ॐ Hindu Of Universe ॐ
“God’s light is within you, It never leaves you.”
The Hindu festival of Kalashtami, or Kala Ashtami, is dedicated to Lord Bhairav, the fiery form of Lord Shiva.
Every lunar month, on the Ashtami tithi (eighth day) during the Krishna Paksha or the waning phase of the moon, people celebrate Ashtami.
The most auspicious day to worship Lord Kaal Bhairav is Ashtami tithi, which falls on the day following the full moon, Poornima.
Devotees fast on this day and pray to Lord Bhairav.
Though Kalashtami is celebrated as Kalabhairav Jayanti twelve times a year, the one in the month of Margashirsha (the ninth month of the Hindu calendar) is considered to be the most important and auspicious.
According to religious beliefs, worshipping Lord Kaal Bhairav and fasting on this day provides relief from all troubles and sorrows in life.
Let us take a look at the auspicious time, rituals and significance of Kalashtami which is observed in March.
Rituals
On the day of the Kalashtami fast, one should wake up in the morning and take a bath in Brahma Muhurta.
Worship should be done while meditating on Lord Kaal Bhairav.
One should wear clean clothes.
The temple should be cleaned and Ganga water should be sprinkled all over the place.
The statue of Lord Kaal Bhairav should be installed by spreading red cloth.
After this, the lamp should be lit.
Not only this, Lord Kaal Bhairav Ashtak should be recited on this day.
Doing this brings happiness and peace to life.
Kalashtami Vrat Puja Vidhi
1. On Kalashtami day, devotees must wake up before the Brahma muhurta and, after having their bath, must take a vow to observe fast worshipping Lord Kaal Bhairav, the Raudra (angry) form of Lord Shiva.
2. If it is possible, devotees should go to the Lord Kaal Bhairav temple at night. In the absence of temples in the area, people could install an idol or picture of Lord Kaal Bhairav along with Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi on a wooden stool.
3. Devotees offer coconut, imarti, liquor, paan, ochre, etc., to Lord Kaal Bhairav.
4. Light a four-faced lamp as well as an incense lamp. Apply tilak with Kumkum and turmeric to everyone present and perform the aarti.
5. Offerings of black gram and mustard oil are also made while worshipping Lord Bhairav Kaal Bhairav at night.
About Kalashtami or Bhairava Ashtami
Masik Kalashtami or Bhairava Ashtami is observed every month during Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha.
Devotees offer praying to Lord Bhairav and also keep fast on these days to seek blessings from the Lord.
This puja helps to reduce the obstacles, barriers and hurdles and also remove sorrows, unhappiness and miseries from lives.
You too can benefit from the Lord Bhairav Puja.
On this festival, perform Lord Bhairav Puja
- Personalized Puja and Homam done only for you
- Free Mahurat Calculation by Astrologer
- Puja will be done with right vidhi vidhan through experienced purohits.
Kal Bhairav Story
Kal Bhairav is an incarnation of Lord Shiva.
There was a day when Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu had an heated argument about their greatness.
At the very moment, a large Agnilinga appeared in front of them.
They both struggled to see the ends of the Linga but couldn’t see it.
In that case, Lord Brahma lied to Lord Vishnu that he saw the ends and Lord Vishnu eccepted his failure for not seeing it.
And then, Lord Shiva arrived their and asked Lord Brahma to not to lie but Lord Brahma didn’t realize his mistake and moreover insulted Lord Shiva.
Lord Shiva couldn’t resist and created Kaal Bhairav to punish him.
Kaal Bhairav on that note cut the fifth head of Lord Brahma and Lord Brahma soon realized his mistake about lying to Lord Vishnu.
Lord Brahma asked for an apology and Lord Shiva being kind, accepted the apology and left.
Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu resolved their fight and regained knowledge and left their pride and ego
Kal Bhairav Puja
Kaal Bhairav Puja is performed to attain success and prosperity in life and get rid of obstacles and barriers coming in the way.
Puja is performed on the eighth day after waning moon.
Mantras are chanted as rituals and also, food is donated to the poor, stray dogs are fed, bananas to cow are fed.
