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Shri Kal bhairav is one of the most revered and mysterious deities in Hinduism. He is the fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva, the supreme god of destruction, transformation, and liberation. He is also known as the lord of time, the guardian of the directions, and the protector of the devotees. He is worshipped on the auspicious day of Bhairava Ashtami, which falls on the eighth day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Margashirsha. This year, Bhairava Ashtami is celebrated on December 5, 2023.
In this post, we will explore the history, significance, iconography, legends, temples, rituals, and benefits of worshipping Shri Kalbhairav. We will also look at some of the lesser-known facts, hidden meanings, and scientific reasons behind his worship. We hope that this post will help you understand and appreciate the glory and grace of Shri Kalbhairav.
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History of Shri Kalbhairav
The origin of Shri Kalbhairav is shrouded in mystery and myth. According to one of the most popular legends, Shri Kalbhairav was born from the wrath of Lord Shiva when he chopped off one of the five heads of Lord Brahma, the creator god, for his arrogance and ignorance. Lord Shiva then carried the severed head of Brahma as a skull (kapala) and wandered around the universe as a naked ascetic (bhairava). He was cursed by the other gods to suffer from the sin of brahmahatya (killing a Brahmin). To atone for his sin, he had to beg for alms using the skull as his bowl. He was finally relieved of his curse when he reached the holy city of Varanasi, where he established his abode as the supreme lord of the city.
Another legend says that Shri Kalbhairav was created by Lord Shiva to protect his consort, Goddess Parvati, from a demon named Daruka, who had obtained a boon from Brahma that he could not be killed by any male. Shri Kalbhairav assumed the form of a dog (shvan) and accompanied Parvati to the forest where Daruka was hiding. He then killed the demon with his sharp teeth and nails and saved Parvati from his clutches.
Many other stories and scriptures mention the origin and deeds of Shri Kalbhairav. Some of the most important ones are the Shiva Purana, the Linga Purana, the Skanda Purana, the Agni Purana, the Matsya Purana, the Kurma Purana, the Shiva Mahimna Stotra, the Kalabhairava Ashtakam, the Kalabhairava Ashtottara Shatanamavali, and the Kalabhairava Sahasranama.
Different Forms of Shri Kalbhairav
Shri Kalbhairav is not a single entity, but a collective name for eight different forms of Bhairava, each representing a specific aspect of Lord Shiva. These eight forms are known as the Ashta Bhairavas, and they are:
- Asitanga Bhairava: He is the lord of the eastern direction and the presiding deity of the sun. He has a dark complexion and rides on a bull. He grants the boon of fame and success.
- Ruru Bhairava: He is the lord of the southern direction and the presiding deity of the moon. He has a red complexion and rides on a dog. He grants the boon of health and longevity.
- Chanda Bhairava: He is the lord of the western direction and the presiding deity of Mars. He has a yellow complexion and rides on a horse. He grants the boon of courage and victory.
- Krodha Bhairava: He is the lord of the northern direction and the presiding deity of Mercury. He has a green complexion and rides on a lion. He grants the boon of wealth and prosperity.
- Unmatta Bhairava: He is the lord of the northeast direction and the presiding deity of Jupiter. He has a white complexion and rides on a camel. He grants the boon of knowledge and wisdom.
- Kapala Bhairava: He is the lord of the southeast direction and the presiding deity of Venus. He has a blue complexion and rides on a peacock. He grants the boon of love and beauty.
- Bhishana Bhairava: He is the lord of the southwest direction and the presiding deity of Saturn. He has a black complexion and rides on a buffalo. He grants the boon of justice and righteousness.
- Samhara Bhairava: He is the lord of the northwest direction and the presiding deity of Rahu. He has a purple complexion and rides on a crow. He grants the boon of liberation and enlightenment.
Each of these Ashta Bhairavas has a consort, who is a form of Goddess Shakti, the divine feminine energy. These consorts are known as the Ashta Matrikas, and they are:
- Brahmani: She is the consort of Asitanga Bhairava and the power of Brahma. She represents the creative aspect of the universe.
