The Story of Barbarik (Detailed)

Khatushyam Baba

You all likely remember the Mahabharata war and know every character well, but perhaps you don’t know much about Barbarika. So let me share some unheard facts with you.

Birth: Ghatotkacha, son of Bhima and Hidimba, was a valiant warrior. When Ghatotkacha came to Indraprastha to visit his family, Lord Krishna urged the Pandavas to arrange Ghatotkacha’s marriage as soon as possible. The Pandavas requested Lord Krishna to suggest a suitable bride for Ghatotkacha.

Shri Krishna said – Kamakatankakata, the intelligent and brave daughter of the demon Moor, the architect of the demons, is the most suitable for this. Moor’s daughter, Morvi, has stipulated that she will marry only the brave man who can defeat her in both scriptures and weapons. I will personally initiate Ghatotkacha and send him to marry Morvi.

Initiated by Lord Krishna, Ghatotkacha went to the divine palace of Morvi to marry her. An ardent devotee of Goddess Kamakhya, Morvi was adept in the art of weaponry. Kamakhya Devi had bestowed many divine powers upon him. At the gates of his palace hung garlands of the heads of heroes who had come to marry Morvi but were defeated and lost their lives.

Ghatotkach appeared before Morvi. Morvi was captivated by Ghatotkach’s beauty and charm. Realizing that this was no ordinary man, Morvi decided to test him. Morvi asked Ghatotkacha, “Do you know about my vow? You must defeat me with your wisdom and strength. It could even cost you your life.”

Morvi asked Ghatotkach to silence her by providing evidence from the scriptures. Ghatotkach asked, “A certain man’s wife gave birth to a daughter. She died soon after giving birth to a girl. The girl’s father raised her and raised her. As the girl grew up, the father’s mind became corrupted.

He said to his daughter, “I brought you from an unknown place and raised you. Now fulfill my wish by marrying me.” The girl did not know the truth. Unknowingly, she marries her father. They have a daughter. Tell me, is she the daughter or granddaughter of that vile, lustful man?

Morvi was speechless. She raised her sword to defeat Ghatotkacha in the art of warfare. Ghatotkacha then threw Morvi to the ground. Morvi had been defeated by Ghatotkacha in both the arts and weapons. Accepting her defeat, she agreed to marry him.

Ghatotkacha said, “Subhadre! People of high birth do not marry secretly. You are a sky traveler; carry me on your back to my family.” Our marriage will take place in front of them only.” Morvi carried Ghatotkach on her back and brought him before his family. Here, in the presence of Lord Krishna and the Pandavas, Ghatotkach was married to Morvi as per the rituals.

Morvi gave birth to a baby boy. His hair was curly like a lion’s, so Ghatotkacha named him “Barbarik.” The boy grew to full maturity immediately.

Acquisition of Powers: When the mighty Ghatotkacha appeared before Lord Krishna with the child, Krishna blessed Barbarika. The child Barbarika asked Krishna, “O Lord! What is the best use of this life?”

Lord Krishna was pleased with Barbarika’s thoughts and named him “Friendly.” Lord Krishna said, “My son, the best use of this life is to be charitable and a companion to the weak, always supporting the righteous. For this, you will have to acquire powers. Therefore, worship the Siddha Ambikas and Navadurga in the Mahisagar region (secret area) and gain powers.”

At the behest of Lord Krishna, Barbarika worshipped the Siddha Ambikas in the Mahisagar region. Pleased, Goddess Jagadamba bestowed three arrows and numerous powers upon the valiant Barbarika. With his divine arrows, he could conquer all three worlds. The Goddess bestowed upon him the name “Chandil.”

The Siddha Ambikas ordered the brave Barbarika to assist their ardent devotee, a Brahmin named Vijaya, in achieving his spiritual goal. Under the protection of the brave Barbarika, Vijaya began the yagna. Barbareek killed Pingal, Repalendra, Duhdruha and nine crore flesh-eating Palasi demons who had come to create obstacles in that accomplished yagya and completed the yagya as per the rituals.

The brave Barbarika had taken a vow of celibacy. He rejected the marriage proposals of the Naga girls on the path between Earth and the underworld, saying that he had vowed to remain celibate throughout his life and always help the weak and the helpless.

