Kaal Bhairav Jayanti Puja Vidhi in English: Worshiping various forms of deities holds special significance in Hinduism, and among these, Kaal Bhairav, the fierce form of Lord Shiva, holds a unique place. Every year, Kaal Bhairav Jayanti is celebrated on the Ashtami Tithi (eighth day) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the month of Margashirsha. This day, also known as Kaal Ashtami, is a day of liberation for devotees from fear, sin, and negative forces.
This day marks the incarnation of Lord Kaal Bhairav, the fierce form of Shiva. In 2025, Kalashtami will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 12. Today, we will delve into the significance of Kaal Bhairav in detail, discussing its worship methods, auspicious times, and the story based on the Shiva Mahapuran.
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Significance of Kaal Bhairav Jayanti
Kaal Bhairav is considered the most powerful and fierce form of Lord Shiva. It is believed that he incarnated on the Krishna Ashtami of the particular month of Margashirsha. He is the lord of time (Kaal) and is called the king of death. Worshipping him frees the devotee from all kinds of fears, be it fear of life, fear of enemies, or negative energy. Furthermore, sins are destroyed and positivity is infused into life.
Kaal Bhairav is also known as the Kotwal of Kashi. After visiting Baba Vishwanath in Varanasi, visiting Kaal Bhairav is considered essential as he protects the city. Through his grace, devotees receive justice, protection, and prosperity. Fasting and worshipping on this day removes horoscope defects and brings stability to life. This festival is especially significant for those interested in tantra, mantra, or spiritual practice.
Date and Muhurta of Kaal Bhairav Jayanti in 2025
According to the Panchang, the auspicious time for Kaal Bhairav Jayanti in 2025 is as follows:
- Ashtami Tithi begins: November 11, 2025, Tuesday, at 11:08 pm.
- Ashtami Tithi ends: November 12, 2025, Wednesday, at 10:58 pm.
- Festival according to Udaya Tithi: November 12, 2025, Wednesday.
Udaya Tithi, meaning the date prevailing at sunrise, is the date of the festival. Therefore, perform the puja primarily on November 12th. The auspicious time for puja will be from morning till night, but performing puja at night is considered especially fruitful. If possible, begin the puja during Abhijit Muhurta or in the evening.
Kaal Bhairav Jayanti Puja Vidhi in English
Let’s learn how to worship Kaal Bhairav on Kalashtami. The puja is very simple and can be performed in the following steps:
Prepare the puja site: Purify the puja site with Ganga water. Draw a rangoli of a swastika or an eight-petaled lotus on the ground. Draw a swastika on a wooden platform using sandalwood and turmeric.
Gather puja materials: Bring the following materials for the puja:
- An idol or picture of Lord Kaal Bhairav.
- Mustard oil or five types of oil (mustard, sesame, coconut, ghee, castor).
- Five, 11, or 21 lamps.
- Wick, turmeric, kumkum, flowers, betel leaves, coconut, and black sesame seeds.
- Urad dal items for offering (vadas, pakodas), imarti, and jalebi.
- Incense, agarbatti, camphor, and a book on Kaal Bhairav Ashtak/Chalisa.
Puja procedure: Take a bath in the morning and take a vow to fast. Say a vow like, “I will attain freedom from fear by worshipping on Kaal Bhairav Jayanti.” Place the idol on the pedestal and light five lamps on the swastika, symbolizing the pedestal. Apply a tilak of turmeric and kumkum to all the lamps and offer flowers.
Offer urad dal-based items like Imarti, Jalebi, Paan, coconut, and black sesame seeds as offerings. These are all dear to Bhairav. Chant the mantra “Om Kaal Bhairavaya Namah” at least 108 times. Use a Rudraksha rosary.
Recite Kaal Bhairav Ashtak or Bhairav Chalisa. Perform aarti with camphor. At the end of the puja, apologize and say, “O Kaal Bhairav, forgive my mistakes.” Feed bread to a black dog in his guise, as the dog is Bhairav’s vehicle. Give food, clothes, or donations to a Brahmin or the needy. Performing the puja at night provides special benefits. If fasting, eat fruits.
The story of the incarnation of Kaal Bhairav from the Shiva Mahapuran
The story of Kalashtami is based on the Shiva Purana, which teaches the destruction of ego and justice. Once, Lord Vishnu and Brahma argued over who was supreme in the universe. Brahma, arrogantly claimed to be supreme. When the four Vedas were consulted, they all declared Shiva to be omnipotent. Yet, Brahma’s ego persisted, and he laughed.
Lord Shiva appeared as a divine flame. Brahma’s fifth head burned with anger. Shiva created his fierce incarnation, Kaal, who became Bhairava Baba. Bhairava cut off Brahma’s head. This led to Bhairava being accused of Brahmahatya (killing a Brahma). Shiva, in his eternal form, ordered him to travel through the three worlds of Brahma.
Lord Bhairava continued to travel through the three worlds. Brahma’s head remained clinging to his hand. Finally, upon reaching Kashi, it fell on the banks of the Ganges, absolving him of all sins. Pleased, Shiva appointed him as the Kotwal of Kashi and said that he would be worshipped for ages, so visiting Bhairava after visiting Vishwanath in Kashi is essential. This story teaches that destroying the ego is essential, and that Kaal Bhairava is the protector of justice.
FAQ- Kaal Bhairav Jayanti Puja Vidhi in English
What is Kalashtami?
The eighth day of the Krishna Paksha of the Margashirsha month is called Kalashtami. On this day, Kaal Bhairava, the Rudra form of Lord Shiva, incarnated. Kaal Bhairava is worshipped on Kalashtami.
What should be donated on Kalashtami?
On Kalashtami, one should feed bread to a black dog, as the black dog is considered the vehicle of Kaal Bhairava. Additionally, food should be donated to Brahmins or poor people on this day.
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