Khatu Shyam Ji Shringaar at Home: Mukut, Haar and Floral Ideas

Khatu Shyam ji, revered as Barbarik who offered his head to Shri Krishna, is worshipped in his sheesh (head) form at Khatu in Rajasthan. Devotees call him Haare ka Sahara, the support of those who have lost hope. His darshan is famous for its elaborate floral shringaar.

The focus is the face

Because Shyam baba is worshipped in his sheesh form, almost all the shringaar frames the face. At home, this makes his shringaar simpler to plan than a full-body idol.

What to use

1. Mukut: the centrepiece. A tall gold mukut or a mor mukut suits Shyam baba, since he is worshipped as a form of Krishna.
2. Kalangi: add height with a kalangi.
3. Kundal: kundal from our earrings collection, placed beside the face.
4. Tilak: a tilak piece at the centre of the forehead.
5. Haar: a gold haar arranged around the face, along with fresh flower garlands.

Floral shringaar

Roses, marigold and rajnigandha are traditional. Many devotees create a frame of flowers around the face and add jewellery on top of it. Use fresh flowers daily and keep the jewellery wiped and dry.

Special days

• Ekadashi: Shukla Ekadashi is especially dear to Shyam devotees.
• Phalgun mela: the biggest celebration of the year at Khatu, leading up to Phalgun Shukla Dwadashi. Many families dress Shyam baba at home in his grandest shringaar during these days.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use Krishna's jewellery for Khatu Shyam ji?

Yes. Many mukut, kalangi and haar designs made for Krishna suit Shyam baba. Check the size against your idol or photo frame.

My Shyam baba is a photo, not an idol. Can I still do shringaar?

Many devotees place flowers and a small haar around the photo frame. Hang it gently from the frame rather than on the glass.