Kal Bhairav Puja Benefits:
- To seek blessings of Lord Shiva
- To get protected from the negativities, illness and disease
- To have a smooth living.
- For getting wishes fulfilled
Kal Bhairav Mantra for recitation on Kalashtami
- “Hrim vatukaya apadudharanaya kuru kuru batukaya hrim”
- “Om hreem vam vatukaaya Aapaduddharanaya vatukaaya hreem”
- “Om Hraam Hreem Hroom Hrime Hroum Ksham Kshetrapaalaaya Kaala Bhairavaaya Namaha”
This is the most powerful way to please God Kal Bhairav and seek blessings.
To get the best results, one should chant Kalbhairav Mantra early morning after taking bath and in front of God Kalbhairav Idol
Kal Bhairav Yantra
Lord Kalabhairava helps in seeking blessings by worshipping through Kalabhairava Yantra on ocassion of Kala Ashtami.
The positive powers of this Yantra will sharpen your skills.
This is a strong medium to connect to the Lord Kaal Bhairav and to achieve goals quickly.
This brings good luck and eliminates negativities and black magic.
Kalashtami
The Hindu festival of Kalashtami or Kala Ashtami is dedicated to Lord Bhairav, the fiery form of Lord Shiva. Kala Ashtami is observed every lunar month on the Ashtami tithi (8th day) during the Krishna Paksha or waning phase of the moon.
The Ashtami tithi after the full moon (Poornima) is considered the most auspicious day to worship Lord Kaal Bhairav.
On this day, devotees observe a fast propitiating Lord Bhairav.
Although Kalashtami, also known as Masik Kalashtami, occurs 12 times a year and is known as Kalabhairav Jayanti, the one observed during the Margashirsha month is thought to be the most significant and auspicious.
According to the Gregorian calendar, this corresponds to November.
Given that these days are reserved for worshipping Lord Bhairav, Kalashtami is thought to be more auspicious if it falls on a Sunday or Tuesday.
Kalashtami is a day of intense devotion and fervor for devotees all over the nation.
Kalashtami Vrat Dates in
Kalashtami is observed every month during the Ashtami tithi of Krishna Paksha. Below are the Kalashtami dates that will be observed in .
Rituals conducted during Kalashtami
The devoted followers of Lord Shiva believe that Kalashtami is a significant and auspicious day to worship the fearsome incarnation of Lord Shiva known as Kala Bhairava.
Let’s learn the Kalashtami rituals to perform to receive Lord Shiva’s ultimate blessings.
On Kalashtami, devotees rise early before sunrise to bathe. In the morning, they also carry out special pujas and rituals for their deceased ancestors.
To receive their divine blessings and have their sins atoned for, devotees worship Lord Kaal Bhairav alongside Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi.
All day long, they strictly adhere to a fast.
As it is believed to be lucky, ardent devotees also stay up all night listening to and narrating tales of Kaal Bhairav and Lord Shiva.
They also chant the Kaal Bhairav mantras and the Kaal Bhairav Katha.
Aarti is also performed at midnight to the accompaniment of drums, conches, and other traditional musical instruments.
The devotees are granted prosperity, happiness, and success in their lives by keeping a strict fast.
It is also lucky to give dogs food on Kalashtami day because Lord Bhairav rides on a black dog. Dogs are therefore given milk, curd, and treats on this day.
Additionally, it is regarded as extremely lucky to feed the Brahmins in sacred places of worship.
Kalashtami Vrat Puja Vidhi
- On Kalashtami day, devotees must wake up before the Brahma muhurta and, after having their bath, must take a vow to observe fast worshipping Kaal Bhairav, the Raudra (angry) form of Lord Shiva. Then, the devotees must observe a strict fast and worship Kaal Bhairav during the night.
- They may visit the temple of Kaal Bhairav, if possible, during the night. If there are no temples in the nearby vicinity, they may install an idol or picture of Kaal Bhairav along with Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi on a wooden stool.
- Devotees offer coconut, imarti, liquor, paan, ochre, etc., to Kaal Bhairav.
