Kal Bhairav is a deity widely worshipped by Hindus, Jains and Buddhists and is considered an incarnation of Lord Shiva according to Hinduism. The god is depicted in his fierce form with a trident, a drum and the 5th head of Lord Brahma. Several devotees of Lord Kal Bhairav celebrate Kaal Bhairav Ashtami, which falls on the eighth day of Krishna Paksha in the Margashirsha month of the Hindu Calendar. It is believed that offering prayers to Lord Kal Bhairav on this day eliminates enemies and brings success, peace and prosperity in life.
Kaal Bhairav Ashtami 2023 date
Date: December 5, 2023, Tuesday
Tithi: 9:59 PM to 12:37 AM, Dec 6
Kal Bhairav puja vidhi and vastu tips
- Start the day of Kalashtami fast by waking up early in the morning in the Brahma Muhurta and taking a bath.
- Clean the pooja room. Place a picture or idol of Kaal Bhairav. You can also keep idols of other deities such as Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha.
- Light a lamp and incense in the temple and place offerings for the deity. Lighting a four-faced mustard oil lamp in the evening.
- Now, perform the aarti while chanting the mantra or reciting the Kalabhairavashtak.
- Worship the deity by following the pooja rules and regulations. Perform Jalabhishek of Shivling.
- Offer milk, curd, fruits, belpatra, red sandalwood, flowers, panchamrit, coconut, etc., to Kal Bhairav. Split black lentils (urad dal) and mustard oil must also be offered to the deity.
When performing the Kal Bhairav Puja, make sure to follow the Vastu guidelines. Ensure to keep the puja area cutter-free and face towards the east direction while worshipping. Place the deity on an elevated platform.
Kaal Bhairav puja benefits
- Kal Bhairav is believed to purify the soul with his immense powers and make situations favourable for his devotees.
- Kal Bhairav puja is said to remove obstacles in business and other aspects of life.
- It protects one against enemies and helps attain success in court cases.
- Performing Kal Bhairav Puja is considered to remove the effects of black magic or evil energies.
- According to Hindus, Kal Bhairav bestows his devotees with good health and longevity of life.
- Worshipping Lord Kal Bhairav is also known to please the planets Rahu and Ketu.
Kal Bhairav Ashtami significance
Kalabhairav Ashtami or Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Lord Shiva. On this day, Lord Kal Bhairav appeared on Earth. The deity is associated with annihilation and is worshipped by his devotees, who believe him to be a protector and one who defeats fear. People also observe fast on this day.
In Tantrik practices, Kal Bhairav is worshipped as Batuk Bhairav and has a dog as his Vahana (vehicle). Thus, feeding a dog with sweet roti and jaggery is considered most rewarding as it pleases Lord Bhairav.
Kaal Bhairav Mantra
Tikshna Drasht Mahakay, Kalpaanat-Dahnopam
Bhairavay Namastubhyam Anugyam Datumaharsi
Om Kalabhairavaya Namah
Kaal Bhairav Beej Mantra
Om aim hraam kleem shri batukbhairavaya
Om Hreem Bum Batukaya Apadudharanaya Kuru Kuru Batukaya Hreem Om Namaha Shiyaye
Om Hraam Hreem Hroom Hrime Hroum Ksham Kshetrapaalaaya Kaala Bhairavaaya Namaha
Om Jlong rahom Krom Uttarnath Bhairavay Swaha
Kaal Bhairav Gayatri Mantra
Om Kaalakaalaaya Vidhmahey Kaalaatheethaaya dheemahi Thanno Kaala Bhairava Prachodhayaath
Swarnat Vijaya Vidmahe Sula Hastaya Dhimahi Tanno Kala Bhairavaya Prachodayat
FAQs
Can we keep Kaal Bhairav photo at home?
According to Hindu traditions, certain god idols are not recommended to be placed at home such as Shani (Saturn), Kal Bhairav and Dhumavati goddess as it is considered inauspicious.
What pleases Kaal Bhairav?
Devotees should worship Kaal Bhairav, visit the temple and give offerings such as sweet bread to please the deity and seek his blessings.
What to offer to Kala Bhairava?
One can offer sweet bread, coconut, rice, sandalwood, roses and other flowers, nuts, sindoor, mustard oil and black sesame.
Which day is best to pray for Bhairava?
Bhairava Ashtami, which is the eighth day after the full moon, and Tuesday and Sunday are considered the ideal days to worship Kaal Bhairav.
Who is the pet of Kaal Bhairav?
Kaal Bhairav is depicted with his vehicle, a dog.
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