'', Barbarika was the son of Ghatotkacha and [[Ahilawati|Maurvi]], daughter of Daitya Moor, a [[Baniyo]] king,<ref name="Parmeshwaranand2001">{{cite book|last=Parmeshwaranand|first=Swami|title=Encyclopaedic Dictionary of Puranas|url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_6F0ZIBIL2ZAC|year=2001|publisher=Sarup & Sons|isbn=978-81-7625-226-3|page=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_6F0ZIBIL2ZAC/page/n161 155]}}</ref> though other references state he is a warrior from the south. Barbarika was originally a [[yaksha]], reborn as a man. He was bound by his principle of always fighting on the losing side, which led him to stand witness to the [[Kurukshetra War|battle of Mahabharata]] without taking part in it. In Nepali culture, Kirata King [[Yalamber]] of [[Nepal]], is portrayed as Barbarika while Native of Kathmandu Valley portray him as [[Akash Bhairav]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.harekrsna.com/sun/features/02-13/features2739.htm |title={title} |access-date=17 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130225033948/http://www.harekrsna.com/sun/features/02-13/features2739.htm |archive-date=25 February 2013 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

In [[Rajasthan]], Barbarika is worshipped as '''[[Khatushyam Temple|Khatushyamji]]''',<ref>{{cite web |title=जानिये कौन हैं ये खाटू श्याम महाराज |url=https://www.newstrend.news/175965/khatu-shyam-maharaj-ki-kahani/ |website=newstrend.news |publisher=Newstrend |access-date=3 May 2020 |language=hi}}</ref> and in [[Gujarat]], he is worshipped as '''Baliyadev''' is believed to have been sacrificed before the Mahabharata war to ensure the victory of his grandfathers, the [[Pandavas]]. In return for his sacrifice, he was deified by a boon given by [[Krishna]].

==Other names==
*'''Barbarika:''' Khatushyam's childhood name was Barbarika. His mother and relatives used to call him by this name before the name Shyam given by 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 advice, Barbarika resolved to support whoever has less power and is losing. Hence he is known by this name. This has also led to a popular verse often sung by people who are passing through difficult times: ''Haare Ka Sahara, Khatushyam Hamara'' [We are in doldrums, but let's not worry; Khatushyam is with us!]
*'''Teen Baan Dhaari:''' Literally: "Bearer of three arrows"; Reference is to the three infallible arrows that he received as a 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 [[Khatushyamji (Town)|Khatu]]"; One who rules Khatu and the whole universe.
*'''Kalyug Ke Avtaar:''' Literally: "The God of [[Kali Yuga]]"; As per Krishna he will be the God who will save good people in the era of Kali Yuga.
*'''Shyam Pyarey:''' Literally: "The God who loves all and all love to him, the spiritual relation between bhakt and Bhagwan called nishkaam Pyaar/prem "
*'''Baliya Dev:''' Literally: " Dev with superpower; newly born children are blessed in the temple located in Vasna, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
* '''Morechadidharak''': Literally: "The bearer of the stick made of peacock feathers"
* '''Shyam Baba'''
* '''Barish Ka Devta:''' Literally: "The God of rain"; One who controls rain according to his will. Prevalent name in Kamrunag Temple at [[Mandi, Himachal Pradesh|Mandi]], [[Himachal Pradesh]].
* '''Yalambar'''

