What is the story of Khatu Shyam Ji?

 

Khatu Shyam Ji is a Hindu god and is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Krishna. The story of Khatu Shyam Ji is related to the Mahabharata, one of the major Hindu epic texts.

According to the legend, during the Kurukshetra War between the Pandavas and the Kauravas, the warrior-prince Bhima killed the powerful king of Sindhu, Jayadratha, who had been responsible for the death of the Pandavas' beloved warrior-companion, Abhimanyu. As Bhima was about to deliver the final death blow to Jayadratha, Lord Krishna, who was also fighting in the war, instructed Bhima to spare the king's life.

Lord Krishna had a plan, he made a deal with Jayadratha, that he would be safe only if he takes the name of Lord Krishna as Shyam before dying. Upon hearing the name "Shyam" (another name of Lord Krishna), Jayadratha was immediately filled with devotion and salvation.

It is believed that the spirit of Jayadratha, now known as Shyam, was transferred to a temple in the village of Khatu, in Rajasthan, India, where it remains to this day.

The temple of Khatu Shyam Ji, where the idol of Lord Shyam is kept is considered to be one of the most sacred places for the devotees of Lord Krishna. The temple hosts a number of religious events and rituals throughout the year, and it is visited by thousands of devotees from all over the world.

Many people believe that by visiting this temple and praying to Lord Shyam they can get blessings and fulfillment of their wishes.