- Vaishnavi: She is the consort of Ruru Bhairava and the power of Vishnu. She represents the preservative aspect of the universe.
- Maheshwari: She is the consort of Chanda Bhairava and the power of Shiva. She represents the destructive aspect of the universe.
- Kaumari: She is the consort of Krodha Bhairava and the power of Skanda. She represents the youthful and energetic aspect of the universe.
- Varahi: She is the consort of Unmatta Bhairava and the power of Varaha. She represents the earthy and material aspects of the universe.
- Indrani: She is the consort of Kapala Bhairava and the power of Indra. She represents the heavenly and celestial aspect of the universe.
- Chamunda: She is the consort of Bhishana Bhairava and the power of Chandi. She represents the fierce and wrathful aspect of the universe.
- Narasimhi: She is the consort of Samhara Bhairava and the power of Narasimha. She represents the protective and benevolent aspect of the universe.
Apart from the Ashta Bhairavas, there are many other forms of Shri Kalbhairav, such as:
- Swarna Akarshana Bhairava: He is the lord of gold and wealth. He is depicted as holding a pot of gold, a trident, a drum, and a noose. He is worshipped for attracting prosperity and abundance.
- Kala Bhairava: He is the lord of time and death. He is depicted as holding a skull, a sword, a trident, and a noose. He is worshipped for overcoming fear and ignorance.
- Batuk Bhairava: He is the lord of children and innocence. He is depicted as a child wearing tiger skin and holding a trident, a drum, a skull, and a noose. He is worshipped for removing obstacles and evil influences.
- Dakshina Bhairava: He is the lord of the south and the guru of the tantric tradition. He is depicted as sitting on a corpse and holding a trident, a drum, a skull, and a noose. He is worshipped for gaining spiritual knowledge and power.
- Veer Bhairava: He is the lord of courage and valour. He is depicted as riding on a horse and holding a spear, a shield, a sword, and a noose. He is worshipped for achieving success and victory in battles.
- Shwana Bhairava: He is the lord of dogs and loyalty. He is depicted as having a dog’s head and holding a trident, a drum, a skull, and a noose. He is worshipped for protection and devotion.
- Aghora Bhairava: He is the lord of the fierce and the terrifying. He is depicted as having three eyes, six arms, and a garland of skulls. He is worshipped for destroying enemies and evil forces.
- Yoga Bhairava: He is the lord of yoga and meditation. He is depicted as sitting in a lotus posture and holding a rosary, a book, a water pot, and a noose. He is worshipped for attaining peace and enlightenment.
The iconography of Shri Kal Bhairav
The iconography of Shri Kalbhairav is rich and varied, reflecting his diverse attributes and functions. However, some of the common features that can be seen in most of his images are:
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- He has a dark or reddish complexion, indicating his fiery and intense nature.
- He has three eyes, symbolizing his omniscience and ability to see the past, present, and
- He has three eyes, symbolizing his omniscience and ability to see the past, present, and future. His third eye, located on his forehead, is also a weapon of destruction that can burn anything to ashes with a single glance.
- He has four or more arms, holding various weapons and objects that represent his powers and functions. Some of the common items that he holds are:
- A skull (kapala), which is the severed head of Brahma that he carries as a sign of his sin and penance. It also symbolizes his detachment from worldly illusions and his mastery over death.
- A sword (khadga), is his instrument of justice and punishment. It also symbolizes his sharp intellect and discrimination.
- A trident (trishula), which is his emblem of sovereignty and authority. It also symbolizes the three gunas (qualities) of nature: sattva (purity), rajas (passion), and tamas (ignorance).
- A drum (damaru), is his source of sound and vibration. It also symbolizes the creation and dissolution of the universe by its rhythmic beats.
- A noose (pasha), which is his tool of bondage and liberation. It also symbolizes his control over the cycle of birth and death and his ability to grant moksha (salvation) to his devotees.
- A fire (agni), is his element of transformation and purification. It also symbolizes his fierce and radiant energy and his power to consume and destroy all impurities and evils.