==Barbarika (Belarsen) and his dialogue with Krishna==
Barbarika aka Khatushyamji Baliyadev aka Shyam was a grandson of [[Bhima]] (second of the [[Pandava]] brothers), and the son of Ghatotkacha. [[Ghatotkacha]] was the son of [[Bhima]] and [[Hidimbi]]. Even in his childhood, Barbarika was a very brave warrior. He learnt the art of warfare from his mother. The gods (''ashtadeva'') gave him the three infallible arrows.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MMFdosx0PokC&lpg=PA431 |title=Rethinking India's Oral and Classical Epics |author=Alf Hiltebeitel |author-link=Alf Hiltebeitel |publisher=University of Chicago Press |year=2009 |isbn=9780226340555 |page=431 |access-date=28 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305012600/https://books.google.ca/books?id=MMFdosx0PokC&lpg=PA431 |archive-date=5 March 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Hence, Barbarika came to be known as "Bearer of Three Arrows".
When Barbarika learnt that the battle between the Pandavas and the Kauravas had become inevitable, he wanted to witness what was to be the Mahābhārata War. He promised his mother that if he felt the urge to participate in the battle, he would join the side which would be losing. He rode to the field on his Blue Horse equipped with his three arrows and bow.

Before the [[Mahabharata]] war began, Lord [[Krishna]] asked all the warriors how many days it would take to finish the Mahabharata war alone. [[Bhishma]] answered that he would take 20 days to finish the war. [[Dronacharya]] replied that it would take him 25 days. When [[Karna]] was asked, he said he would take 24 days. [[Arjuna]] told Krishna it would take 28 days for him to complete the battle by himself. In this manner, Lord Krishna asked each warrior and received an answer.{{citation needed|date=February 2017}}

Krishna disguised as a Brahmin, stopped Barbarika to examine his strength. When asked how many days he would take to finish the war alone, Barbarika answered that he could finish it in one minute. Krishna then asked Barbarika how he'd finish the great battle with just three arrows. Barbarika replied that a single arrow was enough to destroy all his opponents in the war, and it would then return to his quiver. He stated that the first arrow is used to mark all the things that he wants to destroy. If he uses the second arrow, then the second arrow will mark all the things that he wants to save. On using the third arrow, it will destroy all the things that are not marked and then return to his quiver. In other words, with one arrow he can fix all his targets and with the other, he can destroy them.{{citation needed|date=February 2017}}

Krishna then challenged him to tie all the leaves of the Peepal tree under which he was standing, using his arrows. Barbarika Baliyadev accepts the challenge and starts meditating to release his arrow by closing his eyes. As Barbarika starts meditating, Krishna quietly plucks a leaf from the tree and hides it under his foot. When Barbarika releases his first arrow, it marks all the leaves of the tree and finally started hovering around the leg of Krishna. Krishna asks Barbarika why the arrow was hovering over his foot. Barbarika replies that there must be a leaf under his foot and the arrow was targeting his foot to mark the leaf that is hidden underneath. Barbarika advises Krishna to lift his leg, otherwise, the arrow would mark the leaf by piercing Krishna's foot. Krishna then lifts his foot and the first arrow also marks the hidden leaf. The third arrow then collects all the leaves (including the hidden leaf ) and ties them together. By this Krishna concludes that the arrows are so powerful and infallible, that even if Barbarika is unaware of the whereabouts of his targets, his arrows can still navigate and trace his intended targets. The moral of this incident is that, in a real battlefield, if Krishna wants to isolate someone (for example the 5 Pandava brothers) and hide them elsewhere in order to prevent them from being Barbarika's victim, he would not be successful as the arrows could trace even the hidden targets and destroy them. So, nobody would be able to escape from these arrows. Thus Krishna gets a deeper insight into Barbarika's phenomenal power.

Krishna then asks the boy whom he would favour in the war. Barbarika reveals that he intends to fight for the side whichever is weak. As the Pandavas have only seven [[Akshauhini]] armies compared to the eleven of the Kauravas, he considers that the Pandavas to be relatively the weaker side and hence wants to support them. But Krishna asks him if he had seriously given a thought about the consequences, before giving such a word to his mother (about supporting the weaker side). Barbarika assumes that his support, to the relatively weaker Pandava side, will make them victorious. But, Krishna reveals the actual consequences of his word to his mother:

Krishna tells that whichever side he supports will end up making the other side weaker due to his power. Nobody will be able to defeat him. Hence, as he will be forced to switch sides to support the other side that has become weaker (due to his word to his mother). Thus, in an actual war, he will keep oscillating between two sides, thereby destroying the entire army of both sides and eventually only he would remain. Subsequently, none of the sides would become victorious and he would be the lone survivor. Hence, Krishna avoids his participation in the war by seeking his head in charity.

