"Kaal Bhairav Jayanti"- Celebrating the Fierce Aspect of Shiva

"Kaal Bhairav Jayanti" is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to the birth anniversary of Lord Bhairav, a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. Celebrated on the eighth day, i.e. Ashtami of the waning moon in the Hindu month of Margashirsha (in North India) & Kartik (in South India), it is also known as "Maha Kaal Bhairava Ashtami" or "Kaal Bhairav Ashtami."

As per the Gregorian Calendar, it lies in the month of November or December.

This special day is considered even more auspicious when it happens on a Tuesday or Sunday because these days are specifically devoted to Lord Kaal Bhairav.

This year, "Kaal Bhairav Jayanti" is on the 5th Dec. 2023.

As per Drik Panchang, the "tithi" for "Kaal Bhairav Jayanti" in 2023 is as follows:

• Kalabhairav Jayanti on Tuesday, December 5, 2023
• Ashtami Tithi Begins - 09:59 PM on Dec 04, 2023
• Ashtami Tithi Ends - 12:37 AM on Dec 06, 2023

Significance of "Kaal Bhairav Jayanti":

The day of "Kaal Bhairav Jayanti" is considered most auspicious by the devotees of MahaKaal as it is observed as the day when Lord Shiva took the form of Bhairav to protect the universe from negative forces. Kaalbhairav is said to be the fierce form of Mahadev. Hindu people also worship him as the "Hindu God of Time."

Bhairava, stemming from the root 'Bhr,' signifies the cosmic sustainer, holding the universe in nurturing embrace. 'Rava,' denoting self-awareness, adds depth to the meaning, suggesting Bhairava as the embodiment of heightened consciousness. Alternatively, the term connects with the apprehension of the cyclic nature of suffering, as 'rava' symbolizes intensified awareness arising from the inherent dread or fear, encapsulated in 'Bhiru,' of the perpetual cycle of pain and existence.

Lord Bhairava, a powerful form of Lord Shiva linked with destruction, punishes those who do wrong and safeguards devoted followers. Among the 64 Bhairavas, 8 are the main ones, and all of them are under the rule of Lord Kala Bhairava.

The essence of Kaal Bhairav lies in being a guardian against the dual forces of time and fear. The name suggests the protector (Bhairav) from the impacts of time and the anxieties that accompany it. For someone grappling with fear or apprehension, invoking Kaal Bhairav serves as a reminder and source of strength. It encourages individuals to face their fears by seeking protection and support from the timeless and formidable aspect represented by Kaal Bhairav.

Legend behind "Kaal Bhairav Jayanti":

There are lots of legends behind this blissful occasion of "Kaal Bhairav Jayanti."

One of them says:

A long time ago, there was a disagreement between Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma about who was the greatest among Tridev. In the midst of their dispute, all the gods decided to consult the Vedas, ancient scriptures, to find an answer. The Vedas revealed that the one encompassing past, present, and future is the best, pointing towards Lord Shiva.

Lord Vishnu accepted this, but Brahma was unhappy and spoke harshly to Shiva. Shiva, angered by Brahma's misbehavior, manifested Kaal Bhairav, a fierce form. Kaal Bhairav, empowered with divine strength, even severed Brahma's fifth head with the little finger of his left hand.

Realizing his mistake, Brahma sought forgiveness from Lord Shiva, who pardoned him. However, the consequence of killing Brahma's fifth head transferred to Kaal Bhairav. To cleanse this sin, Lord Shiva sent Kaal Bhairav to Kashi, where he became the guardian and was worshipped.

Kashi Vishwanath's pilgrimage is considered incomplete without paying respects to Baba Kaal Bhairav, who serves as the guardian (Kotwal) of Kashi. Devotees believe that worshiping Baba Kaal Bhairav can relieve them of sorrows and bring blessings.

In a different tale, there was a demon named Dahurasuran who had a special boon that only a woman could defeat him. To vanquish him, Goddess Parvati transformed into the fierce Goddess Kali. After slaying the demon, the intense anger and fury of Goddess Kali gave rise to a child. Kali, in her maternal form, nourished the child with her milk.

Lord Shiva then assimilated both Goddess Kali and the child into himself, and from this union emerged the Ashtanga Bhairavas, a group of eight Bhairavas. These Ashtanga Bhairavas, in turn, married the Ashta Matrikas, forming a divine union. The union of Ashta Bhairavas and Ashta Matrikas led to the manifestation of 64 Bhairavas and 64 Yoginis.