- He has a dog (shvan) as his vehicle (vahana), which is his faithful companion and guardian. It also symbolizes his loyalty and devotion to his master, Lord Shiva, and his alertness and vigilance against any threats or dangers.
- He wears a tiger skin (vyaghra charma) as his garment, which is his mark of strength and courage. It also symbolizes his dominance and supremacy over the animal kingdom and his fearless and adventurous spirit.
- He wears a garland of skulls (mundamala) around his neck, which is his ornament of victory and glory. It also symbolizes his conquest over death and his collection of the souls of his enemies and devotees.
- He wears a snake (naga) as his sacred thread (yajnopavita), which is his sign of wisdom and power. It also symbolizes his association with the serpent energy (kundalini) that lies dormant at the base of the spine and rises to the crown of the head through the practice of yoga and meditation.
Significance of Shri Kalbhairav
Shri Kalbhairav is not only a fearsome and powerful deity, but also a compassionate and benevolent one. He is the ultimate guru and guide for those who seek the truth and the supreme reality. He is the embodiment of the paradoxical nature of Lord Shiva, who is both the destroyer and the preserver, the terrifying and the merciful, the transcendent and the immanent. He is the lord of time, who controls the destiny of all beings and grants them the opportunity to evolve and attain liberation. He is the lord of the directions, who protects and blesses all the regions of the universe and maintains the cosmic order. He is the lord of the devotees, who showers them with his grace and fulfils their wishes.
Shri Kalbhairav is also the patron deity of many arts and sciences, such as music, dance, astrology, alchemy, tantra, and yoga. He is the source of inspiration and creativity for many artists and scholars, who invoke his name and seek his blessings before starting their work. He is the master of sound and vibration, which are the essence of the creation and manifestation of the universe. He is the master of yoga and meditation, which are the means of attaining the union and realization of the self.
Shri Kalbhairav is also the guardian of the sacred places and the secrets of the spiritual path. He is the keeper of the keys to the mysteries and the mysteries of the keys. He is the gatekeeper of the threshold between the mundane and the divine, the profane and the sacred, the material and the spiritual. He is the one who tests and challenges the seekers and the initiates, who grants them access and admission to the higher realms and the inner sanctums. He is the one who removes the obstacles and the illusions, who reveals the truth and the reality. He is the one who bestows the boon and the curse, who rewards and punishes according to the karma and the dharma. He is the one who liberates and enlightens, who confers the grace and the glory. He is Shri Kalbhairav, the fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva.
Significance of Shri Kalbhairav
Shri Kalbhairav is not only a fearsome and powerful deity, but also a compassionate and benevolent one. He is the ultimate guru and guide for those who seek the truth and the supreme reality. He is the embodiment of the paradoxical nature of Lord Shiva, who is both the destroyer and the preserver, the terrifying and the merciful, the transcendent and the immanent. He is the lord of time, who controls the destiny of all beings and grants them the opportunity to evolve and attain liberation. He is the lord of the directions, who protects and blesses all the regions of the universe and maintains the cosmic order. He is the lord of the devotees, who showers them with his grace and fulfils their wishes.
Shri Kalbhairav is also the patron deity of many arts and sciences, such as music, dance, astrology, alchemy, tantra, and yoga. He is the source of inspiration and creativity for many artists and scholars, who invoke his name and seek his blessings before starting their work. He is the master of sound and vibration, which are the essence of the creation and manifestation of the universe. He is the master of yoga and meditation, which are the means of attaining the union and realization of the self.
Shri Kalbhairav is also the guardian of the sacred places and the secrets of the spiritual path. He is the keeper of the keys to the mysteries and the mysteries of the keys. He is the gatekeeper of the threshold between the mundane and the divine, the profane and the sacred, the material and the spiritual. He is the one who tests and challenges the seekers and the initiates, who grants them access and admission to the higher realms and the inner sanctums. He is the one who removes the obstacles and the illusions, who reveals the truth and the reality. He is the one who bestows the boon and the curse, who rewards and punishes according to the karma and the dharma. He is the one who liberates and enlightens, who confers the grace and the glory. He is Shri Kalbhairav, the fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva.
