Lambha Baliyadev Temple — Attraction in Gujarat

Before the Mahabharata war began, Krishna queried few great warriors that how long would the war take in order to be finished. Bhishma replied it would take 20 days for him to finish the war. Similarly, Dronacharya answered 25 days, Karna answered 24 days and Arjuna answered 28 days. But all got surprised when one of the warriors marks only 1 minute for him to finish the war.

His name is Barbarika and is the son of Ghatodkacha (Son of Bheema and Hidimba) and Mauravi (Daughter of Muru, King of Yadav). He learned the art of war from his mother and was a strong devotee of Lord Shiva.

His power lies on the boon he got from worshipping strongly of Lord Shiva. He received 3 arrows from Eight Gods (Asta-Deva). It is known as ‘Teen Baan‘, where the first arrow was capable of marking all the things that are a target, the second arrow was capable of marking those that Barbarika wants to save and the third one was capable of destroying all those are unmarked from safe markings. In other words, Barbarika was capable of killing everyone with the release of his three arrows.

In hearing this power of Barbarika, Krishna plays a trick by disguising as a saint when Barbarika was on his way to join the war and ask Barbarika to show his power by marking all the leaves in the forest. When Barbarika closed his eyes to release his arrows, Krishna hid one leaf below his feet. After the release of the first arrow, it marks all the leaves in the forest at once and hovers around Krishna’s feet. When Krishna asks why the arrow is hovering around his feet, Barbarika says that a leaf must be there under his feet. This confirmed Krishna that Barbarika could finish the war within a minute.

In curiosity, Krishna asked Barbarika that which side he would fight for. In return, Barbarika said that he promised his mother to use his power only for the weaker side. Since Pandavas were on the weaker side he would fight on their side. Krishna asked again to Barbarika that what if his power weakens the Kauravas, he had to switch his sides fighting against the Pandavas. This could continue until he is left alone and nobody wins. Therefore Krishna, still on the disguise of the saint, asked Barbarika for something. Barbarika promised to give anything he wants. Krishna then asked for the head of Barbarika.

Barbarika feeling nervous and confused asked who the saint was and then Krishna reveals himself by showing the true powerful face of Lord Vishnu. Barbarika is one of the two warriors who actually saw the actual Krishna in his grandeurs divine form. Barbarika pleads Krishna although he could not participate in the Kurukshetra war, he would wish to see all the war. Lord Krishna agreed and gave this boon to Barbarika. Barbarika cut his head off and gave it to Lord Krishna. Krishna places his head atop on hill where he could witness all of the Mahabharata war.

After the war ended, the victorious Pandavas argues about who the main reason for the victory of the Mahabharata war was. Lord Krishna then advises them to ask Barbarika, who was the silent witness of all of it. Barbarika replies that it was Krishna and his presence and advice that was the main reason for the victory because he could only see Krishna playing the game.

Barbarika’s head was drowned in the river named Rupawati by Krishna giving lots of blessings. After many years after the start of Kaliyug, Barbarika’s head was found buried in the village of Khatu, Sikar district, at present day Rajasthan. Roopsingh Chauhan, King of Khatu had a dream that he should build a temple for Barbarika’s head and so he built a temple and placed Barbarika’s head in there.

The place where the idol was dug is called Shyam Kund. In Rajasthan, Hindus worship Barbarika in the name of Khatu Shyam ji. He received the name of Krishna (Shyam) because of his great sacrifice and immense belief in the Lord. Krishna had declared that just by taking the name of Barbarika with a true and selfless heart would be...

A Spiritual Retreat at Baliyadev Temple in Lambha

Rating: ★★★★★

Last week, I had the opportunity to visit the enchanting Baliyadev Temple in Lambha, and the experience left me in awe of its serene beauty and spiritual significance. Nestled amidst lush greenery, the temple provided a tranquil escape from the bustling city life.

As I approached the temple, I was greeted by intricate architectural designs and a sense of calmness that permeated the air. The temple's peaceful ambiance instantly drew me in, creating an atmosphere of devotion and tranquility. The vibrant colors and ornate carvings on the temple walls showcased the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Inside the temple, the main deity, Baliyadev, stood majestically, radiating a sense of divinity. The rhythmic chants and the fragrance of incense filled the air, adding to the spiritual ambiance. Devotees offered prayers and sought blessings, creating a harmonious atmosphere of faith and devotion.

One aspect that stood out during my visit was the cleanliness and well-maintained surroundings of the temple. The staff and volunteers were attentive and friendly, ensuring that visitors had a pleasant experience. Additionally, the temple complex had facilities such as restrooms and seating areas, providing convenience for devotees and visitors alike.

The temple premises also featured beautifully landscaped gardens and shaded areas, where one could sit and meditate in peace. It was a delightful experience to witness the seamless integration of nature with spirituality.

The only reason I couldn't give Baliyadev Temple a full five-star rating is because the parking facilities were somewhat limited, which resulted in a bit of inconvenience. However, this minor setback did not overshadow the overall spiritual journey I experienced at the temple.

In conclusion, my visit to Baliyadev Temple was a soul-nourishing experience. It is a place where one can seek solace, find inner peace, and connect with their spiritual side. If you are in Lambha or visiting Ahmedabad, I highly recommend taking the time to visit this sacred temple and immerse yourself in its...

I recently visited the Baliadev Temple in Lambha, Ahmedabad, and was truly impressed by the remarkable renovations and developments that have been made. This historic temple has always been a place of cultural and spiritual significance, and the recent upgrades have only enhanced its charm and appeal.

The renovations have beautifully restored the temple’s architectural grandeur, preserving its traditional aesthetics while incorporating modern touches. The intricate carvings and sculptures are now even more striking, thanks to the meticulous restoration work. The temple’s serene ambiance is perfect for meditation and prayer, making it a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.

One of the most noticeable improvements is the well-maintained surrounding area. The newly landscaped gardens and pathways create a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. The thoughtful addition of seating areas allows for relaxation and contemplation, and the overall cleanliness and upkeep of the grounds are commendable.

The temple management has also done a fantastic job in enhancing the visitor experience. Informative signage and guides are available, providing insights into the temple's history and significance. Additionally, the newly installed lighting showcases the temple’s beauty even after dusk, allowing visitors to appreciate its splendor throughout the day.

For those interested in local cuisine and souvenirs, the newly developed surroundings include small stalls and eateries offering a variety of options. This adds to the overall experience, making a visit to Baliadev Temple a more comprehensive cultural outing.

Overall, the Baliadev Temple in Lambha has undergone a wonderful transformation, making it an even more inviting destination for tourists and devotees alike. The combination of historical significance, aesthetic enhancements, and improved facilities makes it a must-visit spot...