Kalashtami, which is also known as Kala Ashtami, is observed every month during Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha. Devotees of Lord Bhairav keep fast and worship Him on all Kalashtami days in the year.
The most significant Kalashtami, which is known as Kalabhairav Jayanti, falls in the month of Margashirsha according to North Indian, Purnima to Purnima, lunar month calendar while Kalabhairav Jayanti falls in the month of Kartik in South Indian, Amavasya to Amavasya, lunar month calendar. However both calendars observe Kalabhairav Jayanti on the same day. It is believed that Lord Shiva was appeared in form of Bhairav on the same day.
Kalabhairav Jayanti is also known as Bhairav Ashtami.
The day is considered holier if Bhairava Ashtami falls on a Sunday or a Tuesday, sacred weekdays dedicated to Bhairava. Bhairava is specifically worshipped for success, wealth, health and obstacle removal. A devotee is said to be freed of sin and the fear of death by observing Bhairava Ashtami.
The name Kalashtami is sometimes used to refer to this day, but might also refer to any ashtami in Krishna paksha, all of which are sacred days of Bhairava, who is also called also Dandapani (as holds a rod or Danda to punish sinners) and he rides a dog he is also known as Swaswa meaning “whose horse is a dog”.
Meaning and Blessings of ‘Bhairav’
‘Bhai’ – gives you material wealth.
‘Ra’ – dissolves negativity and limited consciousness
‘Va’ – keeps creating things.
Masik Kalashtami in 2016
02 January (Saturday) Kalashtami
01 February (Monday) Kalashtami
01 March (Tuesday) Kalashtami
31 March (Thursday) Kalashtami
29 April (Friday) Kalashtami
29 May (Sunday) Kalashtami
27 June (Monday) Kalashtami
26 July (Tuesday) Kalashtami
25 August (Thursday) Kalashtami
23 September (Friday) Kalashtami
22 October (Saturday) Kalashtami
21 November (Monday) Kalabhairav Jayanti
20 December (Tuesday) Kalashtami
Legend
Bhairava is an manifestation of Shiva’s wrath. According to the legend narrated on the occasion, the Trimurti gods, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva were talking in a serious mood as to who was superior of them all. In the heated debate, Shiva felt slighted by remarks made by Brahma and instructed his ganor Bhairava to cut of one of Brahma’s five heads. Bhairava followed Shiva’s orders and one head of Brahma was cut off and thus he became four headed. Instilled with fear, all others prayed to Shiva and Bhairava.
Another slightly modified version is that when Brahma insulted Shiva, Bhairava (Kala-Bhairava) appeared from the angry Shiva’s forehead and severed Brahma’s head, leaving him with only four heads. The head of Brahma stuck to Bhairava’s left palm due to the sin of killing Brahma, the most learned Brahmin – Brahmahatya or Brahminicide. To expiate the sin of brahmahatya, Bhairava had to perform the vow of a Kapali: wandering the world as a naked beggar with the skull of the slain as his begging bowl. Bhairava’s sin is finally expiated when he reaches the holy city of Varanasi, where a temple dedicated to him still exists.
Worship
An all-night vigil is observed on Bhairava Ashtami with prayers, worship and tales of Bhairava, Shiva and Parvati being told. In the midnight, an arati of Bhairava should be performed with conches, bells and drums.
After taking a bath in the morning, devotees, especially Shiva-worshipping Shaivas offer libations and oblations to their dead ancestors.
Then, Bhairava, Shiva, Shiva’s consort Parvati and Bhairava’s vahana (animal vehicle), the dog, is worshipped with flowers and sweets. Dogs are also offered milk, sweets, curds and other food as offerings.
Bhairava Ashtami is observed in Bhairav Prasad Temple in Vaishno Devi hills in Kashmir. On this day, an image of Kala-Bhairava is made in gold or silver and immersed in a brass metal pot filled with water and worshipped with all scriptural prayers, as is done to Shiva. Then, the priests who do the puja are offered gifts.
In Varanasi, an eight-day pilgrimage of the eight temples dedicated to Ashta Bhairava, eight subsidiary aspects of Bhairava, is undertaken on the first eight days of the fortnight, culminating with Bhairava Ashtami. On Bhairava Ashtami, Kala Bhairava, the city’s guardian deity, is worshipped in his temple. For the rest of a year, a cloth covers the central icon, except his face, however on this day, the cloth is removed to reveal the whole image. The image is adorned with a garland of silver skulls on this day. Several devotees flood the temple to capture the unique opportunity to view the whole image.
Why Worship Lord Bhairav?
Worshiping Lord Bhairav helps to get rid from sufferings and pains, especially the troubles related to paranormal world. The devotee cherishes all round success and a healthy life free from any sort of diseases.
Kala Bhairava Gayatri Mantra
“Om Kaalakaalaaya vidhmahey Kaalaatheethaaya dheemahi Thanno Kaala Bhairava Prachodhayaath.”
Kala Bhairava Mantra
“Om hreem kaal bhairavaye hreem namah”
” Hrim vatukaya apadudharanaya kuru kuru batukaya hrim.”
“Om hreem vam vatukaaya Aapaduddharanaya vatukaaya hreem”
“Om Hraam Hreem Hroom Hrime Hroum Ksham Kshetrapaalaaya Kaala Bhairavaaya Namaha”
With this brief article on Kalashtami, we hope you will make best out of this auspicious day and make your life beautiful.
Wiral Feed 