- Light a four-faced lamp as well as an incense lamp. Apply tilak with kumkum and turmeric on everyone present and perform the aarti.
- Offerings of black gram and mustard oil are also made while worshipping Kaal Bhairav at night.
- Recite the Shiva Chalisa and Bhairav Chalisa mantras and the Batuk Bhairav PanjarKavach.
- After the worship of Kaal Bhairav, offer milk or sweets to a black dog and worship the dog at the end of the day.
- One has to Chant Bhairav Mantras 108 times while worshipping Kaal Bhairav for optimum results, as numbers hold great significance in Vedic culture
Kalashtami Vrat Katha
Shiva Purana describes the birth of Kaal Bhairav, who was born on Ashtami tithi of Krishna Paksha.
It is believed that by observing the fast and worshipping Kaal Bhairav, the worshipper gains fulfillment of their desires and mitigates their fear of occultism and witchcraft.
Worshipping Kaal Bhairav also mitigates the negative effects of Nava grahas and their ominous effects. Let us learn the story behind the birth of Kaal Bhairava.
Legend has it that there occurred an argument between Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva as to who was the most superior among them.
As the dispute did not conclude, a meeting of all deities was then called to resolve the dispute.
After much brainstorming, the deities arrived at a decision, and Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu agreed with the verdict of the deities.
However, Lord Brahma was not satisfied, and he humiliated Lord Shiva.
This angered Lord Shiva and led to the taking of the fierce form of Kaal Bhairav.
All the deities were shaken at this form of Lord Shiva. Kaal Bhairav descended on a black dog and attacked Lord Brahma, severing one of Lord Brahma’s heads.
With four heads left, Lord Brahma apologized to Lord Shiva to save himself from the wrath of Kaal Bhairav.
Lord Shiva came back to his form once Lord Brahma apologized; however, the form of Kaal Bhairav had to seek penance for trying to kill Brahma.
Thus, Kaal Bhairav wandered far and wide for many years and reached Varanasi, where he washed off all sins, and moved on to better fortunes.
Kalashtami Puja Mantras
||AthikruraMahakaayaKalpantaDahanopam
Bhairav NamastubhyamAnugnyaDaturmarhasi||
||Om Bhayaharanam Cha Bhairava:||
||Om Kalabhairavai Namaha||
||Om Hrim Bam BatukayaAapduddharanayKurukuruBatukayaHrim||
||Om BhramKaalaBhairavayaFatt||
The Eight forms of Kaal Bhairav
As Kaal Bhairav is reputed to be the bodyguard of all Shaktipeeths of Goddess Sati, his temple can frequently be found in these shrines.
The most popular incarnations of Kaal Bhairav and Batuk Bhairav are both worshipped.
Tantra Sadhana, on the other hand, details the eight varieties of Bhairav, which go by the names of Bhishana Bhairava, Chandra Bhairav, Krodha Bhairav, Rudra Bhairav, Asitang Bhairav, Samhara Bhairav, Kapali Bhairav, and Unmath Bhairav.
Devotees offer Bhairav rice, jaggery, Khichdi, and other offerings.
A person who observes the Kalashtami fast is freed from sorrows, illnesses, and enemies.
Significance of Kalashtami
Aditya Purana describes the significance of Kalashtami in worshipping Kaal Bhairav, known as the manifestation of Lord Shiva.
‘Kaal’ means time, and ‘Bhairav’ denotes the form of Lord Shiva.
Hence Kaal Bhairav is also known as the ‘God of Time’.
Staunch devotees of Lord Shiva also worship Kaal Bhairav.
Kaal Bhairav is also known as Mahakaleshwar or Dandadhipati.
Kalashtami is an important day for devotees of Lord Kaal Bhairav to seek his blessings for a peaceful and successful life, and to honor the power of time and destiny.
On Kaal Ashtami, devotees of Lord Shiva and Goddess Kali offer prayers and perform rituals to seek their blessings and protection.
It is believed that worshiping Lord Shiva and Goddess Kali on this day helps to eliminate negative energy and obstacles from one’s life.
Devotees also seek their blessings for health, prosperity, and protection from evil spirits.
