The legend of this immensely popular Krishna temple can be
traced back to the medieval Mahabharat where, Barbareek the son of great Pandav
brother Bhim and Nag Kanya (snake princess) displayed his great warrior skills
that pleased Lord Shiva who endowed his blessings in the form of Teen Ban
(three arrows) and Agni Dev (fire god ) gave him a bow, so that he could conquer
all the three worlds. In order to watch the famous war of Mahabharat he sat
towards the battle field and in between his tryst with a Lord Krishna in disguise
become a vital part of the history and thus the incarnation of KHATU SHAMJI.
The lord asked the young Barbareek to sacrifice his head for charity, because
otherwise the victory of pandavas would not be possible since he possessed
the Teen Bans. The boy maintained his promise of Sheesh Dan as a true Kshatriya
but at the same time wished to watch the war and his wish was granted. Later
on, his head was buried in Khatu where the king had a dream and was inspired
to construct a temple and place the head in a religious manner.
Till this date his devotees are blessed by just pronouncing his name from
the bottom of their heart with true Samarpan. The devotees from all around
the world visit this pilgrimage temple at the time of the mela in the Kartik
month. Their devotion and belief simply pours from their conscious belief.
The temple today is run by trust and the offerings of the devotees is for
the Kripa which the god bestows on his devotees.