Barbarik: Khatu Shyam

Hare Krishna

The Story of Barbarik is from the time of Mahabharat. The Pandavas wandering forest after saving their lives met a demoness named Hidimba. She wanted to have Bheem as her husband. By the order of Mother Kunti, Bheem and Hidimba got married, from which Ghatotkach was born. The son of Ghatotkach was Barbarik who was more powerful and elusive than his father. Barbarik was a worshiper of Goddess. With the boon of the Goddess, he had received three divine arrows which pierced their target and returned back. Because of them Barbaric had become invincible.

During the war of Mahabharata, Barbarik was coming to Kurukshetra with the intention of seeing the war. Shri Krishna knew that if Barbarik joined the war, the result would be against the Pandavas. To stop Barbarik, Shri Krishna disguised himself in the form of a Poor Brahmin. Becoming ignorant, Shri Krishna asked Barbarik who you are and why you are going to Kurukshetra. In response, Barbarik told that he is a charitable warrior who can decide the Mahabharata war with only one of his arrows. When Shri Krishna wanted to test him, he shot an arrow which pierced all the leaves of the Peepal tree. A leaf was under Shri Krishna's feet, so the arrow stopped above his feet.

Shri Krishna was amazed by Barbarik's ability and wanted to prevent him from participating in the war by any means. For this, Shri Krishna told Barbarik that you are very mighty, you will not donate anything to me poor. When Barbarik asked for donation, Shri Krishna asked Barbarik for his head. Barbarik understood that this is not a Brahmin but someone else and asked to give the real introduction. When Shri Krishna gave his real introduction and told him who he really was, Barbarik happily accepted donating his head.

By performing prayers and worship throughout the night and taking bath on Phalgun Shukla Dwadashi, Barbarik donated his head to Shri Krishna with his own hand. Before donating the head, Barbarik had expressed his desire to see the war with Shri Krishna, so Shri Krishna installed Barbarik's severed head at a high place to watch the war. At the end of the war and victory of Pandavas Shri Krishna asked Barbarik's wish, with great satisfaction Barbarik replied that he just need Moksh (Salvation). Shri Krishna was pleased with his devotion and gave a boon to the severed head of Barbarik that, "In Kalyug you will be worshiped by my name Shyam, only by remembering you, the devotees will get welfare and religion, meaning, work, salvation will be attained". Shri Krishna also gave a boon saying that, "No one can change the fate of the person in whose fate I have written sorrow, but the fate of the devotee who has come under your spell will also change".

At present he is known as Khatu Shyam or Baba Shyam who is considered to be appeared from the Shyam Kund located in Khatu Dham after the visions. Shri Krishna is fulfilling the wishes of the devotees by being situated in the temple of Khatu Shyam ji since Samvat 1777 in the form of Virat Shaligram.

For more such Mythological Facts Follow and Stay Tuned...

Radhe Radhe!!!

Vrajwani Dham

 Hare Krishna 

Do you know that Krishna took avatar in Kaliyug too???

Yes, that's True...

There is a village name Vrajwani located on the banks of a large desert in Rapar taluka of Kutch  (Gujarat, India). Today there is a grand temple here. If you go inside the temple, you will see a completely different view from all other pilgrimage sites. Different because here you will find 140 statues of women in a circle! Outside, there is another large area in the courtyard. These 140 women are Ahirani of Kutch.

It is said that Krishna had promised his Gopi's he will visit them and give his darshan. So around 600 years ago, In Vrajwani Dham of Kutch, Krishna took avatar in the form of Dholi (the person who plays drum) and he started playing drum. The music from the drum was so magical that 140 woman that is Ahirani of that village came together and started doing Rass (form of dance). Almost 3 days continuously the dholi played the drum and the 140 Ahirani didn't stopped. Seeing this one of the youngster of that village went to meet the dholi but till that time Krishna disappeared and the women who were dancing on the beats of drum stopped.

The 140 Ahirani of that village prayed to Krishna that, "There is no fascination left in this world and requested him to take them to his abode". After saying this 140 Ahirani left their soul together and went to the abode of Krishna. There are still 140 pillars of Ahirani at the same place from where they left and there is also a pillar from where Krishna disappeared. It is said that by listening to that pillar carefully, you can still hear the sound of that drum.