According to Hindu mythology, Kaal Ashtami also describes the shape that Lord Shiva took as Mahakaleshwar or Kaal Bhairav in retaliation for the criticism he received from Lord Brahma.
Since then, both devas and humans have worshipped Kaal Bhairav to receive Lord Shiva’s heavenly blessings.
Worshiping Lord Bhairav, according to devotees, purges one’s life of all pain, suffering, and negative influences.
Additionally, it is believed that by turning to Lord Kaal Bhairav, one can lessen the negative effects of Rahu and Shani doshas.
Kalashtami
In Hinduism, the month of February holds immense significance for devotees who observe the Masik Kalashtami, a holy day dedicated to Lord Bhairava, one of the fiercest forms of Lord Shiva.
It is believed that Lord Bhairava is the protector of his devotees and helps them overcome their fears and obstacles.
If you are looking for a detailed guide to Kalashtami in February , you have come to the right place.
The day is celebrated on the eighth day after the full moon, and this year it falls on February .
On this day, devotees fast and perform special puja rituals to Lord Bhairava, seeking his blessings for protection from negative energies and obstacles.
The puja includes offerings of flowers, lamps, and food items, as well as reciting mantras and hymns in praise of Lord Bhairava.
So, if you are planning to observe Masik Kalashtami in February , make sure to follow these rituals with sincerity and devotion to seek the blessings of Lord Bhairava.
SIGNIFICANCE:
- Kalashtami, celebrated every month on the eighth lunar day of the waning moon (Krishna Paksha), is a significant occasion for devotees seeking blessings from Lord Bhairava
- He is believed to be the protector from negative energies, bestowing fearlessness, success, and liberation from spiritual obstacles
- Devotees observe fasts, perform pujas, chant mantras, and visit Bhairava temples on this day.
PUJA RITUALS:
- Early morning: Wake up before sunrise and have a bath to cleanse yoursel
- Prepare the puja area: Create a clean and sacred space in your home or visit a Bhairava temple.
- Offerings: Prepare offerings like fruits, flowers, incense, oil lamps, and sweets. Some may offer til (sesame seeds) and mustard oil, considered dear to Lord Bhairava
- Mantras: Chant mantras dedicated to Lord Bhairava, seeking his blessings and protection. You can find various mantras online or in religious texts
- Puja: Light the oil lamp and incense. Offer water, fruits, and flowers to the idol or murti of Lord Bhairava. Recite prayers or mantras with devotion
- Fasting: Some devotees observe a full or partial fast on this day. Remember to consult your health practitioner before undertaking any fast
- Meditation: Dedicate some time to quiet reflexion and meditation, focusing on Lord Bhairava and your intentions for the puja.
Kalasthmi Puja Vidhi
Lord Bhairava manifested by Lord Shiva was on the night of Margashirsha Krishna Ashtami, hence kalashtami puja is performed at midnight on Krishna Paksha Ashtami of every Hindu month, and night awakening is also required.
Bhairav worshipers also keep fasting during this auspicious day.
Devotees who worship the Bhairava form of Lord Shiva should perform Kalasthami rituals with sixteen rituals of Bhairavnath`s worshipping grandeur.
On the day of Kalashtami, the devotee should perform a rigorous fast.
And worship Lord Kalabhairava along with Lord Shiva and Parvati.
The idol is installed in the morning after the holy bath.
The idol of Kalabhairava is given a holy bath and worshiped according to the interest of the devotee.
The most important to chant this day is Kalabhairava Ashtakam.
At the end of the puja, offerings are made to the Lord with prayers for protection.
It is considered auspicious to recite the story of Kalabhairava during the closing phase of worship on this day.
Other activities performed on this day are the holy dip in the holy rivers, the offering of departed souls, and the feeding of black dogs (black dogs are riding of Kalabhairava).
Also, the Lord can be offered some sweet dishes like sandalwood, rice, rose, coconut and milk, and dry fruits.
Devotees should also light a mustard oil lamp with some incense sticks and keep it in front of the idol while worshiping it.
