Know All About Kaal Bhairav, The Fierce Form Of Lord Shiva

Kaal Bhairav Jayanti: Date and time

Ashtami Tithi begins at 6:47 pm on December 7
Ashtami Tithi ends at 5:17 pm on December 8

Significance of Kaal Bhairav Jayanti

Kaal Bhairav has great significance in Hinduism. According to legend, this form of Lord Shiva destroys fear. He protects his devotees from from enemies like greed, anger and lust. He is beyond ‘time’ and ‘death’. According to the Puranas, Kaal Bhairava was created by Shiva to destroy demons during a war between devas and asuras and later Astanga Bhairavas were created. The Ashta Bhairavas married Ashta Matrikas who have a fearful form. 64 Bhairavas and 64 Yoginis were created from these Ashta Bhairavas and Ashta Matrikas. Another legend says that Kaal Bhairav was born due to the wrath of Lord Shiva. It is believed that once Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar debated to prove who is superior. In the midst of the debate, Brahma condemned Shiva and that angered him and Kaal Bhairav was born.

Kaal Bhairav Ashtami: Kaal Bhairav, a fierce form of Shiva associated with annihilation.

Famous Kaal Bhairav Temples in India

Kala Bhairava Temples are usually found around Shaktipeeths, Jyotirlinga temples in the country.

• Kal Bhairav Temple of Ujjain on the banks of the Shipra river is unique. Devotees are known to offer alcohol to the deity.
• Kaal Bhairav Mandir in Varanasi is believed to be the Kotwal of Varanasi, one of the must visit places in the temples city.
• Kalabhairaveshwara is an ancient temple in Karnataka, known as Kalabhairaveshwara Kshetra Palaka in Adichunchanagiri Hills.
• Ajaikapada Bhairava Temple in Jagatsinghpur district of Odisha is one of the famous temples of Odisha
• Kalabhairavar Temple in Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu is dedicated to one of the forms of Kaal Bhairav.
• Chomukha Bhairavji Temple in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan is one of the popular places for Shaivites.
• Shri Kala Bhairava Nath Swami Temple at Adegaon in Madhya Pradesh is a holy site visited by devotees from across the country and neighbours including Nepal.

Kaal Bhairav temples in India are different from the usual Shiva temples in many ways and offerings are also unique.