Barbarik – The Warrior Who Could Have Ended Mahabharata in an Instant Among the many great warriors of Mahabharata, one name remains a mystery—Barbarik, the grandson of Bhima and son of Ghatotkach. He possessed three divine arrows gifted by Lord Shiva. These arrows had incredible power: the first marked all enemies, the second marked all allies, and the third would destroy only the enemies, no matter where they hid. Barbarik’s Vow Barbarik took a vow that he would always fight for the weaker side. But in the ever-changing battlefield of Kurukshetra, the weaker side would keep shifting. If Barbarik joined the war, the balance would constantly tilt, making the battle endless. Krishna’s Test Before the war began, Lord Krishna, disguised as a Brahmin, approached Barbarik and asked, “How long would it take you to end this war?” Without hesitation, Barbarik replied, “Just one moment.” Krishna instantly realized the danger. If Barbarik fought, the war would be over before it even truly began. Barbarik’s Sacrifice To protect dharma, Krishna asked for Barbarik’s head as guru dakshina (a sacred offering to a teacher). Without question, Barbarik agreed. Before his sacrifice, he made one request—to witness the great war. Krishna granted his wish and placed his severed head atop a hill, where he could see the entire battle unfold. The Truth of the War After the war ended, when the Pandavas claimed victory, Krishna asked Barbarik, “Who do you think was the greatest warrior in this war?” To everyone’s surprise, Barbarik replied, “Neither the Pandavas nor the Kauravas—it was your divine presence, Krishna, that truly decided the war’s fate.” Legacy Even today, Barbarik is worshipped as Khatu Shyam Ji in Rajasthan.