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What comes to mind when you think of the most powerful warrior during the Mahabharata war? Was it Arjun, Karna or Eklavya? No, it was Barbarika, the Son of Ghatotkacha. He was a super warrior and had the power to finish the Kurukshetra war in one minute. But why didn’t he participate in the war? Come, let’s find out the story of Barbarika and his powers.
Who was Barbarik?
According to Hindu Mythology, Barbareek was a brave and skilled warrior. He was the son of Ghatotkacha (grandson of Bhima) and Maurvi, the daughter of Daita Moora. Barbarik was known to be a mighty warrior who was impossible to defeat then. He was also a true believer and a devotee of Lord Shiva.
Moreover, according to the story of Barbarika, when he was born, he had massive powers. Thus, his mother, Mauravi, also known as Ahilavati, taught him the art of warfare. He was also gifted with three arrows and a bow from Ashtadeva (Eight Gods), which had the power to destroy everything.
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What Made Barbareek So Powerful?
Most people do not discuss the story of Barbareek and his power because it is unfamiliar. People know about the Mahabharata War but are unaware of Barbarika, who had the power to finish the war in just one minute. According to various Hindu texts and scriptures, since childhood, Barbarika has been the ultimate devotee of Lord Shiva, which has made him a skilled warrior.
Another reason could be the rigorous training his mother, Ahilavati, gave him, who taught him warfare skills. Lastly, the impeccable arrows, or Teen Baan, could destroy everything Barbareek targets or intends to kill.
Why did Barbarik not Participate in Mahabharata?
The story is quite lengthy, so we will break it down into smaller sections, each with a clear headline, to help you understand better.
Barbarika’s Promise to His Mother
You might wonder why the most powerful warriors didn’t participate in the Mahabharat war. Well, the story of Barbarika proves that with power comes great responsibility. Likewise, Barabarik had some principles and promises to keep that prevented him from participating in the war.
After hearing about the War between the Kauravas and Pandavas, Barbarika rode his blue horse, equipped with three arrows, to the battlefield. Before leaving, he promised his mother that he would only join the war if necessary and only on the side facing failure.
Krishna Disguised Himself To Test The Power of Barbarika
Continuing the story, Barbarika reached the battlefield, and Krishna saw him heading towards the field with just three arrows. Krishna became curious about Barbarika’s power because he claimed he could finish the battle in just one minute. On hearing this, Krishna wanted to test his power and thus disguised himself as a Brahmin.
Moreover, to test the power of Barbarika’s arrow, Krishna asks him to collect all the leaves of the trees in one place under which both were standing. While Barbarika closed his eyes to shoot his first arrow, Krishna tricked him and hid one leaf under his feet.
Barbarika was about to shoot the arrow while the leaves revolved around Krishna’s feet. On this, Barbarika says there might be one leaf under your feet and asks him to lift his legs, or else he will hurt his feet with the arrow. This made Krishna realise about the incredible strength and power of Barbarika.
Krishna’s Question to Barbarika about his participation in the War
Upon realising the power and story of Barbarika, Krishna asked him which side he would like to fight for. Barbarika replied that he had a principle of fighting for the weaker side, and since the Pandavas had a smaller army, he would fight for them. Kauravas had 11 Akshauhini army, and Pandavas had only 7 of them, making Pandavas the weaker ones.
Moreover, Krishna considers such a situation risky even if Barbarika fights from the Pandavas’ side. This is because when Barbarika starts to fight from the side of Pandavas, the Kauravas will become weaker. Therefore, Barbarik would start shifting sides in the war because of the word given to his mother.
In that case, Krishna explains the chronology of the situation that made Barbarika realise that it would not be fair even if he fought from either side.
Barbarika’s Sacrifice: The victory of Dharma over Adharma
After all the discussions with Lord Krishna, he discovered he could not fight for either side. Thus, Krishna suggested that he sacrifice his head, as before the war began, the bravest Kshatriya had to sacrifice something to the Guru.
However, the bravest among all the warriors is Barbarika, and thus, he would sacrifice his head as a Guru Dakshina. This sacrifice of Barbarika plays a crucial role in ensuring the victory of Dharma (righteousness) over Adharma (unrighteousness) and preventing unnecessary bloodshed.
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Teen Baan: The Power of Three Arrows
In the story of Barbarika, the three arrows are glorified and you might also be eager to know about them. The Ashtadeva (Eight Gods) bestowed three arrows and a bow upon Barbarika, granting him immense power. These three arrows, also known as “Teen Baan,” were mighty and could end any battle.
Moreover, Barbarika explains the purpose of each arrow. The first arrow marks all the objects on the battlefield that are to be destroyed. The second arrow marks the objects on the field to be protected. Lastly, the third arrow destroys the objects marked by the first arrow and protects the objects marked by the second arrow. This unique power of Barbarika got him named “Teen Baan Dhaari.”
Why is Barbarik Worshipped as Khatushayam?
You might be familiar with Khatu Shyam Ji Mandir, located in the district of Sikar, Rajasthan. Yes, Khatu Shyam Ji is the manifestation of the son of Ghatotkacha, Barbarika. After the Kurukshetra war ended, Barbarika’s sacrifice utterly impressed Lord Krishna.
Thus, Barbarika receives a boon from him, and he states that Shyam will be his name in Kaliyug. He will also have powers equal to those of Lord Krishna. Since then, people have started worshipping Khatu Shyam Ji. It is said that he removes all the grief and troubles from the lives of his devotees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who was Barbarik?
2. What was Barbarik father name?
3. Why did Barbarik not participate in Mahabharata?
4. Whose head watched Mahabharat?
5. Why was Barbarika called Teen Baan Dhari?
6. What boon did Krishna give to Barbarik?
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