==Act of charity==
{{unreferenced section|date=February 2017}}
[[File:Reengus Temple Art6.JPG|thumb|Barbarika donates his head to [[Krishna]].]]

Krishna then explained to him that before a battle, the head of the bravest Kshatriya needs to be sacrificed, in order to worship/sanctify the battlefield. Krishna said that he considered Barbarika to be the bravest among Kshatriyas, and was hence asking for his head in charity. In fulfillment of his promise, and in compliance with Krishna's command, Barbarika gave his head to him in charity. This happened on the 12th day of the Shukla Paksha (bright half) of the month of Phalgun on Tuesday. Barbarika was a Yaksha in his previous birth. Once Lord [[Brahma]] and several other Devas came to [[Vaikuntha]] and complained to Lord [[Vishnu]] that the [[Adharma]] on Earth was increasing; it was not possible for them to bear the tortures causes by the wicked people. Hence they came to seek the help of Lord Vishnu to check them. Lord Vishnu told the Devas that he will soon be incarnated on Earth as a human being and destroy all the evil forces. Then, a Yaksha told the Devas that he alone is enough to kill all evil elements on the Earth, and it was not necessary for Lord Vishnu to descend to Earth. This hurt Lord Brahma very much. Lord Brahma cursed this Yaksha that whenever the time comes to eliminate all the evil forces on Earth, then Lord Vishnu will first kill him. Later, the [[Yaksha]] takes birth as Barbarika and Lord Krishna seeks his head in charity as a result of this curse. Since that day Human Barbarika become the Khatu Shyam, The realizer of Lord Krishna by Barbarika given his head and God Krishna himself manifested in his heart.

==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 the same. Krishna agreed and placed the head on top of a hill overlooking the battlefield. From the hill, the head of Barbarika watched the entire battle.

At the end of the battle, the victorious Pandava brothers argued among themselves as to who was responsible for their 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.
Barbarika replies, “All I could see were two things. One, a divine chakra spinning all around the battlefield, killing all those who were not on the side of Dharma. The other was the [[Draupadi]] who has taken her original form of Goddess [[Mahakali]], who spread out her tongue on the battlefield and consumed all the sinners as her sacrifice". Listening to this, [[Pandava]]s realized that it was Lord [[Narayana]] and Goddess [[Parvati]] (Mahakali) who actually eradicated the Adharma from the world, and the Pandavas were mere instruments. After the war, Barbarika’s head was joined with his body and he left that place for narrating the whole world to maintain peace.

His other name is God Kamrunaag and is venerated as the preeminent deity in District Mandi, in Himachal Pradesh. A pond and a temple are situated in Kamru hill in Sundernagar, District Mandi. He witnessed the entire battle of Kurukshetra from the hill which is now known as [[Khatushyam Temple]], located in [[Khatu]] village in [[Sikar district|Sikar District]], [[Rajasthan]]. An impressive and especially sacred Temple of Baliyadev, Barbarik is situated at village [[Lambha]] in [[Ahmedabad District]], [[Gujarat]].

==Observances and festivals==

Barbarika is worshiped as Shyam, he is not the supreme personality of godhead Sri Krishna or any of Krishna's incarnation but may be considered as the great devotee of Krishna. And since the glories of Krishna's devotee is more than Krishna himself people worship Khatushyam also. Therefore, the flavour of the festivities reflects the playful and vibrant nature of Krishna. The festivals of [[Krishna Janmaashtami]], ''Jhool Jhulani Ekadashi'', [[Holi]] and [[Vasant Panchami]] are celebrated with gusto in the temple. The ''Phalguna Mela'' detailed below is the principal annual festival.