In another tale of Lord Kaal Bhairav's origin, when King Daksha insulted Lord Shiva, unable to bear the humiliation, Goddess Sati sacrificed herself by jumping into the fire of the Yagna kund (sacred fire pit). Upon learning about this tragic incident, Lord Shiva, consumed by rage, appeared in His Kaal Bhairav form and beheaded King Daksha.

As a result of this intense manifestation, Kaal Bhairav became the guardian deity in all Shakti peethas, sacred sites associated with the divine feminine energy. This story underscores Lord Kaal Bhairav's role as a fierce protector of the divine and a force that ensures justice in the face of disrespect and injustice towards the sacred.

Rituals of "Kaal Bhairav Jayanti":

• During Bhairav Ashtami, people worship Kaal Bhairav in temples. This involves an all-night vigil with prayers, telling His story, and performing an Arti at midnight, considered the best time for worship.
• In the morning, devotees take a bath, and they offer oblations to honor their deceased ancestors.
• During the worship of Kaal Bhairav, devotees observe a long fast to seek divine grace and cleanse themselves of sins.
• They offer sweet treats and flowers to Kaal Bhairav, along with prayers to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
• Since Kaal Bhairav's vehicle is a Dog, devotees also show respect by offering food, including sweets, milk, and curd, to dogs.
• In the Kal Bhairav Temple in Ujjain, symbolic offerings like liquor are presented to Kaal Bhairav as part of tantric rituals.
• The temple in Varanasi, the oldest of its kind, usually covers the deity's body throughout the year, revealing only the face. However, on Bhairav Jayanti, the entire idol is uncovered and adorned with garlands in celebration.
• Also in Varanasi, devotees embark on an eight-day pilgrimage, visiting the eight temples dedicated to Ashta Bhairava.
• The famous Kaal Bhairav Temple in Kashi, where Kaal Bhairav is honored as the 'Guardian of Kashi,' joyfully observes Bhairav Ashtami. During this celebration, the temple decorates the deity with beautiful garlands and flowers.
• Many devotees come to join in the festive atmosphere and take part in the grand celebration. The spirit of Kaal Bhairav Ashtami and Kaal Bhairav Jayanti is also echoed in various Jyotirlinga temples across India.

Chanting the Powerful "Kalabhairava Ashtakam":
Key Ritual of Kaal Bhairav Jayanti

The Bhairav Ashtakam, composed by Adi Shankaracharya, consists of eight stanzas that pay homage to Lord Kaal Bhairav. In these verses, the hymn describes the appearance and qualities of Lord Kaal Bhairav.

The first two stanzas talk about His divine presence and how sages and yogis venerate him. It emphasizes his role in supporting the Universe and rescuing his devotees. The next two stanzas portray Kaal Bhairava as the punisher of evil, reliever of sins and sufferings, and a bestower of prosperity.

Continuing, the hymn describes Him as the eternal guardian of righteousness, reliever from the fear of death and the cycle of karma. The seventh stanza highlights Kaal Bhairav as the bestower of eight Siddhis (supernatural powers) and a destroyer of sin. The final stanza depicts Him as the ruler of spirits, bestowing peace, glory, happiness, and prosperity. As the protector of Kashi, He is described as absolving sins and guiding devotees along the path of Dharma (righteousness).

Benefits of observing "Kaal Bhairav Jayanti":

• Kaal Bhairav Jayanti Puja fosters humility and grounds a person, preventing ego from overshadowing success.
• The puja instills courage and happiness, empowering individuals to pursue their dreams and leading them to a life filled with peace and joy.
• Kal Bhairav Puja is effective in dispelling negative energies, astrological doshas, and the malevolent gaze of adversaries.
• Worshiping Lord Kal Bhairav is believed to bring health, longevity, and financial stability, aiding in overcoming poverty and illness.
• Kaal Bhairav Puja ensures protection from setbacks in education, job, or business, promoting success and prosperity in these areas.
• This puja is a powerful means to ward off negativity, granting devotees strength to overcome enemies and achieve victory.
• Performing Kaal Bhairav Puja on Kaal Bhairav Jayanti is a preferred remedy for resolving Rahu and Shani Doshas, mitigating the adverse effects of these malefic planets in one's horoscope.