Legends of Shri Kalbhairav
There are many legends and stories associated with Shri Kalbhairav, which illustrate his various deeds and aspects. Some of the most famous ones are:
- The Slaying of Brahma’s Head: This is the legend of how Shri Kalbhairav was born from the wrath of Lord Shiva when he cut off one of the five heads of Lord Brahma for his arrogance and ignorance. According to the Shiva Purana, once Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu were arguing about who was superior among them. They decided to find out the origin and the end of the cosmic pillar (linga) that appeared before them, which was Lord Shiva himself. Brahma took the form of a swan and flew upwards, while Vishnu took the form of a boar and dug downwards. Vishnu soon realized that he could not reach the end of the linga and returned to the starting point. Brahma, however, lied that he had seen the top of the linga and brought a ketaki flower as a witness. The flower also lied in support of Brahma. Lord Shiva, who was watching everything, became furious and emerged from the linga. He cursed Brahma that he would not be worshipped by anyone and that the ketaki flower would not be offered to any god. He then plucked out one of the five heads of Brahma and declared himself as Kalbhairav, the lord of time and death. He also cursed the severed head of Brahma to stick to his hand until he reached Varanasi and was absolved of his sin of brahmahatya.
- The Protection of Parvati: This is the legend of how Shri Kalbhairav assumed the form of a dog and saved Goddess Parvati from a demon named Daruka. According to the Skanda Purana, once Parvati wanted to visit the forest of Darukavana, where many sages and hermits lived. However, the forest was infested by a demon named Daruka, who had obtained a boon from Brahma that he could not be killed by any male. He used to harass and torment the sages and the women in the forest. Parvati asked Lord Shiva to accompany her, but he refused, saying that he had to meditate. He then created a dog from his nail and asked it to guard Parvati. The dog was none other than Shri Kalbhairav, who followed Parvati to the forest. When Daruka saw Parvati, he was enchanted by her beauty and tried to abduct her. Parvati resisted and called out for help. Shri Kalbhairav came to her rescue and attacked Daruka with his teeth and nails. He tore apart the demon and killed him, thus saving Parvati from his clutches.
- The Punishment of Indra: This is the legend of how Shri Kalbhairav punished Indra, the king of the gods, for his pride and arrogance. According to the Agni Purana, once Indra was performing a great sacrifice (yajna) to please Lord Shiva and obtain his blessings. However, he became proud and arrogant of his wealth and power and started to disrespect the other gods and sages. He also neglected his duties and indulged in sensual pleasures. Lord Shiva, who was displeased with Indra’s behaviour, sent Shri Kalbhairav to teach him a lesson. Shri Kalbhairav appeared before Indra and challenged him to a fight. Indra, confident of his strength and weapons, accepted the challenge and attacked Shri Kalbhairav with his thunderbolt (vajra). However, Shri Kalbhairav easily dodged the thunderbolt and caught it in his hand. He then threw it back at Indra, who was wounded and fell from his chariot. Shri Kalbhairav then snatched Indra’s crown and jewels and ran away. Indra, who was humiliated and defeated, realized his mistake and begged for forgiveness. Shri Kalbhairav, who was merciful and compassionate, returned Indra’s crown and jewels and advised him to be humble and righteous. Indra thanked Shri Kalbhairav and praised him for his valour and grace.
Temples Dedicated to Shri Kalbhairav
Shri Kalbhairav is worshipped in many temples across India and abroad, where he is revered as the supreme lord and the protector of the devotees. Some of the most famous and ancient temples dedicated to Shri Kalbhairav are:
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple: This is the most sacred and prominent temple of Shri Kalbhairav, located in the holy city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. It is believed that this is the place where Shri Kalbhairav was freed from his curse of brahmahatya and became the lord of the city. The temple has a silver-faced idol of Shri Kalbhairav, who is also known as Kashi Vishwanath or the lord of the universe. The temple is visited by millions of pilgrims every year, who offer liquor, flowers, and sweets to Shri Kalbhairav and seek his blessings.
