Kaal Bhairav Jayanti or Kalashtami is a festival dedicated to Bhagwan Bhairava , a fierce form of Bhagwan Shiva who represents the Para Brahman or Supreme Reality. He punishes the sinners appropriately and protects the surrendered devotees. There are 64 Bhairavas headed by 8 Bhairavas and all of them are ruled by Bhagwan Kala Bhairava. Kala Ashtami is observed every month during Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha as per the Hindu calendar. On this day, people observe fast and offer prayers to Bhagwan Bhairava. Interestingly, the most significant Kalashtami, Kalabhairav Jayanti, is celebrated in North India in the month of Margashirsha (Dec-Jan) whereas the South Indians celebrate it in the month of Kartik (Nov-Dec). However, both calendars celebrate Kaal Bhairav Jayanti on the same day as per the Gregorian Calendar. Devotees of Shiva maintain that Bhagwan Shiva appeared in the form of Bhairava on this very day.
Kaal Bhairav Jayanti
Kaal Bhairav Jayanti is also known as Bhairava Ashtami or Kaal Bhairava Ashtami. It is on this day that Bhagwan Shiva manifested as Bhagwan Kaal Bhairav. The day is celebrated on the Ashtami Tithi, Krishna Paksha in the month of Margashirsha and is considered the best day to worship and revere Bhagwan Kaal Bhairav. It is celebrated with fanfare in Kaal Bhairav temples nationwide. In Varanasi devotees undertake an eight-day pilgrimage to the eight temples of Ashta Bhairava.
In 2024, Kaal Bhairav Jayanti will be celebrated on Friday, November 22, 2024.
Dates & Tithi Timings of Kala Bhairava Jayanti/ Kalashtami 2024
Kalabhairav Jayanti on Friday, November 22, 2024
Ashtami Tithi Begins: 06:07 PM on Nov 22, 2024
Ashtami Tithi Ends: 07:56 PM on Nov 23, 2024
Bhairav Ashtami
‘Ashta’ means ‘eight’ and ‘Ashtami’ means ‘eighth’. Thus Ashtami, the eighth day after the Full Moon Day is highly auspicious to worship Bhagwan Kaal Bhairava. There are in total twelve Kalashtami in a year. Of these, the one falling on a Sunday or Tuesday is best for the worship of Bhagwan Kal Bhairav.
Origin of the name Bhairava
Bhairava is derived from the word ‘Bhr’ which means one who bears(holds) the universe by sustaining and nourishing it while the word ‘rava’ means self-awareness. Another meaning implies that He is the patron of those who fear the cycle of suffering, where ‘rava’ stands for intensified awareness which arises within Bhiru' which means dread or fear of cycle of suffering.
Legends surrounding Bhairava
The most popular story of origins of Kaal Bhairav is mentioned in the Shiva Mahapurana. Legends go that once Bhagwan Brahma grew arrogant and during a conversation with Bhagwan Vishnu, stated that He is the Supreme Creator, He has five heads just as Bhagwan Shiva and He can do whatever that Bhagwan Shiva can do and thus He should be worshipped and not Bhagwan Shiva. To crush the ego of Bhagwan Brahma, Bhagwan Shiva took a hair strand of His and threw it on the floor and from that emerged Bhagwan Kaal Bhairav who chopped-off the fifth head of Bhagwan Brahma. Bhagwan Brahma understood His mistake and asked for forgiveness. Bhagwan Kaal Bhairav got cursed with the sin of Brahman-hatya and thus wandered around like a vagabond with the severed fifth head of Bhagwan Brahma until He reached Kashi. There He was absolved of the sin and thus stayed there and became the protective Deity of the city. He is also known as ‘Kotwal of Kashi’.
Another legend goes that once a demon named Dahurasuran had a boon that he could only be killed by a woman. Thus, Maa Parvati took the ferocious form of Goddess Kali to kill him. After killing the demon from the wrath and rage of Goddess Kali manifested a child whom Maa Kali fed Her milk. Bhagwan Shiva merged both Goddess Kali and the Child into Himself and through the merged form emerged the Ashtanga Bhairavas (eight Bhairavas). The Ashtanga Bhairavas married the Ashta Matrikas. From these Ashta Bhairavas and Ashta Matrikas, 64 Bhairavas and 64 Yoginis manifested.
