A stampede at the Khatu Shyam temple left 3 dead and 2 injured. It occurred when there was a rush of pilgrims after temple doors were opened during the monthly fair. 

The Hindu temple is located in the Khatushyamji village of Rajasthan, in the Sikar district. The pilgrimage site is meant for worshipping Krishna and Barbarika also exalted as Kuladevata. 

Devotees believe the temple houses Barbarika or Khatushyam’s head. He’s a legendary warrior who sacrificed his head upon Krishna’s request during the Kurukshetra War. 

The architecturally rich temple has lime, mortar, tiles, and marble in its structure. The sanctum sanctorum shutters are covered with a gold sheet, and the prayer hall – Jagmohan, is outside. 

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This hall is large and its walls are painted elaborately with mythological scenes. Both the entrance and exit gates are made of marble as are the brackets, which also have floral designs. 

There is a garden near the temple, Shyam Bagicha, from where flowers are often plucked to be offered to the deity. The Shyam Kund or holy pond near the temple is frequented by devotees looking to take a dip in its waters. 

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“Saddened by the loss of lives due to a stampede at the Khatu Shyamji Temple complex in Sikar, Rajasthan. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. I pray that those who are injured recover at the earliest”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said while addressing the stampede at the religious spot. 

A huge crowd had gathered for Ekadashi day at the site which is believed to be an important pilgrim destination in Rajasthan. The chief minister of the state, Ashok Gehlot, expressed his condolences over the death of the three individuals and wished a speedy recovery to all those who were injured during the stampede. Chaos erupted on the temple grounds and many among the crowd were left frantically asking each other for information on the whereabouts of their friends and family.