- Kalabhairaveshwara Temple: This is another ancient and important temple of Shri Kalbhairav, located in Adichunchanagiri, Karnataka. It is believed that this is the place where Shri Kalbhairav performed severe penance and pleased Lord Shiva, who granted him the boon of being the lord of all the Bhairavas. The temple has a six-foot-tall idol of Shri Kalbhairav, who is also known as Kalabhairaveshwara or the lord of Kalabhairava. The temple is famous for its miraculous healing powers and its annual festival of Kalabhairava Jayanti, which attracts thousands of devotees.
- Kal Bhairav Temple: This is a unique and fascinating temple of Shri Kalbhairav, located in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. It is believed that this is the place where Shri Kalbhairav guards one of the twelve jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, known as Mahakaleshwar. The temple has a stone-faced idol of Shri Kalbhairav, who is also known as Kal Bhairav or the lord of time. The temple is famous for its tradition of offering liquor to Shri Kalbhairav, who is said to drink it through his mouth. The temple is also known for its astrological and tantric significance and its annual festival of Bhairava Ashtami, which is celebrated with great fervour and devotion.
- Bhairavnath Temple: This is a popular and beautiful temple of Shri Kalbhairav, located in Bhairavgarh, Rajasthan. It is believed that this is the place where Shri Kalbhairav appeared in a dream to a local king and asked him to build a temple in his honour. The temple has a black stone idol of Shri Kalbhairav, who is also known as Bhairavnath or the lord of Bhairava. The temple is famous for its architectural and artistic beauty and its annual fair of Bhairava Ashtami, which attracts many tourists and devotees.
- Bhairava Temple: This is a rare and remarkable temple of Shri Kalbhairav, located in Kathmandu, Nepal. It is believed that this is the place where Shri Kalbhairav was worshipped by the ancient kings of Nepal as their guardian and protector. The temple has a giant idol of Shri Kalbhairav, who is also known as Bhairava or the lord of terror. The temple is famous for its historical and cultural significance and its annual festival of Indra Jatra, which is celebrated with grandeur and joy.
Rituals and Offerings to Shri Kalbhairav
Shri Kalbhairav is a very easy and simple deity to worship, as he does not demand any elaborate or expensive rituals or offerings. He is pleased by the sincere and pure devotion of his devotees, who approach him with faith and love. However, there are some specific rituals and offerings that are recommended to please and propitiate Shri Kalbhairav, especially on the auspicious day of Bhairava Ashtami. Some of them are:
- Kalabhairava Ashtakam: This is a hymn of eight verses composed by the great sage and poet Adi Shankaracharya, in praise of Shri Kalbhairav. It describes his attributes, powers, and deeds, and invokes his blessings and protection. It is said that reciting this hymn with devotion and concentration can remove all the sins, fears, and troubles of the devotees and grant them prosperity, happiness, and liberation. The Kalabhairava Ashtakam can be found here.
- Kalabhairava Ashtottara Shatanamavali: This is a list of 108 names of Shri Kalbhairav, each representing a different aspect or quality of him. It is said that chanting these names with devotion and reverence can please and appease Shri Kalbhairav and fulfil the wishes of the devotees. The Kalabhairava Ashtottara Shatanamavali can be found here.
- Kalabhairava Sahasranama: This is a list of 1000 names of Shri Kalbhairav, each revealing a different secret or mystery of him. It is said that chanting these names with devotion and meditation can bestow the devotees with the supreme knowledge and power of Shri Kalbhairav and lead them to the ultimate realization and liberation. The Kalabhairava Sahasranama can be found here.
- Kalabhairava Puja: This is a ritual of worshipping Shri Kalbhairav with various offerings and prayers. It is said that performing this puja with devotion and sincerity can invoke the presence and grace of Shri Kalbhairav and remove all the obstacles and difficulties of the devotees. The Kalabhairava Puja can be done at home or at a temple, following the steps given here.
