Khatu Shyam Mandir
Khatu Shyam Mandir is a popular Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, located in the town of Khatu in the Sikar district of Rajasthan, India. Lord Krishna is worshipped in the temple by the name of Khatu Shyam, and the temple is considered to be very sacred by devotees.
The temple is known for its unique architecture and the spiritual atmosphere that attracts thousands of devotees every year, especially during the festivals of Krishna Janmashtami and Sharad Purnima. Devotees visit the temple to seek blessings, offer prayers, and participate in various religious ceremonies and rituals.
The legend associated with Khatu Shyam Mandir is that of Barbarika, a grandson of Bhima (one of the Pandava brothers from the epic Mahabharata). Barbarika was a devout worshipper of Lord Krishna. Before the Kurukshetra war, he expressed his desire to participate in the battle. Lord Krishna, knowing his exceptional warrior skills, tested him by asking him to sacrifice his own head. Barbarika agreed and cut off his head without hesitation. Impressed by his sacrifice, Lord Krishna blessed him with a boon that he would be worshipped by the name of Shyam (another name for Krishna) in the Kaliyuga. Hence, the deity in the Khatu Shyam Mandir is known as Khatu Shyam.
The temple complex includes the main shrine dedicated to Khatu Shyam, along with other smaller temples and facilities for devotees. The atmosphere around the temple is filled with devotional songs, prayers, and a sense of spiritual fervor.
Please note that my knowledge is based on information available up until January 2022, and there might have been developments or changes related to Khatu Shyam Mandir since that time.