One more story about origins of Bhagwan Kaal Bhairav is that when Raja Daksha insulted Bhagwan Shiva, Maa Sati couldn’t bear it and jumped in the fire of Yagna kund. When Bhagwan Shiva came to know about the happenings in rage, he took His Kaal Bhairav form and beheaded Raja Daksha. Later Kaal Bhairav became the protective Deity in all Shakti peethas.
Kalashtami Vrat (Fasting)
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Observing the Kaal Bhairav Jayanti or Kalashtami fast is known for its challenging nature. To truly experience the profound rewards of this fast, one must not only abstain from food but also dedicate the entire night to worship and honour Kaal Bhairav. It is recommended to refrain from consuming anything during this fast. If needed, you can have fruits and milk. The fast ends the next day with the worship of Kaal Bhairav, when you can break it.
Kalashtami Vrat Benefits
Many people find relief in worshipping Bhagwan Bhairav on the day of Kalashtami. It is said that by observing a fast on this day, devotees can have their wishes fulfilled and receive auspicious outcomes for their efforts. It brings freedom from various fears as well. Also, through the divine intervention of Bhagwan Bhairav, one can find peace from those who seek to harm them.
On this sacred day, devotees gather to honor Bhagwan Shiva, adorning his temples with beautiful decorations. Enthusiasts also arrange evening rituals. During the late hours, Nisha Kaal Bhairav is revered and honored. Those who embrace the path of Tantra find fulfilment in acquiring this sacred wisdom during the auspicious night of Kalashtami.
Kalashtami Rituals & Remedies
Kalashtami holds great significance for the followers of Bhagwan Shiva. Through the practice of certain rituals on this day, followers can connect with the divine energy of Bhagwan Shiva and receive his blessings. Here are a few of the practices to be observed on this special day:
Rise early in the morning and cleanse yourself in the early hours.
Engage in a unique ritual to honour Bhagwan Kaal Bhairav, seeking his divine blessings and forgiveness for any misconduct.
Another practice that can be observed on this day is fasting. Those who faithfully observe Kalashtami Vrat are bestowed with abundant blessings of prosperity, joy, and achievement in their journey.
Immerse yourself in the ancient tales of Kaal Bhairav and let the powerful mantras dedicated to Bhagwan Shiva resonate through your being.
Additionally, during the evening hours, it would be worthwhile to pay a visit to the temple of Bhagwan Kaal Bhairav and partake in a heartfelt prayer.
During Kalashtami, a sacred ritual takes place in the morning where prayers and puja are dedicated to our ancestors, ensuring their souls find tranquilly.
Contribute to the well-being of brahmins by donating food, clothes, money, and other essentials.
Feed the black dogs (known as the vahana of Kaal Bhairav) with offerings of milk, curd, and delectable treats.
Power of Kalabhairava Ashtakam
The Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam instructs people on how to follow the path of righteousness.
It frees us from the consequences of our sins and bad karma.
It reduces the negative impacts of Rahu, Ketu, and Shani doshas.
By chanting it, one can get relieved from long-term issues and miseries in our life.
If a person is suffering from black magic or evil eye, they must chant Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam to get rid of that.
Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam:
देवराजसेव्यमानपावनाङ्घ्रिपङ्कजं व्यालयज्ञसूत्रमिन्दुशेखरं कृपाकरम् !
नारदादियोगिवृन्दवन्दितं दिगंबरं काशिकापुराधिनाथ कालभैरवं भजे !!
भानुकोटिभास्वरं भवाब्धितारकं परं नीलकण्ठमीप्सितार्थदायकं त्रिलोचनम् !
कालकालमंबुजाक्षमक्षशूलमक्षरं काशिकापुराधिनाथ कालभैरवं भजे !!
शूलटङ्कपाशदण्डपाणिमादिकारणं श्यामकायमादिदेवमक्षरं निरामयम् !
भीमविक्रमं प्रभुं विचित्रताण्डवप्रियं काशिकापुराधिनाथ कालभैरवं भजे !!
भुक्तिमुक्तिदायकं प्रशस्तचारुविग्रहं भक्तवत्सलं स्थिरं समस्तलोकविग्रहम् !
