Khatu Shyam Ji Temple Rajasthan: History, Darshan & Aarti Timings

Khatu Shyam Ji Temple, located in the Sikar district of Rajasthan, is one of the most popular and loved temples in India. Known as the “God of Kalyug”, Khatu Shyam Ji is worshipped as the reincarnation of Barbarik, the grandson of Bhima from the Mahabharata.
Devotees believe that just by taking his name with faith, all their problems get solved. Every year, lakhs of people from all over India visit this holy temple to seek blessings, especially during the Phalgun Mela. The temple is not just a spiritual place, but also full of devotion, stories, and strong beliefs.
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History of Khatu Shyam Ji Temple
The story of Khatu Shyam Ji goes back to the time of the Mahabharata, one of the greatest epics of India. Khatu Shyam Ji is believed to be the grandson of Bhima (one of the Pandavas) and the son of Ghatotkacha. His original name was Barbarik.
Who was Barbarik?
Barbarik was a great warrior who had learned the art of warfare from his mother and Lord Shiva. He was so powerful that he had three magical arrows given by the gods. These arrows had special powers – with just these three, he could defeat any army. That’s why he was called Teen Baan Dhaari (the one who carries three arrows).
When the great war of Mahabharata was about to begin, Barbarik decided to support the side which was weaker. As per his vow, he would always fight for the losing side, no matter who it was. Hearing this, Lord Krishna got worried. He knew that if Barbarik joined the war, the result would never be fair, and the balance of the war would be disturbed.
The Ultimate Sacrifice
To avoid this, Lord Krishna appeared before Barbarik (Khatu Shyam Ji) and asked for a donation. Barbarik agreed. Then Lord Krishna asked for his head (Shir Daan). Without a second thought, Barbarik cut off his own head and gave it to Krishna, showing his ultimate devotion and sacrifice.
Touched by his sacrifice, Lord Krishna gave him a boon:
“In Kalyug, you will be worshipped as Shyam, another name of mine, and all your devotees’ wishes will come true just by remembering you with a pure heart.”
How the Temple Came Into Existence?
Many years later, his head was found buried in the Khatu village of Rajasthan. A local king had a dream where he was guided to the spot. When they dug the place, they found a head glowing with divine light. That head was then installed in the Khatu Shyam Ji Temple, and people started worshipping him.
The current temple was built around the 18th century by Roop Singh Chauhan and his wife Narmada Kanwar, and today it stands as one of the most sacred and visited temples in India.
Khatu Shyam Ji is believed to be the god of help and protection in Kalyug. People from all over the country, especially from Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi, visit the temple to seek blessings for health, success, and peace.
Darshan Timings at Khatu Shyam Ji Temple
Khatu Shyam Ji Temple opens early in the morning and follows a fixed routine for darshan (viewing of the deity). Here are the general darshan timings:
🔅 Summer Timings (March to October)
- Morning: 4:30 AM to 12:30 PM
- Evening: 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
❄️ Winter Timings (November to February)
- Morning: 5:30 AM to 1:00 PM
- Evening: 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Khatu Shyam Ji Aarti Timings (Winter & Summer)
Winter Timings (November to February)
- Mangala Aarti (Morning): 5:30 AM
- Shringar Aarti (Decoration): 8:00 AM
- Bhog Aarti (Food Offering): 12:30 PM
- Sandhya Aarti (Evening): 6:30 PM
- Shayan Aarti (Night): 9:00 PM
Summer Timings (March to October)
- Mangala Aarti: 4:30 AM
- Shringar Aarti: 7:00 AM
- Bhog Aarti: 12:30 PM
- Sandhya Aarti: 7:30 PM
- Shayan Aarti: 10:00 PM
On Ekadashi, Phalgun Mela, and other special days, darshan may be open for 24 hours due to heavy crowd and devotion.
How to Reach Khatu Shyam Ji Temple?
Khatu Shyam Ji Temple is located in Khatu town, in the Sikar district of Rajasthan. It is well connected by road and rail, making it easy for devotees to reach from different parts of India.
By Train:
- The nearest railway station is Ringas Junction (RGS) – about 18 km from the temple.
- From Ringas, you can take a bus, auto, or taxi to reach the temple easily.
- Trains are available from major cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Chandigarh, and Ajmer to Ringas.
By Bus / Road:
- Khatu is well connected by Rajasthan Roadways buses and private buses.
- You can get direct buses from Jaipur, Sikar, Delhi, Alwar, and other nearby cities.
- Roads are in good condition and safe for travel by car.
By Air:
- The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport, around 90 km from Khatu.
- From Jaipur, you can take a taxi or bus to reach the temple in about 2–2.5 hours.
Travel Tip: If you’re planning to visit during Phalgun Mela or Ekadashi, it’s better to book train tickets and hotels in advance as the temple gets very crowded.
Final Words:
Khatu Shyam Ji Temple is not just a place of worship, it’s a place where millions of hearts find peace, hope, and blessings. Whether you are going through tough times or just want to thank the Lord, visiting Khatu brings a special kind of comfort. The powerful story of Shyam Baba’s sacrifice, the soulful aartis, and the divine energy in the temple makes it a must-visit for every devotee. So, if you ever get a chance, plan your visit to this holy town in Rajasthan – and feel the magic of faith with your own eyes.