| Khatu Shyam | |
| Other Names: | Barbarik, Khatu Naath |
| God Of: | War, Sacrifice |
| Abode: | Mount Meru |
| Parents: | Ghatotkacha (father), Mauravi (mother) |
| Attributes: | Bow, Arrows, Valor |
| Symbols: | Bow, Arrow |
| Festivals: | Khatu Shyam Jayanti |
| Associated With: | Mahabharata, Hinduism |
| Texts: | Mahabharata, Puranas |
Barbarika (Barbarīka) Barbarika in Hindu history is the son of Ghatotkacha (Son of Bhima) and Princess Maurvi, daughter of Daitya Moora,[1] though other references state that he was a warrior from the south. He was a character in the Mahabharata, a warrior who could change the outcome of battle in just few minutes.
In Nepal, Kirati king Yalambar is believed to be the Barbarik of Mahabharata, son of Ghatotkach and grandson of Bheem. 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.[2]
In Rajasthan, Barbarika is worshipped as Khatu Shyam in Khatu Shyam Temple,[3] and in Gujarat, he is worshipped as Baliyadev.
Barbarika/ Belarsen was a grandson of Bhima (second of the Pandava brothers), and the son of Ghatotkacha. Ghatotkacha was the son of Bhima and Hidimbi. He learnt the art of warfare from his mother Ahilāvati who was also known as Mauravi (daughter of Mura). The gods (ashtadeva) gave him the three infallible arrows.[4]