विनिक्वणन्मनोज्ञहेमकिङ्किणीलसत्कटिं काशिकापुराधिनाथ कालभैरवं भजे !!
धर्मसेतुपालकं त्वधर्ममार्गनाशकं कर्मपाशमोचकं सुशर्मदायकं विभुम् !
स्वर्णवर्णशेषपाशशोभिताङ्गमण्डलं काशिकापुराधिनाथ कालभैरवं भजे !!
रत्नपादुकाप्रभाभिरामपादयुग्मकं नित्यमद्वितीयमिष्टदैवतं निरंजनम् !
मृत्युदर्पनाशनं करालदंष्ट्रमोक्षणं काशिकापुराधिनाथ कालभैरवं भजे !!
अट्टहासभिन्नपद्मजाण्डकोशसंततिं दृष्टिपातनष्टपापजालमुग्रशासनम् !
अष्टसिद्धिदायकं कपालमालिकाधरं काशिकापुराधिनाथ कालभैरवं भजे !!
भूतसंघनायकं विशालकीर्तिदायकं काशिवासलोकपुण्यपापशोधकं विभुम् !
नीतिमार्गकोविदं पुरातनं जगत्पतिं काशिकापुराधिनाथ कालभैरवं भजे !!
कालभैरवाष्टकं पठंति ये मनोहरं ज्ञानमुक्तिसाधकं विचित्रपुण्यवर्धनम् !
शोकमोहदैन्यलोभकोपतापनाशनं ते प्रयान्ति कालभैरवांघ्रिसन्निधिं नरा ध्रुवम् !!
Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam in Roman (English):
Deva Raaja Sevyamaana Paavana Angghri Pankajam
Vyaala Yajnya Suutram Indu Shekharam Krpaakaram !
Naarada [A]adi Yogi Vrnda Vanditam Digambaram
Kaashikaa Pura Adhinaatha Kaalabhairavam Bhaje..!!
Bhaanu Kotti Bhaasvaram Bhavaabdhi Taarakam Param
Niila Kannttham Iipsita Artha Daayakam Trilocanam !
Kaala Kaalam Ambuja Akssam Akssa Shuulam Akssaram
Kaashikaa Pura Adhinaatha Kaalabhairavam Bhaje !!
Shuula Tanka Paasha Danndda Paannim Aadi Kaarannam
Shyaama Kaayam Aadi Devam Akssaram Nir Aamayam !
Bhiimavikramam Prabhum Vichitra Taannddava Priyam
Kaashikaa Pura Adhinaatha Kaalabhairavam Bhaje !!
Bhukti Mukti Daayakam Prashasta Chaaru Vigraham
Bhakta Vatsalam Sthitam Samasta Loka Vigraham !
Vi Nikvannan Manojnya Hema KinkinniiLasat Kattim
Kaashikaa Pura Adhinaatha Kaalabhairavam Bhaje !!
Dharma Setu Paalakam Tva Adharma Maarga Naashakam
Karma Paasha Mochakam Su Sharma Daayakam Vibhum !
Svarnna Varnna Shessa Paasha Shobhitaangga Mannddalam
Kaashikaa Pura Adhinaatha Kaalabhairavam Bhaje !!
Ratna Paadukaa Prabhaabhi Raam Paada Yugmakam
Nityam Advitiiyam Isstta Daivatam Niramjanam !
Mrtyu Darpa Naashanam Karaala Damssttra Mokssannam
Kaashikaa Pura Adhinaatha Kaalabhairavam Bhaje !!
Atttta Haasa Bhinna Padmaja Anndda Kosha Samtatim
Drsstti Paata Nasstta Paapa Jaalam Ugra Shaasanam !
Asstta Siddhi Daayakam Kapaala Maalikaa Dharam
Kaashikaa Pura Adhinaatha Kaalabhairavam Bhaje !!
Bhuuta Samgha Naayakam Vishaala Kiirti Daayakam
Kaashi Vaasa Loka Punnya Paapa Shodhakam Vibhum !
Niiti Maarga Kovidam Puraatanam Jagatpatim
Kaashikaa Pura Adhinaatha kaalabhairavam Bhaje !!
Kaalabhairavaassttakam Patthamti Ye Manoharam
Jnyaana Mukti Saadhanam Vicitra Punnya Vardhanam !