Even today many people come to Vrajwani Dham and bow their heads in front of Ahirani's Palanquins.

For more such Mythological Facts Follow and Stay Tuned...

Radhe Radhe!!!

Why we celebrate janmashtami?

Hare Krishna

Janmashtami is a Hindu festival celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna, who is considered one of the most beloved divinities in Hinduism. The festival falls on the Ashtami (eighth day) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Bhadrapada, which generally falls in August or September.

The festival of Janmashtami holds great significance for several reasons:

1. Birth of Lord Krishna: 

Janmashtami marks the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, who is believed to be the eighth icon of Lord Vishnu. According to Hindu holy scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita and the Bhagavata Purana, Lord Krishna manifested on Earth to restore dharma (righteousness) and protect his devotees.

2. Divine Leelas (Playful Activities): 

Lord Krishna's life is filled with godly leelas (playful activities) that showcase his beauty, intelligence, and devotion. The stories of his babyhood, such as stealing butter (Makhan Chor) and playing the flute (Murali Manohar), are celebrated during Janmashtami.

3. Midnight Celebration: 

It is believed that Lord Krishna was born at midnight. Therefore, the most important celebrations takes place during the late evening and into the early hours of the next day, with devotees observing performing pujas (rituals), singing bhajans (devotional songs), and fasting.

4. Krishna Bhakti (Devotion):

Janmashtami is an occasion for devotees to show their love and devotion to Lord Krishna. They take part in various festivities, visit temples, and engage in prayer and meditation to seek his blessings.

5. Temples and Processions: 

Temples dedicated to Lord Krishna, especially the famous ones like Mathura, Vrindavan, and Dwarka, observe grand fest during Janmashtami. Complex decorations, recitals of Krishna's stories, and processions of his shrine are common sights during the festival.

6. Raslila Performances: 

In some regions, people perform Raslila, a traditional dance-drama depicting Krishna's playful interaction with the Gopis (cowherd girls) of Vrindavan. These performances show the godly love between Krishna and his devotees.

Janmashtami is a joyous occasion that brings communities together, fostering a sense of devotion and union among Hindus. It serves as a memorial of Lord Krishna's teachings on love, duty, and the path to spiritual salvation, inspiring people to follow the path of righteousness and devotion in their lives.

For more Mythological Facts Follow and Stay Tuned...

Radhe Radhe!!!

Krishna and his 16108 Wives

Hare Krishna

Krishna, the 9th Avatar of Vishnu; In Hindu mythology, is believed to have had multiple wives and consorts. One of the most well-known stories associated with Krishna is his marriage to 16,108 women.

According to Hindu scriptures, Krishna's story is described in the ancient epic, the Mahabharata, specifically in the section known as the "Harivamsa." The narrative goes that Krishna rescued 16,100 women who had been captured and held captive by the demon Narakasura. Narakasur was a demon who kidnapped 16100 girls; Krishna defeated Narakasura and released the captive women, The girls were afraid of not being accepted by the society they expressed their desire to marry him as a token of gratitude and to protect their honor. Krishna accepted their proposal and married all 16,100 women.

 Krishna already had eight principal consorts called the Ashtabharya, which included Rukmini, Satyabhama, Jambavati, Nagnajiti, Kalindi, Mitravinda, Bhadra, and Lakshmana. These eight queens are considered the primary consorts of Krishna, and their stories are described in various Hindu texts.

It is important to note that the concept of polygamy was more prevalent in ancient times, and the practice varied across different cultures and religions. In the case of Krishna, his marriages are often understood in the context of his divine nature and his role as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who is considered the supreme deity in Hinduism.

The story of Krishna's multiple marriages serves various symbolic purposes in Hindu mythology and conveys spiritual teachings. It is seen as an allegory highlighting the relationship between the divine and the individual soul. The multitude of wives represents the numerous aspects of the human soul seeking union with the divine, with Krishna being the embodiment of that divine love.

It's important to approach these mythological narratives with an understanding of their cultural and religious significance rather than applying modern social norms and values to them.

For more Mythological Facts Follow and Stay Tuned...

Radhe Radhe!!!