Khatu Shyam Ji Aarti, Mantra - Significance & Puja Vidhi

Khatu Shyam Ji is the worshipped form of Barbarika, the mighty grandson of Bhima from the Mahabharata, who possessed three infallible arrows and matchless valour. Before the great war he vowed to fight for whichever side was losing, which would have made the outcome impossible to decide. To protect dharma, Lord Krishna asked for his head in charity (daan), and Barbarika gave it gladly. Moved by his unmatched sacrifice and devotion, Krishna blessed him that he would be worshipped in Kali Yuga by Krishna's own name, Shyam, and would be the saviour of all who call on him.

Khatu Shyam Ji is lovingly called 'Hare ka Sahara' - the support of those who have lost or been defeated in life. His head, worshipped at the famous temple in Khatu village, Sikar (Rajasthan), is believed to fulfil the sincere prayers of the helpless and the broken-hearted. Devotees call him by many loving names like Shyam Baba, Teen Baan Dhaari (holder of three arrows) and Leela ke Aswaar. His worship teaches that no devotee who surrenders with a true heart is ever turned away, however low they may have fallen.

The popular aarti of Shyam Baba is sung with great love at the temple and in homes:

Om Jai Shri Shyam hare, Baba Jai Shri Shyam hare. Nij bhakton ke tumne, poore kaaj kare.

Teen baan ka taraksh, kar mein liye Shyam. Khatu nagari mein raaje, Shyam tera dhaam.

The verses glorify Baba as the holder of three arrows who fulfils all the works of his devotees and reigns at his abode in Khatu. Devotees also sing countless bhajans like 'Shyam teri bansi pukare Radha naam'.

The core mantra to invoke Shyam Baba is:

Om Shyam Devaya Namah

Another loved mantra is:

Om Shri Shyam Devaya Namah, Shyam Sharanam Mamah.

Devotees also chant the simple jaikara 'Haare ka Sahara, Baba Shyam Hamara' and the call 'Jai Shri Shyam'. Repeating his name with love is itself considered the easiest path to his grace in Kali Yuga.

The grandest celebration of Khatu Shyam Ji is the Falgun Mela, held over several days around Falgun Shukla Ekadashi to Dwadashi (February-March), when lakhs of devotees walk on foot to Khatu carrying nishaan (flags). The Ekadashi is especially sacred as the day Barbarika's head is said to have appeared. Ekadashi of every month and the bright fortnight (shukla paksha) are favoured for his worship, and many devotees keep a vow to visit Khatu after a wish is fulfilled. Phag-style bhajans and nishaan yatra fill the route with devotion.

Worship of Shyam Baba is simple and full of love: 1. Bathe and wear clean clothes, preferably on Ekadashi or during shukla paksha. 2. Place an image of Khatu Shyam Ji, garland it and apply chandan and tilak. 3. Light a ghee lamp and agarbatti; offer itra (perfume), peacock feathers, kheer or churma and seasonal fruits. 4. Chant 'Om Shyam Devaya Namah' 108 times and read the Shyam aarti or a few bhajans. 5. Offer bhog and then share the prasad with everyone present. 6. Pray with a humble heart, especially if you feel defeated, for Baba is the support of the helpless. Many devotees offer a nishaan (flag) at Khatu when a wish is fulfilled.

Devotees worship Khatu Shyam Ji for hope and support in times of failure, relief from worry and obstacles, success in stalled work, and the fulfilment of heartfelt wishes. His grace is believed to lift those who feel broken or defeated and restore their courage and faith. Above all, his story of supreme sacrifice teaches selflessness, the keeping of one's word and complete surrender to the divine.