Khaatu Shyam

About Khaatu Shyam

Khaatu Shyam is worshipped as a head alone — a deep-blue face crowned with flowers and a peacock feather. He was born Barbarika, grandson of Bhima and son of Ghatotkacha, armed by Shiva with three infallible arrows (hence 'Teen Baan Dhaari'). Before the Kurukshetra war he vowed to fight for whichever side was losing. Krishna, disguised as a Brahmin, asked for his head in charity to prevent this, and blessed him to be worshipped in the Kali age by Krishna's own name, Shyam. His shrine stands at Khatu village in Sikar, Rajasthan, where the Phalgun Mela draws barefoot pilgrims carrying triangular Nishan flags.