According to the Panchang, the birth anniversary of Shri Khatu Shyam ji is celebrated every year on the Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha of Kartik month. Devuthani Ekadashi also falls on this day. On this day, along with duly worshiping Shri Khatu Shyam ji, various types of bhog are offered. It is believed that Shri Khatushyam ji is the Kali Yugi incarnation of Lord Krishna. A grand temple of Shri Khatu Shyam ji is established in Sikar district of Rajasthan. It is believed that just by having darshan of God here every wish gets fulfilled. Know who is Shri Khatushyam ji and what was the boon given by Lord Shri Krishna.
According to the scriptures, the relation of Shri Khatu Shyam ji is believed to be from the Mahabharata period. He was the grandson of Pandu’s son Bhima. Shri Khatu Shyam ji was very powerful.
According to mythological beliefs, when the Pandavas were roaming from one forest to another while saving their lives, Bhima encountered Hidimba. Later Hidimba gave birth to a son who was named Ghatokha. Later Ghatokha had a son who was named Barbarik. This barbareek would later be called Khatu Shyam.
By giving the immense power and ability of Shri Khatushyam ji, Lord Shri Krishna had given him a boon to be worshiped in his name in Kali Yuga. Barbarik used to overpower everyone with his power and ability. During the war of Mahabharata, Barbarik also asked Shri Krishna to take part. He asked Shri Krishna on whose side he should fight, then Shri Krishna said that the side that loses will fight on his side. But Shri Krishna knew the outcome of the war. In such a situation, Shri Krishna demanded his donation to stop Barbarik and asked for his head in it.
Barbareek donated his head to them without delay. But Barbarik prayed to Shri Krishna that he wanted to see the entire Mahabharata war. In such a situation, Shri Krishna kept his head in a high hill from where he could see the whole war. When the Pandavas won, everyone started fighting among themselves as to who should get the credit for the victory. In such a situation, Barbarik said that the credit for the victory should go to Shri Krishna. Shri Krishna was very happy after hearing this talk of Barbarik and gave him a boon to be worshiped in the name of Khatu Shyam ji in Kali Yuga.
