Khatu Shyam Ji temple, located in Sikar district, Rajasthan, is a pilgrimage site for Hindu devotees who worship Khatu Shyam. He is said to be the incarnation of the divine figure Barbarika in the Mahabharata. Of all the temples in Rajasthan, Khatu Shyam Ji Temple holds the greatest significance and attracts many devotees year-round. It is said that the devotees who live with a pure and kind intention and pray to the deity with all their heart get their wishes fulfilled. The temple is built of white marble and attracts devotees not just for spiritual purposes but also to marvel at its architectural marvel. It is a large prayer hall named Jagmohan, covered with depictions of the mythology that still hold greater relevance. The temple also has a holy kund called the Shyam Kund, said to wash away any illness that has been gripping you for years. So, do not wait to visit the Khatu Shyam Ji temple and plan your trip now. In this post, you will find all the information you need better to plan your trip to the Khatu Shyam temple.

History of Khatu Shyam Ji Temple

Khatu Shyam Ji temple is said to have been originally constructed by Roop Singh Chauhan in 1027 CE. He was motivated by his dream to unearth the buried idol of Barbarika from what is now known as Shyam Kund. The idol was then installed, thereby establishing the site as a holy place. Barbarika, the son of Ghatotkacha and the grandson of Bhima, is now prayed to as Khatu Shyam, who is said to have been blessed by Lord Krishna in the Kali Yuga. In the Mahabharata, Barbarika was a powerful warrior who possessed three divine arrows capable of shaping the war's outcome. To ensure fairness in the war, Lord Krishna, disguised as a brahmin, asked Barbarika to sacrifice his head for charity and blessed him that he would be worshipped. Lord Krishna blessed Barbarika with the boon that he would be worshipped in this age as Shyam.

Khatu Shyam Ji Temple Opening Hours and Darshan Timings

The spiritual and the devotional ambience of the Khatu Shyam Ji temple would make a day visit seem like a minute. You will be left enchanted not just by the ethereal beauty of the temple but also by the serenity that it carries. To have an ideal experience at the Khatu Shyam Ji temple, note that the timings vary by season. Below are the Khatu Shyam Ji temple opening hours that you can refer to and plan accordingly: 

Khatu Shyam Ji Temple Timings

Summer Timings

• Morning: 4:30 AM - 02:30 PM
• Evening: 4:00 PM  - 10:00 PM

Winter Timings

• Morning: 5:30 AM - 1:00 PM
• Evening: 5:00 PM  - 9:00 PM 

There are five aartis that are performed throughout the day. So, people who want to attend Khatu Shyam Ji Aarti should make sure to arrive at the right time so as not to miss the experience. The timings for the aartis are mentioned below.

• Mangala Aarti: 5:30 a.m.
• Shringaar Aarti: 8:00 a.m.
• Bhog Aarti: 12:30 p.m.
• Sandhya Aarti: 7:00 p.m.
• Sayana Aarti: 9:30 p.m.

How to Reach Khatu Shyam Ji Temple from Delhi

Khatu Shyam Temple is accessible from different parts of India, depending on where you are. When travelling from Delhi, you have many modes of transportation to cover the distance seamlessly. One can reach the temple by train, road (car, bus, or taxi), or a combination of both. Here are the detailed travel options to reach the temple from Delhi.

By Train

The nearest railway station to Khatu Shyam Ji is Ringas. If you choose to reach Khatu Shyam Ji Temple by train from Delhi, many trains run frequently (almost daily). Depending on the train you choose and the time, you will reach the Ringas Junction within a few hours, and for further information, you can refer to the information below: 

• Distance between Delhi and Khatu Shyam Ji Temple: 245-250 km
• Travel Time: Approximately 4-5 hours
• Accessibility from the Station to the Temple: An autorickshaw costs around INR 100-200, a prepaid taxi costs INR 300-500, or a shared jeep costs INR 50-100 per person.

By Car and Taxi

If you want a personalised and hassle-free experience, travelling by road (car or taxi) is the best option. The highways are well-maintained, making your journey smooth and private. The temple has parking areas where you can park your car or take a taxi. You can choose from self-driving, private, and shared cabs. Here are the details on how to reach the temple by car.

• Route from Delhi to Khatu Shyam Ji Temple: Delhi-Gurgaon-Bawal-Kotputli-Neem ka Thana-Ringas-Khatu Shyam Ji.
• Total Distance: 291 km approximately
• Travel Time: 5 to 6 hours
• Road Condition: Good( NH 48 and NH52)

By Bus

Bus travel is another affordable option available on both government and private buses. You can board the state-owned or private bus from Delhi to Sikar or Ringas. The various bus travel options are discussed below, along with the ticket fares.

• Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) operates regular AC and non-AC buses.
• You can also choose from private bus operators such as Shrinath Travels and RedBus.
• You can board your buses at three bus terminals in Delhi: Kashmere Gate ISBT, Sarai Kale Khan ISBT, and Rohini Bus Terminal.