Lacs of devotees visits the temple every day. Newly married couples come to pay homage and newborn babies are brought to the temple for their ''mundan'' (the first hair-shaving) ceremony. An elaborate [[aarti]] is performed at the temple five times a day. These are:
* ''Mangala Aarti'': performed in the early morning, when the temple is open.
* ''Shringaar Aarti'': performed at the time of make-up of Baba Shyam. The idol is grandly ornamented for this aarti.
* ''Bhog Aarti'': performed at noon when ''bhog'' ([[Prasadam]]) is served to the Lord.
* ''Sandhya Aarti'': performed in the evening, at sunset.

Two special hymns, the "Shri Shyam Aarti" and the "Shri Shyam Vinati," are chanted on all these occasions. The Shyam mantra is another litany of the Lord's names that is chanted by devotees.

Other particular observances include:

'''Shukla Ekadashi and Dwadashi:''' The 11th and 12th days of the bright half of every month in the Hindu calendar is of special significance to the temple. This is because Barbarika was born on the 11th day of the bright half of the month of [[Kartika (month)|Kartika]], and he donated his head (''Sheesh'') to Krishna on the 12th day of the bright half of the month of Phalgun on Tuesday. ''Darshan'' on these two days is therefore considered auspicious and devotees come in their thousands every month. The temple remains open throughout the night that falls between these days. Night-long [[Bhajan]] sessions are organized since devotees traditionally pass the night in singing the praises of the Lord. Devotees organize Bhajan programmes and invite Bhajan singers to sing devotional songs.

'''Bathing in the Shyam Kund:''' This is the holy pond near the temple from which the idol was retrieved. It is believed that a dip in this pond cures a person of ailments and brings good health. Filled with devotional fervour, people take ritual dips in the ''Shyam Kund.'' They believe that this will relieve them of diseases and contagion. Bathing during the annual [[Phalguna Mela in Khatushyamji|Phalguna Mela]] festival is deemed specially salutary.

'''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 the town of Ringas to Khatu (17  km) on (bare) foot. ''Nishans'' are offered in millions during the ''Phalguna Mela.''

'''[[Phalguna Mela]]:''' The most important festival associated with the temple is the [[Phalguna Mela in Khatushyamji|Phalguna Mela]] which occurs just 8–9 days before the festival of [[Holi]]. Barbarika's head appeared on ''Phalguna Shuddha Ekadashi,'' the 11th day of the bright half of the Hindu month of [[Phalguna]]. Therefore, the fair is held from the 9th to the 12th of that month. The fair has now been extended to nearly 12–15 days of the bright half of the Phalguna month.

[[File: Khatushyamji Rath1.JPG|thumb|200px|Khatushyamji Rath idol during [[Padayatra|Pad Yatra]] from [[Kota, Rajasthan|Kota]] to Khatushyamji in 2008 ]]

On this holy occasion pilgrims all over the country come here on foot with [[nishaan]]s (holy mark - [[flag]]s) in their hands. People enjoy their holy journey by singing ''[[Khatushyamji|shyam]] [[bhajan]]s'' and playing various musical instruments. They enjoy the journey by playing ''Holi'' with [[gulal]]. Many Shyam [[Bhakta]]s supply food to pedestrians in the shade of tents. They encourage also them to complete their journey with full enthusiasm. They enjoy this occasion as the marriage of Khatushyamji. People enjoy the [[mela]] by purchasing various things. On Dwadashi (= 12th day of a month), [[Bhog]] is being prepared as Baba's –[[Prasadi]] of [[Kheer]] Churama.

Special arrangements for security are made to control the crowd. Around 500,000 people visit in three days of this holy mela in this small village. To briefly see Baba Shyam's idol, very tight security is made with the help of [[bamboo]] fence around {{convert|2|km}}.

==See also==
*[[Iravan]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category: Puranas]]
[[Category: Shaiva texts]]
[[Category: Folklore characters]]
[[Category:Characters in Hindu mythology]]
[[Category: Hindu gods]]