Bhima or Barbarika War:

One day, the Pandavas, who were living in exile, went to Chandika Sthan to visit the goddess Chandika. Exhausted, they rested for a while. Bhimasena was very thirsty.

They came across the pond of Goddess Chandi. Yudhishthira warned Bhima that if he wanted to wash his hands and feet, he should remove the water from the pond and wash outside, otherwise he would be guilty of polluting the water.

Bhima was desperate with thirst. Seeing the pond, he forgot Yudhishthira’s warning. He entered the pond and began to wash his hands and face. Seeing this, Barbarika, an attendant of the goddess Chandika, interrupted him loudly.

Barbarika said, “You are washing your hands and feet in the goddess’s pond. I bathe the goddess with this very water. Have you not been taught the dignity of using water? Come out of the pond immediately.”

Bhimasena was the grandfather of Barbarika but both of them had never met before so they could not recognize each other.

Bhima said, “Who are you to teach me manners? The sages have also advised us to use water for bathing and other purposes, and I am doing just that.”

Barbarika became angry. He said, “The sages have advised bathing in flowing water. The water in the pond is stagnant. Bathing in it will pollute it. Correct your mistake immediately.”

An unpleasant argument ensued between the two mighty warriors. Neither was willing to yield. Enraged, Barbarika threw a rock at Bhima. Bhima emerged from the pond, challenging Barbarika.

Both were very brave, skilled in every form of warfare. A fierce battle ensued. Bhimasena began to weaken before the young Barbarika. Barbarika picked up Bhima and went to throw him into the sea.

Lord Shiva spoke from the sky, “Son, this is the great Gadadhara and your grandfather Bhima. The Pandavas are gathering strength for the war of righteousness. Your revered goddess Chandika has come to visit.”

Hearing the voice from the sky, Barbarika felt deeply remorseful. He fell at Bhima’s feet and begged for forgiveness. Bhima was delighted that his grandson was so strong. But Barbarika’s grief remained unabated.

Bhima said, “Krishna told us that you reside in this very Devisthan, but we had forgotten. I am pleased that you are not only brave but also extremely intelligent and virtuous.”

But Barbarika’s grief at the humiliation of his ancestors was unending. He entered the ocean to give up his life. The goddess Chandika appeared. Stopping Barbarik, he said – Lord Vishnu himself has incarnated to save you by asking for your life.

While blessing, Chandika Devi said – Son, with the dedication with which you are serving at Chandika Sthan, you will also become famous by the name of Chandil and will become revered.

Rebirth of Barbarik:

Lord Krishna beheaded Bhima’s grandson, Barbarika, with his Sudarshan Chakra. Barbarika’s beloved Siddha Ambika appeared. She consoled the grieving Pandavas and began narrating the story of Barbarika’s previous life.

Suffering from the atrocities of the demon Moor, the earth came to the assembly of gods in the form of a cow with her plea – “O gods! I am capable of bearing all kinds of suffering. I happily bear the burden of the mountains, rivers, and all humanity, and continue my daily activities, but I am distressed by the atrocities of the demon Moor. Please protect me from this evildoer; I surrender to you.”

Hearing the pitiful cry of the cow-like earth, there was silence in the entire assembly of gods. After a brief silence, Brahma said, “To protect ourselves from the atrocities of the demon Moor, we should seek refuge in Lord Vishnu and pray for the alleviation of the problems of the earth.”

Sitting in the assembly of gods, Yaksharaj Suryavarcha said in his powerful voice, “O gods! The demon Moor is not so powerful that only Lord Vishnu can destroy him. We should not trouble him for every little thing.” If you people give me permission, I can kill him alone.”

Hearing Suryavarcha’s words, Brahma said, “Fool! I know your prowess. You have challenged this assembly of gods out of arrogance. O ignorant one who mistakenly considers himself equal to Lord Vishnu! You are not worthy of this assembly of gods. Fall down to earth now. Take birth in a clan of demons. Yaksha, eager for war! Just before the start of a righteous war on Earth, Lord Vishnu himself will behead you. In your demon form, you will be deprived of that war.

Suryavarcha fell at Brahma’s feet and begged for forgiveness. Brahma’s anger subsided. He said, “Son! You have insulted the assembly of gods out of arrogance, so I cannot take back this curse. But I can certainly make some modifications to this. Lord Vishnu will cut off your head with his Sudarshan Chakra. After that, the goddesses will anoint your head with nectar. This will make you as revered as the gods.”

