Summary
Shree Shyam Kund (Shyam Sarovar) in Khatu, Rajasthan, is a sacred pond linked to Baba Shyam (Barbarika) from the Mahabharata. Believed to be the site where his divine head was purified, it symbolizes sacrifice, faith, and purity. Devotees take a holy dip here during the Phalgun Mela for spiritual cleansing.
Location
- Near Shree Khatu Shyam ji Temple, Khatu Town, Sikar District, Rajasthan – 332602
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Full Story
Shree Shyam Kund, also known as Shyam Sarovar, is a revered and sacred water body located in the holy town of Khatu in the Sikar district of Rajasthan, within the Shekhawati region. Closely associated with the worship of Baba Shyam—a divine form of Barbarika, the grandson of Bhima from the Mahabharata—it stands as one of the most important pilgrimage sites for devotees of Khatu Shyamji.
The history of this Kund is a harmonious blend of mythology, medieval devotion, and spiritual faith, making it a timeless symbol of purity and sacrifice in the desert lands of Rajasthan.
Here’s a detailed history of Shree Shyam Kund ( Shyam Sarovar):
1. The Mythological Origin: The Legend of Barbarika
The sacred history of Shyam Kund traces back to the epic era of the Mahabharata, when valor, devotion, and destiny intertwined to give birth to one of the most revered legends in Hindu faith.
A. Barbarika’s Vow: Barbarika, the mighty son of Ghatotkacha and grandson of Bhima, was a warrior blessed with immense power. Lord Shiva had gifted him three divine arrows (Teen Baan) that could destroy entire armies. Before the Mahabharata war began, Barbarika promised his mother that he would always support the weaker side in battle.
B. The Divine Test: Lord Krishna, disguised as a Brahmin, came to test Barbarika’s resolve. When asked how he would fight the great war alone, Barbarika explained that with just one arrow, he could mark all the targets he wanted to destroy, and with the second, annihilate them all. The third would return to his quiver—proving his invincible strength.
C. The Supreme Sacrifice: Realizing that Barbarika’s unmatched power would disrupt the divine balance of the war, Krishna asked for a Guru Dakshina—Barbarika’s own head. Without hesitation, the young warrior offered his head as a sacrifice. Moved by this selfless devotion, Krishna granted him a final boon—to witness the entire Mahabharata war.
D. The Blessing of Shyam: Krishna blessed Barbarika, declaring that in the age of Kali (Kali Yuga), he would be worshipped as Shyam, a name meaning “the dark one,” a title shared by Krishna himself. Thus, Barbarika became Khatu Shyam, the deity of faith, devotion, and sacrifice.
2. The Link to Shyam Kund: The Sacred Purification
The sacred pond of Shyam Kund is believed to be directly connected to this act of divine sacrifice.
A. The Purification Legendc: According to the legend, after Barbarika’s head was severed, it was immersed in this sacred pond for purification before being placed on a hilltop to witness the great battle.
The waters of Shyam Kund thus washed away all worldly ties and sanctified the head, transforming it into a divine observer of the Mahabharata.
B. The Eternal Symbol: Some traditions also hold that the idol of Khatu Shyamji was later discovered from this very pond, giving it the title “Shyam Kund”—the Pond of Shyam.
From that day onward, it became a symbol of sacrifice, cleansing, and divine transformation.
3. The Rediscovery: The Vision of Roop Singh Chauhan
Centuries after the epic era, the sanctity of Shyam Kund was revived through a divine revelation.
A. The Dream: In the early 11th century, the local ruler Roop Singh Chauhan and his wife Narmada Kanwar experienced a divine dream in which Baba Shyam appeared. The deity instructed them to dig at a specific spot in Khatu to unearth his idol and restore his place of worship.
B. The Excavation: Following the divine command, excavation began at the indicated site. Miraculously, the idol of Baba Shyam was discovered, along with the ancient Shyam Kund, where the sacred relic had been hidden.
C. The Construction: Fulfilling the divine wish, Roop Singh Chauhan constructed the first temple of Khatu Shyamji in 1027 CE (Vikram Samvat 1084) and built ghats (steps) around the Kund.
This marked the beginning of organized worship, and the Shyam Kund became a central part of the temple’s ritual circuit.
4. Architectural and Geographical Details
A. Location: Shyam Kund lies just a short distance from the main Khatu Shyam Temple, making it an essential stop for every pilgrim before entering the temple for darshan.
B. Structure: The Kund is a stepped rectangular water tank (sarovar), constructed using locally quarried sandstone and later lined with white marble during renovations.
Devotees descend the ghats through symmetrical stone steps, and a small shrine dedicated to Goddess Shyam Maharaniji (believed to represent Barbarika’s mother) stands gracefully beside it.
C. Divine Water: Though Khatu lies in the semi-arid Shekhawati region, the water of the Kund is believed to be eternally blessed. Devotees say it never completely dries, symbolizing the unending grace of Baba Shyam that nourishes faith even in the heart of the desert.
5. Religious Significance and Rituals
A. The Holy Dip (Snan): Before visiting the main temple, devotees take a ritual bath (Snan) in the sacred waters of Shyam Kund.
This act is believed to cleanse all sins, purify the soul, and prepare the devotee to receive divine blessings from Baba Shyam.
B. Connection to the Deity: The Kund is seen as a living witness to Barbarika’s sacrifice and transformation into Shyam. Bathing in it is more than a ritual—it symbolizes surrender, devotion, and purification of karma.
C. Festivals and Fairs: The Phalgun Mela, held during February–March, is the grandest celebration of Baba Shyam’s glory.
Lakhs of devotees from across India gather in Khatu to take a dip in the Kund before proceeding to the temple. The Nishan Yatra (flag procession) also passes by the Kund, marking the fulfillment of vows and prayers offered by devotees.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy
A. Mythological Epicenter: Shree Shyam Kund stands as the sacred epicenter of Khatu’s legend—where the divine head of Barbarika was sanctified, symbolizing the victory of sacrifice over pride and devotion over desire.
B. Symbol of Purity and Devotion: Its waters represent spiritual cleansing and divine grace, reminding devotees that surrender and faith lead to eternal peace.
C. Cycle of Rediscovery: The rediscovery of Shyam Kund by Roop Singh Chauhan and Narmada Kanwar demonstrates how divine energy re-emerges in every age to guide humanity back toward devotion.
D. Living Heritage: More than a historical site, Shyam Kund remains a living pilgrimage, where millions find emotional and spiritual refuge each year.
E. Oasis of Faith: In the dry sands of Rajasthan, Shyam Kund shines as a spiritual oasis, its ever-living waters flowing with faith, hope, and redemption—continuing its sacred narrative from the age of the Mahabharata to this very day.
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