Shoka Moha Dainya Lobha Kopa Taapa Naashanam
Prayaanti Kaalabhairava-Amghri-Sannidhim Naraa Dhruvam !!
Summary of Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam:
The Bhairav Ashtakam is eight stanza hymns dedicated to Bhagwan Kaal Bhairav and is composed by Adi Shankaracharya. In the stanzas, salutations are offered to Bhagwan Kaal Bhairav and His iconography and qualities are described.
The first two stanzas describe His ecstatic appearance and Him being venerated by Sage and Yogis. It describes that He supports the Universe and rescues His devotees. The third and fourth stanzas describe Kaal Bhairava as the One Who punishes evil and relieves His devotees from sins and sufferings and bestows prosperity.
The other two stanzas describe Him as the eternal One and the guardian of righteousness. He is described as a reliever from fear of death and the cycle of karma and rebirth. The 7th stanza describes Kalbhairav God as the bestower of eight Siddhis and destroyer of sin while the last stanza describes Him as ruler of spirits and ghosts and the bestower of peace, glory, happiness and prosperity. He as the protector of Kashi is described as the protector, absolver of sin and guiding them ever along the path of Dharma.
Importance & Significance of Kalashtami
The importance of Kalashtami is highlighted in the 'Aditya Purana'. As per the Aditya Purana, the primary focus of devotion on Kalashtami is Bhagwan Kaal Bhairav. Bhagwan Kaal Bhairav is widely recognised as the embodiment of Bhagwan Shiva. In Hindu mythology, the concept of 'Kaal' represents the ever-flowing river of time, while 'Bhairav' symbolises the divine manifestation of Shiva. Thus, Kaal Bhairav is often referred to as the 'God of Time'. Today holds great significance for those who follow Bhagwan Shiva, as they celebrate and worship Bhagwan Bhairav with utmost devotion.
Legend has it that during a profound conversation among Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh, Bhagwan Shiva became infuriated by the comments made by Bhagwan Brahma. He assumed the form of Mahakaleshwar and severed the fifth head of Bhagwan Brahma. There is a belief that Kaal Bhairav is the powerful incarnation of Bhagwan Shiva, destined to quell the anger of Bhagwan Brahma. Ever since, followers have been worshipping the Kaal Bhairav incarnation of Bhagwan Shiva. In addition, there are specific offerings that should never be presented to Bhagwan Shiva.
Masik Kalashtami Dates and Timings
| Date & Day | Tithi Timings |
| January 4, 2024, Thursday |
Begins: 07:45 PM, Jan 03
Ends: 10:04 PM, Jan 04 |
| February 2, 2024, Friday |
Begins: 04:02 PM, Feb 02
Ends: 05:20 PM, Feb 03 |
| March 3, 2024, Sunday |
Begins: 08:44 AM, Mar 03
Ends: 08:49 AM, Mar 04 |
| April 1, 2024, Monday |
Begins: 09:09 PM, Apr 01
Ends: 08:08 PM, Apr 02 |
| May 1, 2024, Wednesday |
Begins: 05:45 AM, May 01
Ends: 04:01 AM, May 01 |
| May 30, 2024, Thursday |
Begins: 11:43 AM, May 30
Ends: 09:38 AM, May 31 |
| June 28, 2024, Friday |
Begins: 04:27 PM, May 28
Ends: 02:19 PM, May 29 |
| July 27, 2024, Saturday |
Begins: 09:19 PM, July 27
Ends: 07:27 PM, July 28 |
| August 26, 2024, Monday |
Begins: 03:39 AM, Aug 26
Ends: 02:19 AM, Aug 27 |
| September 24, 2024, Tuesday |
Begins: 12:38 PM, Sep 24
Ends: 12:10 PM, Sep 25 |
| October 24, 2024, Thursday |
Begins: 01:18 AM, Oct 24
Ends: 01:58 AM, Oct 25 |
| November 22, 2024, Friday |
Begins: 06:07 PM, Nov 22
Ends: 07:56 PM, Nov 23 |
| December 22, 2024, Sunday |
Begins: 02:31 PM, Dec 22
Ends: 05:07 PM, Dec 23 |
Kaalbhairav Jayanti Associated Products & Services
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