Kalabhairav Jayanti is the birth anniversary of fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva associated with annihilation.

Kaal Bhairava Jayanti 2015 Dates:

Appease Bhairav On Kalashtami

Kalashtami is the term given to the eighth day of the dark half of every lunar month. This day is dedicated to the Kaal God, generally known as Kaal Bhairav (Avatar of Lord Shiva ). On this day, devotees observe fast and perform Puja to please the lord. Kalbhairav Jayanti is celebrated all over India.

People of North India follows Purnimant Calendar; therefore, they celebrate the main Kalashtami in the Margashira month. On the other hand, followers of Amavasyant calendar celebrate it in the month of Kartik. However, the Kalbhairav Jayanti falls on the same day for the both the calendar followers.

Note : Fast of Kalashtami is observed a day before Ashtami i.e. Saptami (the seventh day).

Kala Bhairav Ashtami is also known as Bhairav Ashtami, Bhairava Jayanti and Kala-Bhairava Ashtami. It falls on the eighth lunar day of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the Hindu month of Kartik. It is a holy day commemorating the birthday of Lord Bhairava, the fierce manifestation of Shiva.

According to a legend the Trimurti i.e. Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Mahesh were discussing as to who was superior of them all. In the heated debate, Shiva felt offended by the remarks made by Brahma and commanded Bhairava to sever one of Brahma’s five heads. Bhairava obeyed Shiva's orders. Thus Brahma became four headed. Bhairava's sin of Brahmhatya was expiated when he reached the holy city of Varanasi after wandering throughout the world. There are many temples in Varanasi dedicated to Lord Bhairava.

By worshiping Lord Shiva in the form of Kala Bhairava one can get rid of all the misfortune. The devotee enjoys all round success and is exempted from his sins. Lord Bhairava, Shiva and his consort Parvati are worshiped with flowers, fruits and sweets. Dogs (vehicle of Lord Bhairava) are also fed milk and food. Dead ancestors are remembered and offered oblations on this day.

The Shaivites take ritual bath in the morning and perform Puja. Devotees fast throughout the day and perform Jagaran at night. Kaalbhairav Katha is recited by the devotees. They also perform Bhairva Aarti at midnight along with traditional musical instruments. A huge function is organized at Bhairav Prasad Temple in Vaishno Devi every year. In Varanasi lots of cultural programs and prayers are observed.

Kalashtami 2015: Legend Behind Bhairav Ashtami
The legend describes the tale of the day when Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma had an argument on the topic that who among them is more powerful. The argument rose to such a height that Lord Shiva had to call a meeting including the great scholars, sages, and saints to find a solution and reach the conclusion. After the meeting came to a solution, Lord Vishnu agreed , but Lord Brahma did not accept it. This outraged Lord Shiva, as it was an insult to him and he took a destructive form. Hence, a new Avatar came into existence which was of Kaal Bhairav. In this Avatar, he came riding on a black dog with a truncheon in one hand. That is why he also got the name 'Dandadhipati'. This horrifying form of Lord Shiva scared the demigods. Seeing this situation, Lord Brahma apologized in front of the Kaal Bhairav Avatar of Lord Shiva. After being convinced by all the Gods, saints, sages and Lord Brahma himself, Lord Shiva restored to his original form.