Maha Kala Bhairava ashtami

Why we celebrate- “Maha Kala Bhairava ashtami’ and what are all its benefits? Maha Kala Bhairava ashtami is a renowned Hindu festival dedicated to Kala Bhairava. It is famed as- “Maha KalaBhairavashtami’ among his whole-hearted devotees. In honor of Lord Kaal- Bhairava, this propitious festival is commemorated in Hindu community. In 2019, Kalashtami will fall on 28th March, Thursday. It is celebrated commonly both in the Northern and Southern states of India and observed 12 times in a year according to Hindu calendar.

According to the Puranas, Kala Bhairava is delineated as “Lord of Time”. He is well-known as- Kshetrapalaka, the protector of the Universe. Kala Bhairava is one of the vehement Manifestations of Lord Shiva. He is portrayed as a vicious deity humping a Head in one of his hands. It is believed that the head which God carries was the 5th head of Lord Brahma, chopped off by Lord Shiva to cut his ego. Black Dog is the Vehicle (Vahan) on which he sits.

As per the Hindu lunar month, it is solemnized on ‘Krishna Paksha Ashtami Tithi. It is observed basically on the 8th day of the falling phase of full- moon (Asthami after Purnima). As per the North Indian Purnimant calendar, the illustrious Kalabhairava Jayanti among the famous twelve Kalashtami is observed in the Margashirsha Month.

Maha KalaBhairavashtami Rituals and Celebrations:

On this auspicious day, Devotees worship Lord Bhairava to overcome the obstacles in life. People also observe a strict fast for the whole day to impress him. In Aditya Purana, it has been stated the importance and the prominence of Kala bhairava. Kaal Bhairava means ‘Time’ and Bhairava is- The incarnation of Lord Shiva. Followers of Lord Shiva worship Lord Bhairava with much devotion and celebrate this festivity with a great pomp and show every year. He is a lord of time and grant blessings to the one who value the time. Lord Bhairava is revered especially on Sundays, so it is believed that if Kalasthmi ever falls on Sundays, it is accounted to be the divinest. The fate of idolizing Lord Bhairava on Kalashtami is commemorated with full enthusiasm and fervour almost in every part of the country and outside it. People take a dip to Sacred Rivers on this favorable day. They listen to Shiva Kathas and recite Shloks and Mantras in the name of Lord Bhairava. The Pooja-Vidhi and the Traditional Rituals of Kaal Bhairava are initiated with offering fruits, flowers and Madira (Wines/Alcohol) to him.

Rituals concatenated with KalaBhairava. Worshippers also visit nearby Kaalbhairava Temples to seek blessings and to pay homage to him. People also prefer to feed Food such as- Milk, Prashads and Bhogs to Black Dogs. Priests/Pandits conduct various Pooja inside the temple premises with umpteen set of rituals. Peeps awake whole night to please Lord Kal bhairava.

Benefits of Kala Bhairava ashtami: Read More