Kal Bhairava Mantra
“ह्रीं वटुकाय आपदुद्धारणाय कुरुकुरु बटुकाय ह्रीं”
“ॐ ह्रां ह्रीं ह्रूं हरिमे ह्रौं क्षम्य क्षेत्रपालाय काला भैरवाय नमः”
According to Hindu scripture, once Lord Brahma and Vishnu made an argument as to who is the greatest among them.
The dispute grew so much that all the gods were afraid that the synagogue was going to happen and all the gods were going to Lord Shiva and the solution started to spin and at the same time Lord Shiva organized a meeting and Lord Shiva Alliani, sage-saint, saint, etc. were present in the meeting and also invited Vishnu and Brahma Ji.
Lord Vishnu accepts a decision taken in the meeting, but Lord Brahma is not satisfied. He started insulting Mahadev.
The serene Shiva could not tolerate this insult and on being humiliated by Brahma, he took the form of a raudra.
Lord Shankar started appearing as a holocaust and the three people became frightened after seeing his rage.
Lord Bhairava appeared in this Rudra form of Lord Shiva.
Shavoan was on board, he had a penalty in his hand.
He was called `Dand Dandadhipati` due to punishment in his hand.
Bhairav Ji`s form was extremely fierce.
Brahma realized his mistake when he cut off the head of Brahma Dev.
After that, the dispute between Brahma Dev and Vishnu Dev ended and he acquired knowledge that removed his pride and ego.
Kalashtami Puja Benefits
By worshipping Lord Bhairava, salvation from all kinds of wrongdoings and agony is attained.
And especially recover the bad effects of planets like Saturn, Rahu, Ketu, and Mangal in a person’s horoscope.
Venerating Lord with proper Shubh Muhurat also removes the ill-fated impacts.
This Puja helps a person gradually move forward towards serenity and peace.
Chanting Jaap (mantra) of Lord Kaal Bhairav`s (mentioned above on this propitious day with proper meditation removes all obstacles and hindrances in life.
Kalashtami
Kalashtami is a beautiful festival celebrated by Hindus and is dedicated to Lord Bhairav. It is observed on the ‘Krishna Paksha Ashtami Tithi’ (8th day during the waning phase of the moon) of every Hindu lunar month.
The 8th day after ‘Purnima’ known as the ‘Ashtami Tithi’ is regarded to be the best day to worship Lord Kaal Bhairav.
On this day, the Hindu devotees keep a fast to please him and seek his blessings.
In total, there are 12 Kalashtami observances in a year.
Out of these, the Kalashtami falling in the ‘Margashirsha’ month is most important and is referred to as ‘Kalabhairav Jayanti’.
Kalashtami is also considered more pious and sacred when it falls on a Tuesday or Sunday since these days are dedicated to Lord Bhairav.
Significance of Kalashtami
The principal connotation of Kalashtami is mentioned in the Aditya Purana. Lord Kaal Bhairav, the main deity of Kalashtami is also known to be a manifestation of Lord Shiva. In Hindi, word ‘kaal’ means ‘time’ and ‘Bhairav’ implies ‘the manifestation of Shiva’. Therefore, Lord Kaal Bhairav is also referred to as the ‘God of Time’.
He is worshipped by the followers of Lord Shiva with full devotion.
As per Hindu Puranas, once there was a big argument between Lord Vishnu, Brahma and Maheshwara.
Suddenly, Lord Shiva got enraged by a comment passed by Lord Brahma.
So took the avatar of ‘Mahakaleshwar’ and chopped off Lord Brahma’s 5th head.
Since then, Humans and Devas revere this incarnation of Lord Shiva as ‘Kaal Bhairav’.
It is popularly believed that offering prayers to Lord Bhairav on the day of Kalashtami helps to eliminate all stress, pain and suffering from an individual’s life.
The Story Of Kalashtami
As per Hindu mythology, once an argument occurred between Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva, and in which Lord Shiva became angry with Brahma Ji due to something.
Then Lord Shiva took the Avatar of Mahakaleshwar and severed Brahma Ji’s fifth head.
From that time, Shiva’s Kaal Bhairav form is worshiped with appropriate rituals.