Thereafter, Lord Hari also spoke to Yaksharaj Suryavarcha thus: “O valiant warrior! Your head will be worshipped, and with my blessings, you will be revered as a god.” Seeing the curse turn into a boon, Suryavarcha, heartily, disappeared from the assembly of gods. Lord Vishnu incarnated as Lord Krishna to save the earth, killed the demon Moor and came to be known as Murari.

Upon receiving the news of her father’s death, the daughter of the demon Moor, Kamkatankakata (Morvi), equipped with invincible weapons, started fighting with Shri Krishna. With her invincible khetaka (crescent-shaped sword), Morvi began to cut into pieces every arrow that shot from the Lord’s Saranga bow. A fierce battle ensued. Lord Krishna had no choice but to use his Sudarshan Chakra.

As soon as Shri Krishna took his infallible weapon in his hand, Mother Kamakhya appeared there to protect her devotee Morvi. The goddess told her about Lord Krishna of Morvi, “The great warrior you are fighting will be your father-in-law. Take refuge in him and ask for the boon you desire.” Morvi calmed down and bowed to Lord Krishna and took his blessings.

After narrating this story to those present, Goddess Chandika said again, “Morvinandan has been saved by God himself. Therefore, you should not grieve. “Shri Krishna took the head of brave Barbarik and 14 goddesses appeared in the battlefield – Siddha, Ambika, Kapali, Tara, Bhaneshwari, Charchi, Ekbira, Bhootambika, Siddhi, Trepura, Chandi, Yogeshwari, Triloki and Jetra, who had been irrigated with nectar, bestowed divinity and immortality upon him. The newly awakened Shesha bowed to them all and asked for permission to watch the battle.

Lord Krishna blessed Barbarika, “O son! As long as this earth and its stars exist, as long as the sun and moon exist, you will be revered. You will roam like a goddess in the places of goddesses. You will enjoy the same respect among your devotees as the family deity. In your benevolent form, you will eradicate the diseases caused by Vata, Pitta, and Kapha in your devotees. Watch the battle from atop the mountain. After the boon from Vasudeva, Shri Krishna, the goddesses disappeared.

Barbarika’s head reached the mountaintop, and his torso was cremated according to traditional rites. With the blessings of Lord Krishna, his head had transformed into a divine form.

Barbareek’s severed head and Khatushyam:

At the end of the Mahabharata war, Bhimasena became proud that the war was won solely by his valor, while the archer Arjuna believed that the Pandavas’ victory in the Mahabharata was made possible by his valor. Seeing the growing controversy, Arjuna suggested a way out. He suggested asking the head of the brave Barbarika, who witnessed the battle, whose bravery he had witnessed.

The Pandavas, accompanied by the brave Sri Krishna, approached the head of the valiant Barbarika. They expressed their doubts. Barbarika replied, “I saw only one warrior in this war, fighting on behalf of everyone.” He was Lord Krishna. Narayana’s Sudarshan Chakra was constantly in motion throughout Kurukshetra. This war was won solely because of his strategy.

As soon as Barbarika said this, the entire sky lit up. The gods showered flowers from the sky on his divine head. Lord Krishna again bowed to the head of brave Barbarik and said – “O Barbarik, you will be worshipped everywhere in Kaliyuga and will complete the desired tasks of your devotees. You must not abandon this territory. Please forgive us for our crimes on the battlefield.”

The Pandava army, filled with joy, re-irrigated the head with water from sacred pilgrimage sites and raised their victory flags near the head. On this day, everyone celebrated the victory of the Mahabharata with great pomp and show. Over time, the head of the brave Barbarika transformed into a Shaligram stone. This deified head miraculously appeared through a cow in Khatu village, Sikar district, Rajasthan. The king there established him in the temple on the day of “Devuthani Ekadashi”, hence the birth anniversary of Shyam Baba is celebrated on Devuthani Ekadashi.

The Barbarik of that era is today’s Shri Shyam Baba. Even today, devotees of Shri Shyam Baba come from far and wide to offer Shyam flags to Shri Shyamdev Ji. All beings of Kaliyuga become happy simply by seeing Shri Shyamdevji. Their sufferings are eradicated.