Barbarika

Barbarika (Barbarīka) Barbarika was the son of Ghatotkacha (Son of Bhima) and Princess Maurvi, daughter of Daitya Moora, though other references state that he was a warrior from the south. He is not a character who appears in the original Mahabharata, likely retroactively added to certain traditions through syncretism. Barbarika was originally a yaksha, reborn as a man. He was bound by his principle of always fighting on the weaker side, which led him to stand witness to the Kurukshetra war without taking part in it. In Nepal, Kirati king Yalambar, is believed to be the Barbarik of Mahabharata, son of Ghatotkach and grandson of Bheem. Barbarik had the dubious honor of being slain in the battle of the Mahabharata, in which gods and mortals fought alongside each other. Legend credits him with meeting Indra, the lord of heaven, who ventured into the Valley in human guise, while natives of the Kathmandu Valley portray him as Akash Bhairav. In Rajasthan, Barbarika is worshipped as Khatu Shyam in Khatu Shyam Temple, and in Gujarat, he is worshipped as Baliyadev and is believed to have been sacrificed before the Mahabharata war to ensure the victory of his grandfathers, the Pandavas. In return for his sacrifice, he was deified by Krishna. Other names Barbarika: Khatushyam's childhood name was Barbarika. His mother and relatives used to call him by this name before the name Shyam given by Krishna. Sheesh Ke Daani: Literally: "Donor of Head"; As per the legend related above. Haare Ka Sahara: Literally: "Support of the defeated"; Upon his mother's advice, Barbarika resolved to support whoever has less power and is losing. Hence he is known by this name. This has also led to a popular verse often sung by people who are passing through difficult times: Haare Ka Sahara, Khatushyam Hamara [We are in doldrums, but let's not worry; Khatushyam is with us!] Teen Baan Dhaari: Literally: "Bearer of three arrows"; Reference is to the three infallible arrows that he received as a boon from Goddess Kamakshya . These arrows were sufficient to destroy the whole world. The title written below these three arrows is Maam Sevyam Parajitah. Lakha-datari: Literally: "The Munificent Giver"; One who never hesitates to give his devotees whatever they need and ask for. Leela ke Aswaar: Literally: "Rider of Leela"; Being the name of his blue-coloured horse.