The devotees observing Kalashtami Fast need to read and listen to the story in the form of Kalashtami Fast Katha.
It is believed that fasting and worshiping the Lord Kaal Bhairav on Kalashtami day will eliminate all the pain and troubles of people.
It is also a suitable way to destroy negativity from the devotee’s life.
Auspicious Yoga Formed In Kalashtami
On the Kalashtami day, Vishkumbha Yoga is formed
There are 27 Yogas and Vishkumbha is the first Nitya Yoga that is governed by Shani Dev and Yama Maharaj.
In Vedic Astrology, Vishkumbha Yoga is one of the auspicious yogas and it provides knowledge, beauty, and success to persons.
This yoga will provide the devotees prosperity and success in life.
Few remedies for this yoga can provide higher benefits. Follow these measures in the Vishkumbha Yoga:
- Worship Lord Shiva on the day and perform Rudrabhishek.
- Chant the mantra ‘Om Namah Shivay’.
- Offer food to needy people and cows.
- Donate shoes and clothes to the poor people.
- What Needs To Be Done On Kalashtami?
- On the Kalashtami day, wake up and bathe early.
- Also, clean the home and the worship place.
- Offer a garland to an idol of Kal Bhairav and light up a lamp with Mustard Oil in front of it.
- On the Kalashtami day, recite Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam to please the Kaal Bhairav.
- The devotees need to visit the temple and light a mustard lamp at the place to seek the blessing of Kaal Bhairav.
- Mithi Roti is prepared for Bhog, on this day. This is the kind of special Prasad meant to please Kaal Bhairav.
- In the evening, devotees need to break fast after sunset.
- On this day, consumption of Tamasic food is considered inauspicious.
The Method Of Making Bhog
Take two big bowls of flour and melt one bowl of jaggery in it.
Now add some water to it, mix it, and prepare the dough.
You can also add Saumph to it.
From this, prepare Roti.
Relevant Measures To Be Taken On Kalashtami
- On the Kalashtami night, visit the Kaal Bhairav temple at a specific time and light a mustard oil lamp at the place. Offer blue flowers, Akshat, Oil, etc. to God. Also, it is suitable to offer curd and jaggery. This will result in the blessing of Kaal Bhairav with peace and happiness to devotees.
- On the Kalashtami night, pakodas, pua & papad, etc. are prepared in Mustard Oil. The next day, offer it to the poor. Doing this remedy will result in the blessing of Kaal Bhairav. It will result in relief from sins, diseases, and other kinds of troubles.
- On Kalashtami , bathe early in the morning, visit the Kaal Bhairav temple, and worship the lord with specific methods. In front of God, light a Mustard Oil Lamp, offer Jalebi, and ask for relevant wishes. Following the right rituals will please Kaal Bhairav and the lord will fulfill all the wishes of devotees.
- Light a Mustard Oil Lamp in an earthen lamp in front of Kaal Bhairav on Kashtami , for prosperity and happiness at home.
- In case of long pending tasks, recite Batuk Bhairav Panj Kavach on the Kalashtami day. Following the right remedies will ensure the completion of pending tasks timely and result in a successful life.
- On the Kalashtami day, take a long thread from Mauli to eliminate the negative vibes from your home or office. In this thread, tie seven knots and keep it at the main entrance at home. This remedy will eliminate all your negative energies.
Significance of Kalashtami
About Kalashtami:
The Hindu festival of Kalashtami or Kala Ashtami is dedicated to Lord Bhairav.
It is observed in every month on the ‘Krishna Paksha Ashtami Tithi’ (eighth day of the waning phase of moon).
The eighth day after ‘Purnima’ or full moon is considered the most appropriate day to worship Lord Kaal Bhairav.
On this day, devotees worship Lord Kal Bhairav and observe a fast to please Him.
Out of 12 Kalashtami observances in a year, the one falling in the ‘Margashirsha’ month is most important.
It is known as ‘Kalabhairav Jayanti.’
Kalashtami is considered holier when it falls on a Sunday or Tuesday as these days are devoted to Lord Bhairav.
The festival of worshipping Lord Bhairav on Kalashtami is celebrated with enthusiasm and devotion in different parts of the country.
