At a glance
- Deity: Khatu Shyam ji, Barbarik, whose head is worshipped as a form of Krishna.
- Location: Khatu, Sikar district, Rajasthan, about 80 km from Jaipur.
- Managed by: Shri Shyam Mandir Committee, Khatu.
- Busiest days: Shukla Ekadashi every month, and the Phalgun Lakhi Mela.
Why Khatu
Barbarik gave his head to Krishna before the Mahabharata war and was promised that he would be worshipped as Shyam in the Kali age (the full story is on the Khatu Shyam deity page). Temple tradition says the head was later found at Khatu, where a cow began to pour out her milk at one spot; the tank there is the Shyam Kund. The present temple dates to the early eighteenth century and has been enlarged many times. On the altar is the head alone, adorned each day with a peacock-feather crown, flowers and fresh clothes.
Darshan and aarti timings
The temple committee follows two seasonal schedules, with five aartis a day. Commonly reported times are:
| Aarti | Summer (about April–September) | Winter (about October–March) |
|---|---|---|
| Mangala Aarti | 4:30 am | 5:30 am |
| Shringar Aarti | 7:00 am | 8:00 am |
| Bhog Aarti | 12:30 pm | 12:30 pm |
| Sandhya Aarti | 7:30 pm | around 6:15 – 6:30 pm |
| Shayan Aarti | 10:00 pm | 9:00 pm |
The doors close for a few hours in the afternoon. The committee changes some aarti times from season to season and keeps the temple open much longer on Ekadashi and during the Phalgun Mela, so check its latest notice before you go.
The Phalgun Lakhi Mela
Khatu's great fair is held in the month of Phalgun, peaking on Phalgun shukla Ekadashi and Dwadashi, just before Holi. Lakhs of devotees come, many walking the roughly 17 km from Ringas carrying nishan, tall saffron and coloured flags offered to Baba, singing bhajans the whole way. The temple stays open almost round the clock during the mela, with long, managed queues.
Shyam Kund and nearby
- Shyam Kund: where the head is said to have been found; pilgrims take a dip before darshan.
- Shyam Bagicha: the garden from which flowers for Baba's adornment come.
- Salasar Balaji (Hanuman) and Jeen Mata are often combined with a Khatu visit.
How to reach
- By train: Ringas Junction, about 17 km away, is the nearest station; shared jeeps and buses run to Khatu.
- By air: Jaipur International Airport, about 95 km away.
- By road: buses and taxis from Jaipur and Sikar.
Practical tips
- For a calm darshan, avoid Ekadashi, Sundays and the mela; early weekday mornings are best.
- Offer a nishan, a garland, or the traditional khatu ke peda as prasad.
- Keep belongings minimal; the queues are long and security checks thorough.
- Sing Om Jai Shri Shyam Hare or read the Khatu Shyam Chalisa on the way.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Khatu Shyam temple timings?
In summer, Mangala Aarti is around 4:30 am and Shayan Aarti around 10 pm; in winter, about 5:30 am and 9 pm, with an afternoon break. The committee adjusts these, so check before visiting.
When is the Khatu Shyam Phalgun Mela?
In Phalgun, peaking on Phalgun shukla Ekadashi and Dwadashi, just before Holi.
How far is Ringas from Khatu?
About 17 km. Many devotees walk it carrying nishan flags, especially during the mela.
Why is Ekadashi so crowded at Khatu?
Shukla Ekadashi is considered Baba Shyam's special day each month, and devotees from all over Rajasthan and beyond come for darshan.
What is a nishan?
A tall flag, usually saffron, offered to Khatu Shyam ji, often carried on foot from Ringas as a vow.
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