- Kalabhairava Homam: This is a ritual of offering oblations to Shri Kalbhairav in a sacred fire. It is said that performing this homam with devotion and dedication can appease the anger and wrath of Shri Kalbhairav and pacify the negative effects of the planets and the enemies. The Kalabhairava Homam can be done by a priest or a devotee, following the instructions given here.
- Kalabhairava Prasad: This is a ritual of offering food and drinks to Shri Kalbhairav as a token of gratitude and love. It is said that offering these items with devotion and generosity can satisfy the hunger and thirst of Shri Kalbhairav and make him happy and benevolent. Some of the common items that are offered to Shri Kalbhairav are:
- Liquor (madira), which is his favourite drink symbolizes his intoxication and ecstasy.
- Meat (mamsa), which is his favourite food and symbolizes his fierceness and ferocity.
- Black sesame seeds (tila), which are his favourite seeds symbolize his darkness and mystery.
- Red hibiscus flowers (japa), are his favourite flowers and symbolize his blood and sacrifice.
- Coconut (narikela), which is his favourite fruit and symbolizes his hard and soft nature.
- Rice (anna), which is his staple food symbolizes his nourishment and sustenance.
- Sweets (mithai), are his delicacies and symbolize his sweetness and kindness.
Benefits of Worshipping Shri Kal Bhairav
Shri Kalbhairav is a very generous and gracious deity, who bestows many benefits and blessings to his devotees who worship him with devotion and sincerity. Some of the benefits of worshipping Shri Kalbhairav are:
- He removes all the sins, fears, and troubles of his devotees and grants them peace and happiness.
- He protects his devotees from all the dangers and enemies and grants them safety and security.
- He fulfils all the desires and wishes of his devotees and grants them prosperity and abundance.
- He bestows his devotees with wisdom and power and grants them success and victory.
- He guides his devotees on the spiritual path and grants them liberation and enlightenment.
Shri Kalbhairav is the ultimate guru and guide for those who seek the truth and the supreme reality. He is the embodiment of the paradoxical nature of Lord Shiva, who is both the destroyer and the preserver, the terrifying and the merciful, the transcendent and the immanent. He is the lord of time, who controls the destiny of all beings and grants them the opportunity to evolve and attain liberation. He is the lord of the directions, who protects and blesses all the regions of the universe and maintains the cosmic order. He is the lord of the devotees, who showers them with his grace and fulfils their wishes. He is Shri Kalbhairav, the fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva.
Conclusion
Shri Kalbhairav is a very powerful and mysterious deity, who is worshipped by many devotees across the world. He is the fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva, the supreme god of destruction, transformation, and liberation. He is also the lord of time, the guardian of the directions, and the protector of the devotees. He is the patron deity of many arts and sciences, such as music, dance, astrology, alchemy, tantra, and yoga. He is the guardian of the sacred places and the secrets of the spiritual path. He is the ultimate guru and guide for those who seek the truth and the supreme reality.
Worshipping Shri Kalbhairav can bring many benefits and blessings to the devotees, such as peace, happiness, prosperity, success, wisdom, power, and liberation. He is pleased by the sincere and pure devotion of his devotees, who approach him with faith and love. He is also appeased by various rituals and offerings, such as the Kalabhairava Ashtakam, the Kalabhairava Ashtottara Shatanamavali, the Kalabhairava Sahasranama, the Kalabhairava Puja, the Kalabhairava Homam, and the Kalabhairava Prasad. He is especially worshipped on the auspicious day of Bhairava Ashtami, which falls on the eighth day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Margashirsha. This year, Bhairava Ashtami is celebrated on December 5, 2023.
We hope that this blog post has helped you understand and appreciate the glory and grace of Shri Kalbhairav. We also hope that you will worship him with devotion and sincerity and receive his blessings and protection. He is Shri Kalbhairav, the fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. Om Namah Shivaya!
External Resources
Kalabhairava Ashtakam with Lyrics and Meaning (sadhguru.org)
Kalbhairav Stotra is on YouTube Listen
Our YouTube Channel Visit
Watch a YouTube Short About Kalbhairav on My YouTube Channel