Significance of Kalashtami:
The importance of Kalashtami is mentioned in ‘Aditya Purana.’
The presiding deity of worship on Kalashtami is Lord Kaal Bhairav who is an incarnation of Lord Shiva.
The word ‘kaal’ in Hindi means ‘time’ while ‘Bhairav’ refers to ‘the manifestation of Shiva.’
Hence, Kaal Bhairav is also known as the ‘God of Time.’
He is worshipped with full devotion by the followers of Lord Shiva.
According to the Hindu scriptures, once during an argument with Brahma and Vishnu, Lord Shiva got infuriated with a remark passed by Brahma.
He then took the form of ‘Maha Kaleshwar’ and chopped the fifth head of Lord Brahma.
Hence, Devas and Humans worship this form of Lord Shiva as ‘Kaal Bhairav.’
It is believed that those who worship Lord Shiva on Kalashtami seek divine blessings of Lord Shiva.
By worshiping Lord Bhairav, he removes all the sufferings, pain and negative influences from the life.
Celebrations and Rituals:
Kalashtami is an important day for the followers of Lord Shiva.
Devotees get up before sunrise and take an early bath on this day.
They perform special puja of Kaal Bhairav to seek his blessings and forgiveness for their sins.
Devotees also visit Lord Kaal Bhairav’s temple to offer special prayers.
On Kalashtami special puja and rituals are also offered to dead ancestors. Devotees observe a strict fast.
Some staunch devotees keep vigil at night and listen to stories of Mahakaleshwar.
The observer of the Kalashtami Vrat is blessed with prosperity, happiness, and success in the life.
It is considered auspicious to recite or listen to Kaal Bhairav Katha and chant mantras praising Lord Shiva.
There is also a custom to feed black dogs on Kalashtami as the black dog is a mount of Lord Kal Bhairav.
Dogs are offered milk, curd, and sweets.
Offering food to Brahmins at Hindu pilgrim places like Kashi is considered to be highly auspicious.
Pujan Vidhi of Kalashtami
There are many rites and rituals to perform during any specific Puja ceremony. Similarly, the rituals for Kalashtami worship have also been defined. If you worship Kaal Bhairav with these rituals, you will be blessed with your wishes.
- Kaal Bhirav, the incarnation of Lord Shiva, should be worshipped on the day of Kalashtami.
- Take an oath (Sankalp) after taking a bath in the morning and then, visit any Shiv temple or Bhairav temple to worship.
- Worship Lord Shiva, Maa Parvati and Lord Bhairav in the Evening.
- Since Lord Bhairav is known as the god of Tantriks, he is also worshipped during night.
- You must include Diya(lamps), black sesame, urad, and mustard oil in the worship of Lord Bhairav. Feed black dogs with sweet chapatis after the fast.
On the day of Kaal Ashtami, recite the mantra during the worship mentioned below:
अतिक्रूर महाकाय कल्पान्त दहनोपम्,
भैरव नमस्तुभ्यं अनुज्ञा दातुमर्हसि। /
atikrūra mahākāya kalpānta dahanopam,
bhairava namastubhyaṃ anujñā dātumarhasi।
For Which Wish Puja be Performed and How?
- In addition to this, there is a belief among people about this day that if Lord Shiva’s Abhishek is performed with Panchamrit then, one gets rid of diseases and unforeseen accidents.
- Besides this, if you wish for plenty of money then Lord Shiva should be adored with white cloth and offered white sweets.
- If you want to be victorious on your enemies, then offer 108 bilva patra, 21 Dhatura and Bhang to Lord Shiva on the day of Kaal Ashtami.
- Offer coconut and Jalebi to Lord Bhairav for success in any work on the day of Kalashtami.
- Doshas like Mangal dosh end with the worship of Kaal Bhairav.
Beliefs of Kalashtami
There is belief among people related to this day that one who worships Lord Bhairav, the incarnated form of Lord Shiva, is set free from the terror of ghosts, witches and fear of death.
If worship is performed with pure intention and proper rituals, then your pending works start completing automatically.
