Barbarika: The Sacrificing Warrior Worshipped as Khatu Shyamji

Barbarika was the son of Ghatotkacha and the grandson of Bhima and Hidimba. From an early age, he was known for his exceptional bravery and combat skills, which he learned from his mother, who was the daughter of the serpent king Vasuki.

Barbarika earned the title “Bearer of Three Arrows” after pleasing Lord Shiva with his penance. Lord Shiva gifted him three powerful arrows, and later, Agni Dev, the God of Fire, presented him with a bow that made him capable of conquering the three worlds.

Before the Mahabharata war began, Lord Krishna asked all the great warriors how long it would take them to end the war single-handedly. Bhishma, Dronacharya, Karna, and Arjuna estimated that they could finish the war in 20 to 30 days. However, Krishna and the Pandavas were aware of Barbarika’s intention to participate in the war. Although the Pandavas wanted Barbarika to stay away from the battle, Krishna decided to handle the situation himself.

One day, while Barbarika was riding his blue horse, he encountered a Brahmin on his path. The Brahmin inquired about his identity, to which Barbarika proudly replied that he was the most powerful warrior, being the son of Ghatotkacha and the grandson of Bhima and Hidimba.

The Brahmin then asked Barbarika how long it would take him to end the war on his own. Barbarika confidently stated that he could do so in just one minute. The Brahmin, sounding skeptical, questioned how he could accomplish that with just three arrows. Barbarika explained, “With the first arrow, I can mark everything I want to destroy. The second arrow will mark everything I wish to save. When I release the third arrow, it will destroy everything that is marked and then return to my quiver.”

To test Barbarika’s claim, the Brahmin challenged him to destroy all the leaves on the peepal tree under which they were standing. Before Barbarika could shoot, the Brahmin secretly plucked a leaf and hid it under his foot. When Barbarika released his arrow, it destroyed all the leaves on the tree and even pierced the Brahmin’s foot to mark the hidden leaf.

Impressed, the Brahmin asked which side Barbarika intended to support in the war. Barbarika replied that he would support the weaker side, as he had promised his mother. Since the Pandavas had a smaller army, Barbarika decided to fight for them.

The Brahmin then pointed out a dilemma: by supporting the Pandavas, Barbarika would defeat the Kauravas, making them the weaker side, which would then force him to switch sides. Realizing this endless cycle, Barbarika understood that his participation would lead to the death of everyone, leaving him alone.

Unable to break his vow to join the war, Barbarika asked the Brahmin for guidance. The Brahmin then revealed himself to be Lord Krishna and requested Barbarika to offer his head as a sacrifice. Barbarika, recognizing Krishna’s true identity, agreed but wished to witness the entire war. Krishna granted this wish and placed Barbarika’s head on a hill overlooking the battlefield.

After the war, the Pandavas were filled with pride over their victory. To settle their argument about who deserved the most credit, Krishna suggested they ask Barbarika’s head, as he had witnessed the entire battle. Barbarika revealed that he saw Lord Krishna’s Sudarshan Chakra and Draupadi, in her form as Mahakali, annihilating the forces of Adharma (evil) on the battlefield.

The Pandavas then questioned Krishna as to why he had asked for Barbarika’s head. Krishna explained that in his previous life, Barbarika was a Yaksha who, out of arrogance, claimed that he alone could destroy all evil on Earth. Witnessing this arrogance, Lord Brahma cursed the Yaksha that when the time came for eliminating evil, he would first be slain by Lord Vishnu. To fulfill this curse, Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu, had asked for Barbarika’s head before the war.

Pleased by Barbarika’s sacrifice, Krishna blessed him, stating that he would be worshipped as Shyam, and devotees who seek his blessings would have their wishes fulfilled.

Today, Barbarika is worshipped as Khatu Shyamji in a temple located in the Sikar district of Rajasthan. There is also a sacred pond near the temple where his head is believed to have appeared, and many devotees believe that bathing in its waters cures various ailments.