The Mahabharata War featured many great warriors, but did you know that there was a warrior in Kurukshetra who could single-handedly end the entire war in just one minute? That mighty warrior was Barbarika, grandson of the mighty Bhima and son of Ghatotkacha. Today, the entire nation worships him as "Khatu Shyam Ji."

Through his penance to the Mother Goddess, Barbarika had obtained three infallible arrows that never failed. With these three arrows, he could destroy an entire army in a moment, which is why he was called "Teen Baan Dhari." Before going into battle, his mother had promised him, "Always support the losing side."

Lord Krishna knew that when the Kauravas began to lose the war, Barbarika, as promised, would fight on their side. This would lead to the Pandavas' defeat, and only Barbarika would survive. To protect the Dharma, Krishna disguised himself as an ordinary Brahmin and asked Barbarika for his head as a donation.

Without hesitation, Barbarika cut off his head and donated it to Lord Krishna. Pleased with his supreme sacrifice, Krishna granted him a boon that in the Kali Yuga, he would be worshipped by the name "Shyam" and would alleviate the sufferings of his devotees. Before donating his head, Barbarika expressed a desire to witness the entire battle, a wish Krishna granted. Today, he is worshipped as "the support of the defeated" at the Khatu Shyam Temple in Sikar, Rajasthan.

PC: TV9 Bharatvarsh