By Air 

Travelling by air is the fastest approach to reach the Khatu Shaym Ji temple. Book a flight to Jaipur International Airport, the nearest airport to the temple. Multiple flight options are available from New Delhi to Jaipur, allowing you to choose a flight according to your convenience.

• Aerial Distance: Approximately 230 km
• Flight Duration: Around 55 minutes
• Distance from Jaipur Airport to Khatu Shyam Ji Temple: Approximately 100 km 

Best Time to Visit Khatu Shyam Ji Temple

The Khatu Shyam ji temple is open year-round, but visiting during winter and at festivals such as Dev Uthani Ekadashi or Janmashtami is recommended. You will see comparatively more crowds during these days. If you want a much fuller and more seamless journey, it is best to avoid extreme seasons, such as summer, when temperatures can reach around 40-45 degrees Celsius, which may make your travel uncomfortable. 

Major Festivals at the Khatu Shyam Ji Temple

All the festivals are celebrated at the temple with great joy and devotion. However, some major festivals in the Khatu Shyam Ji temple have historical significance. Let us explore some of the major festivals celebrated here.

• Phalgun Mela: It is the most significant festival of Khatu Naresh. It is celebrated for 11-21 days during Shukla Paksha Ekadashi, marking the appearance of Shyam Baba's head from the water. Various Nishan (triangular flag) yatras, kirtans, and special decorations are held in and around the festival temple.
• Ekadashi Celebrations: On every Shukla Paksha Ekadashi, the temple remains open 24 hours so devotees can receive Baba's blessings. Flocks of devotees come to seek blessings from the divine warrior of Kalyug, making the ambience spiritual.
• Devuthan Ekadashi: On this Ekadashi, people celebrate Khatu Naresh's birthday. The entire temple premises are decorated with lights and flowers to mark Shyam Ji Baba's appearance. Beautiful fireworks make the occasion magical.

Top Attractions in or Near Khatu Shyam Ji Temple

After visiting the Khatu Shyam Ji temple, you can visit other significant places in or near the temple to know more about its significance and check off a few more places from your list. These places are mentioned below.

• Shyam Kund: This small sarovar is considered sacred because it is where Shyam Baba's divine head is said to appear. Devotees take a dip in it to attain peace.
• Jeen Mata Temple: This is another historical temple about 30 km from Khatu Shyam Ji Temple. A local goddess from ancient times is significant to people and worth visiting.
• Salasar Balaji: This is another significant and holy temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, 80-110 km away from Khatu Shyam Ji. If you have a personal vehicle and spare time, visiting this temple will make your journey worthwhile.
• Sambhar Lake: It is recognised as the biggest saltwater lake in India. People who love sightseeing and the outdoors will enjoy this place. The sight of thousands of Flamingos is surreal, making it a must-visit place.

Conclusion: Delve into the divine journey of a fierce warrior by reaching the temple and getting blessings. Khatu Shyam Ji Temple has become a significant pilgrimage place for people of Delhi and other parts of India. Interestingly, the people of Delhi are fortunate to be able to travel to the Khatu Shyam Ji Temple easily, conveniently, and affordably, with a variety of travel options available. So now you can plan your journey anytime and embrace the temple's peaceful vibes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Khatu Shyam Ji temple worth visiting?

Visit the Khatu Shyam Ji temple for its divine and peaceful energy. The zeal and enthusiasm of devotees visiting are also worth watching.

What are the special occasions celebrated in Khatu Shyam Ji Temple?

Special occasions celebrated here are Holi, Vasant Panchami, Sharad Poornima, Shyam Ji Baba's Birthday, Dev Uthan Ekadashi and Phalgun Mela.

What is Phalgun Mela?

It is a festival celebrated in Phalgun (February) to commemorate the appearance of Shyam Ji Baba's head. The festival is celebrated with great zeal.

How many platforms does Ringas station have?

Ringas Junction Railway Station has four platforms.

Where to stay near the Khatu Shyam Ji temple?

The area surrounding the Khatu Shyam Ji temple boasts a range of hotels, dharamshalas, and other accommodation options, from budget-friendly to luxurious.

Is parking available at Khatu Shyam Ji Temple?

Yes, free and paid parking spaces are available near Khatu Shyam Ji Temple.

Can I visit the Khatu Shyam Ji temple and the Salasar Balaji one day?

Yes. Salasar Balaji is around 100 km from Khatu Shyam Ji Temple, making it possible to visit both the temples in one day. 

What are the famous food joints on the highway while reaching Khatu Shyam Ji temple?

Old Rao Hotel and Kotputli Midway are among the famous food joints recommended for travellers to the Khatu Shyam Ji temple.

How far is the Khatu Shyam Ji temple from Jaipur?

The distance between Jaipur and the Khatu Shyam Ji temple is around 70-80 km.

How far is the Khatu Shyam Ji temple from Vrindavan?

The distance between Khatu Shyam Ji temple and Vrindavan is around 366 Km.