According to Hindu mythology, before the battle of Mahabharata began, the prowess of Barbarika was said to be unmatched. He had decided to favour the weaker side so he could remain just, a decision which would have resulted in the complete annihilation of both sides, leaving only Barbarika as the sole survivor. It is said that Shree Krishna, to avoid such devastating results, asked Barbarika for his head (sheesh daan), to which he readily agreed. Shree Krishna was extremely happy with the devotion shown to him, and by the great sacrifice of Barbarika that he granted him a boon, according to which Barbarika would be known by Krishna’s own name, Shyam Ji in the kaliyug (present times) and would be worshipped in his own form.
