Almost every devotee reaching Khatu carries something in hand — a box of pedas, mishri, a phial of itra, roses or a saffron nishan. Prasad is less a gift than a gesture: returning to Baba a little of what he gave.
Baba’s favourite bhog
The Shyam tradition itself says what Baba loves. Among his eighty-four names are “Churma-priya” (lover of churma) and “Peda-vallabh” (beloved of peda), and the Shyam Aarti describes the offering — “modak, kheer, churma, filling the golden plate”.
That is why churma, kheer and mava pedas are the most common offerings at Khatu, and devotees offering bhog at home usually make kheer or churma too.
What to take to the temple
Prasad is easy to buy at the shops outside the temple. Devotees usually offer pedas, mishri, itra, roses, peacock feathers and a nishan (flag). The peacock feather belongs to Baba’s form as “Morchhadi Dhari”, and itra is part of his daily shringar.
On crowded days — Ekadashi, weekends and mela days — avoid carrying large bags. What may be taken inside changes from time to time, so follow the notices and the volunteers on the spot.
What is a Sawamani?
“Sawamani” comes from “sava man” — one and a quarter maund. In the old weights a maund was about forty kilograms, so a sava man is roughly fifty. A Sawamani is bhog of that quantity, offered to Baba and then shared among devotees and the needy.
In the tradition it is usually tied to a vow: a devotee resolves that if some wish is fulfilled — a child, a marriage, health, work — the family will offer Baba a Sawamani. When it is fulfilled, the family comes to Khatu and offers it, usually churma, kheer or pedas.
The heart of a Sawamani is not the quantity but the sharing. Fifty kilograms of prasad is not made for one family — it is made so that it reaches the many who come to Baba’s court.
Arranging a Sawamani — a word of care
At Khatu the Sawamani bhog is prepared through local eateries and halwais. Fix the date, quantity and kind of bhog in advance — especially for Ekadashi and mela days, when demand is high.
Be wary of anyone asking for an online advance in the temple’s name. Confirm what may be offered at the temple, and the official arrangements for offerings and donations, only with the Shri Shyam Mandir Committee (shrishyammandir.com). khatu.in takes no bookings or donations.