Kala-Bhairav Ashtami : Legend Of The Mighty Rudra

Instaastro Social | Nov. 26, 2021, 4:45 p.m.

Kala Bhairav is the wrathful incarnation of Shiva, also known as the ‘Rudra’ facet of the God Of Destruction. Lord Shiva took this avatar on the Ashtami Tithi, Krishna Paksha in the month of Margashirsha (Purnimanta calendar) or Kartik (Amavasya calendar) according to the Hindu Calendar. Hence, this day is celebrated as the birth anniversary of the deity, Kalabhairav Jayanti. 

This year the Kala-Bhairav Jayanti falls on 27 November. 

Kalabhairav is also considered as Para-Brahma or the one that consists of all Supreme Universal Reality. He saves his devotees from negativities like fear, anger, lust and greed. Additionally, the Lord also saves his worshippers from unwanted entities like ghosts and ghouls. This form is the fiercest and deadliest of all the forms of Shiva and the legendary story behind it is astonishing.

Legend Of Kala-Bhairav

Once upon a time, there was a conference of Gods going on at Sumeru Mountains, where they all asked the Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh) who was the most powerful God amongst the three? Brahma replied that as he was the one responsible for creating everything, he was the strongest. To which Vishnu replied that as he was the one who was the ‘palankarta’, he was the strongest. Mahesh or Shiva replied that he had the ability to destroy all, hence he was superior.  As the argument got very heated, Brahma, through his 5th head, uttered rude and slighting remarks to Shiva. This angered Shiva and suddenly a bright being emerged from his Third Eye. This incarnation was called Kala-Bhairava. Shiva instructed him to severe the disrespectful 5th head of Brahma which had insulted him. Kala-Bhairava severed the head easily with the fingernail of his smallest finger. The head struck the left palm of the avatar and he had to take upon the sin of Brahma-hatya (killing a learned Brahmin). Shiva then instructed his incarnation that to rid of this sin, he has to go to Kashi, where he shall be the gatekeeper of the city. Kala-Bhairav then took the vow of Kapali, where he would roam around the world as a naked beggar and use the skull of Brahma in his left hand as his begging bowl. As he reached Kashi, his sins were eventually forgiven. After this a temple was built dedicated to the fearsome deity. 

Kala-Bhairav : Physical Manifestation

The incarnation of Kala-Bhairav is stark opposite to that of Shiva. There are multiple significant features of this deity: 

  1. He is known as the God of Darkness.
  2. He is said to have 4 hands and 2 feet.
  3. His teeth are always shown protruding outwards. 
  4. His 4 hands hold one of each: a sword or a noose (pasha)or a snake, and the skull of Brahma in his two left hands; a damru and a trident (trishul) in the two right hands.  
  5. He is scantily dressed.
  6. His vaahan or vehicle is a dog. 
  7. He is also known as Dandapani. 

Puja Practices For Kala Bhairav 

The puja is performed all night by worshippers with prayers and tales of Kala-Bhairava, Shiva and Parvati are told. The puja is traditionally done at midnight. Aarti includes traditional instruments like conches, bells and drums. Devotees worship Lord Shiva and Bhairava on Kala-Bhairava Ashtami to seek forgiveness for any previous sins. On this day, people also get up early morning and take bath to perform puja and rituals for their ancestors. Devotees also observe a fast on Kala-Bhairav Jayanti. 

Main Rituals To Follow During Kala-Bhairav Ashtami

  1. Wake up early, take a bath, wear clean clothes and keep fast. 
  2. Worshipper should chant Kala-Bhairav Mantra 108 times. 
  3. Honor your ancestors and pray for their soul and well-being. 
  4. Light a lamp in front of Shiva. 
  5. Worship the Kalabhairav version in the night. 
  6. On the evening of Kala-Bhairav Jayanti, go to any nearby temple and place a chaumukhi (4 faced) diya/lamp in front of Lord Bhairav. 
  7. Offer flowers, sweets, etc to the Lord. 
  8. Sit in front of the idol and recite Kalabhairava Chalisa. 
  9. Make sure to take aarti after finishing the puja. Additionally, remember to ask penance for any sins that you many have committed unknowingly. 
  10. Remember to offer milk and food to dogs (the vehicle of Kala-Bhairav).

Benefits of Worshipping Kala-Bhairav 

  1. Bhairava-Mantra, Chalisa or Jaap (chanting) reduces fear of death. 
  2. Worshipping the deity on Saturday and Tuesday removes negativity and any unwanted entities from around the worshipper. 
  3. Rahu and Ketu effects can also be reduced by this puja.