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Kaal Bhairav Jayanti

Shiv ji

  • Puja vidhi
  • 6 Wishes to send
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Kaal Bhairav Jayanti

Why it is celebrated

Margashirsha Krishna Ashtami marks the appearance of Kaal Bhairav, the fierce form of Bhagwan Shiv. It is also called Bhairav Ashtami or Kalashtami. Kaal Bhairav is seen as the Kotwal, the guardian, of Kashi, and his temples hold special puja and night-long jagran today.

The story

Once an argument broke out between Brahma ji and Vishnu ji over which of them was greater. A gathering of rishis and munis was held to settle it. Vishnu ji humbly accepted the gathering's decision, but Brahma ji was filled with pride and began speaking insulting words about Shiv ji.

Shiv ji, who is always calm, could not bear this insult. From his fierce form, Bhagwan Bhairav appeared. His form was blazing and fearsome, he held a staff, and with him was his vahan, a dog.

The moment Brahma ji saw Bhairav ji, he understood his mistake. He folded his hands, asked for forgiveness and praised Shiv ji. At the prayers of Brahma ji and the devtas, Bhairav ji grew calm.

After this Bhairav ji reached Kashi, and Shiv ji gave him the duty of guarding the city. Since then he is called the Kotwal of Kashi, and it is believed that a visit to Kashi is incomplete without his darshan.

Puja vidhi

  1. Bathe in the morning and take the vrat sankalp; many people also offer tarpan for their ancestors today.
  2. In the evening, visit a Bhairav or Shiv temple, or worship his picture at home.
  3. Light a four-wick lamp with mustard oil and offer flowers, black sesame, urad and a coconut.
  4. Recite the Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam or a Bhairav mantra; many devotees keep a night jagran with bhajans and do the aarti at midnight.
  5. A dog is Bhairav ji's vahan, so today lovingly feed a dog some roti or milk.
  6. After the puja, share prasad and help someone in need.

Food

Sweet jaggery roti, black til laddoos or dishes made with urad as bhog; the sweet roti is later fed to a dog.

Wishes to send

  • Warm wishes on Kaal Bhairav Jayanti! May Baba Bhairavnath give you the courage to rise above every fear.

  • Glory to the Kotwal of Kashi! May Bhairav Baba's grace always be on your family.

  • Let go of pride and stay humble; that is the lesson of Bhairav Ashtami. A blessed Kaal Bhairav Jayanti to you!

  • A mustard-oil lamp, faith in the heart and Bhairav's name on the lips. May this holy night bring you peace.

  • Feed a roti to Bhairav Baba's companion, the dog, and love every living being. Jai Baba Kaal Bhairav!

  • Pranam to Mahadev's guardian form. May your home always have happiness and peace.

For your status

  • Jai Baba Kaal Bhairav.

  • Pranam to the Kotwal of Kashi.

  • Tonight is the holy night of Bhairav Ashtami.

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