It is also believed about this day that those who worship Kaal Bhairav get free from malefic effects of the planets.
Kaal Bhairav is considered to be an incarnated form of Lord Shiva.
Therefore, it is believed that one who worships Kaal Bhairav, pays no heed to negative vibes.
As per beliefs, worshipping Kaal Bhairav helps in achieving greater progress and success in all walks of life.
How to Appease Kaal Bhairav?
It is believed that Lord Shiva appears in the form of Kaal Bhairav on the day of Kaal Ashtami.
Also, there is a ritual of worshipping Maa Durga on Kalashtami.
In addition to this, there are things that should be avoided on the day of Kaal Ashtami and if not, the losses may be borne.
Things to Avoid During Kalashtami
- Do not tell a lie on the day of Kalshtami.
- You may bear losses owing to lies.
- Never worship Kaal Bhairav with a bad intention.
- Do not disrespect your parents and elders.
- The worship of Kaal Bhairav must include Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati.
- Married people should not perform Tamsik Puja of Lord Bhairav.
- Feed as many dogs as you can.
Kalashtami: Timing, Rituals, Significance, and Dates
Kalashtami or Kala Ashtami is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Bhairav and is observed every Hindu lunar month on the ‘Krishna Paksha Ashtami Tithi’ (8th day during the waning phase of moon).
The ‘Ashtami Tithi’ (8th day) after ‘Purnima’ (full moon) is considered to be most suitable day to propitiate Lord Kaal Bhairav.
On this day, Hindu devotees worship Lord Bhairav and keep a fast to please Him.
There are a total of 12 Kalashtami observances in a year.
Of these, the one falling in the ‘Margashirsha’ month is most significant and is known as ‘Kalabhairav Jayanti’.
Kalashtami is also considered holier when it falls on a Sunday or Tuesday, as these days are dedicated to Lord Bhairav.
The festival of worshipping Lord Bhairav on Kalashtami is celebrated with full enthusiasm and devotion in different parts of the country.
Rituals during Kalashtami:
Kalashtami is an important day for Lord Shiva followers.
On this day devotees get up before sunrise and take an early bath.
They perform special puja of Kaal Bhairav to seek His divine blessings and seek forgiveness for their sins.
Devotees also visit Lord Kaal Bhairav’s temple in the evening and offer special prayers there.
It is beleived that Kalashtami is a fierce form of Lord Shiva.
He was born to bring an end to the burning anger and temper of Lord Brahma.
On Kalashtami special puja and rituals are also offered to dead ancestors during the morning.
Devotees also keep a strict fast all day long.
Some staunch devotees keep vigil all night and pass their time listening to stories of Mahakaleshwar.
The observer of the Kalashtami Vrat is blessed with prosperity and happiness and obtains all success in his/her life.
It is considered auspicious to recite Kaal Bhairav Katha and chant mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva.
There is also a custom to feed dogs on Kalashtami as a black dog is considered to be the vehicle of Lord Bhairav.
Dogs are offered milk, curd and sweets.
Offering food to Brahmins at Hindu pilgrim places like Kashi is considered to be highly rewarding.
Significance of Kalashtami:
The greatness of Kalashtami is stated in ‘Aditya Purana’.
The main deity of worship on Kalashtami is Lord Kaal Bhairav who is known to be a manifestation of Lord Shiva.
The word ‘kaal’ in Hindi implies ‘time’ while ‘Bhairav’ refers to ‘the manifestation of Shiva’.
Hence Kaal Bhairav is also called as the ‘God of Time’ and is worshipped with full devotion by Lord Shiva followers.
According to the Hindu legends, once during an argument between Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, Lord Shiva got infuriated with a remark passed by Brahma.
He then took the form of ‘Mahakaleshwar’ and chopped the 5th head of Lord Brahma.
From then onwards, Devas and Humans worship this form of Lord Shiva as ‘Kaal Bhairav’.
It is believed that those who worship Lord Shiva on Kalashtami seek generous blessings of Lord Shiva.
It is also a popular belief that by worshipping Lord Bhairav on this day removes all the sufferings, pain and negative influences from one’s life.