Mumbai: If you’re planning a pilgrimage to the sacred shrine of Baba Khatu Shyam in Rajasthan, there are some deeply revered rituals and offerings you should be aware of. Devotees believe that pleasing Baba Shyam with the right offerings can bring swift blessings, happiness, and fulfilment of heartfelt wishes. It is said that when rituals are performed with pure devotion, Baba Shyam showers divine grace and ensures peace and joy in the lives of his followers.
The temple of Khatu Shyam, dedicated to a revered form of Lord Krishna believed to be his Kaliyuga incarnation, draws millions of visitors every year. Over time, a specific set of traditional offerings has become associated with worshipping Baba Shyam. Here’s a closer look at the most beloved items used in his puja, which are believed to invite his divine favour.
The most cherished offering for Baba Khatu Shyam is raw cow’s milk. According to legend, the very first prasad that Baba accepted on the soil of Khatu was unboiled milk straight from the cow. Offering fresh, unfiltered, and unboiled milk during worship is considered the most auspicious act.
Kheer (a rice pudding) and churma (sweetened flour with ghee) are traditionally offered on the day of Dwadashi and during special celebrations. Prepared with pure desi ghee, these dishes are not just favourites of Baba Shyam but also believed to grant quick fulfilment of wishes when offered with devotion.
Baba Shyam has a special affection for roses. Mythology suggests that he was born in a land filled with roses and enjoyed playing with them as a child. Red rose petals, garlands, and rose-based attar are essential for his adornment. Without roses, Baba’s decoration is considered incomplete.
Sweets made from milk, especially pedas and laddoos prepared from khoya (milk solids), are highly favoured by Baba. Additionally, Panchmeva— a mix of almonds, cashews, dates, mishri (rock sugar), and raisins— is also a beloved offering. This dry fruit mix does not spoil easily and is often offered as part of the sacred prasad.
As Baba Khatu Shyam is believed to be the incarnation of Lord Krishna in the age of Kali Yuga, tulsi (holy basil) is a symbolic and spiritual offering closely linked to Lord Vishnu. One must always place at least one tulsi leaf on the prasad. Devotees may also offer other sweet dishes, fruits, and sattvic (pure) food as per their devotion, ensuring cleanliness and sincerity in the preparation.
(Disclaimer: The information provided is based on traditional beliefs and religious texts. News9 Live does not endorse or validate these claims.)
