Kala Bhairava is a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva and is highly revered across the Indian subcontinent. He is depicted in an aggressive form with red, angry eyes, blazing hair, tiger’s teeth, snake coiled around his neck and crown and a garland of human skulls. He carries a trident, drum and the severed fifth head of Brahma. He has a blue throat since he swallowed the dreaded Halahala poison that came out of the Milky Ocean which would have destroyed the whole world had it fallen down. Thus, he is considered as the saviour of the world. He is the representative of Kala or Time which is the only “killer.” Hence, he is considered to be the vanquisher of death. His third eye represents supreme wisdom.
Kala Bhairava Jayanti is celebrated on Ashtami (eighth) day in krishna paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the month of Margashirsha (November/December). He is known to have eight forms – Chanda Bhairava, Asitanga Bhairava, Krodha Bhairava, Ruru Bhairava, Unmatha Bhairava, Bheeshana Bhairava, Kapala Bhairava and Samhara Bhairava. The Ashta Bhairavas are supposed to have married the Ashra Matrikas who also have fearful forms.
He is also the guardian of the fifty-two Shakti Peethas so he has different forms in all these mandirs.
The word “bhairava” itself has a deep meaning. “Bhaya” means fear and “bha” denotes lustrous light. “Ra” eliminates negativity and “va” creates opportunities. To sum up, Bhairava shows us that even fear can be a means to achieve delight! “Kala” of course denotes Time!
Chanting the three syllables bhai, ra and va is said to give a lot of benefits. The sacred sound is said to be a reminder that each second is precious and that one should not procrastinate and disrespect time. We should chant the mantra all the time.
Legends abound about him. The story from the Shiva Mahapurana says that once Lord Brahma who had become very arrogant commanded Vishnu and Shiva to worship him as he was the creator! This infuriated Shiva who took the form of Kala Bhairava and chopped off one of Brahma’s five heads. However, Shiva became guilty of Brahmahatya or the killing of a Brahmin. Because of this Shiva in the form of Bhairava had to carry the head which had become stuck on his hand for twelve years. Kashi was the place that Kala Bhairava eventually got rid of this sin and Brahma’s head dropped off his hand. The main purpose of the avatara of Kala Bhairava was to eliminate arrogance, pride and other vices that lead to one’s downfall. Brahma learnt a great lesson, and apologised to Shiva for his blunder.
Since Bhairava was expiated from the sin of Brahmahatya in Kashi, he was entrusted with the responsibility of looking after the city forever. Hence, he is also referred to as Kashi ka Kotwal – the guardian of the town.
Many Shiva and Shakti mandirs have a shrine dedicated to him inside the mandir premises. He is the “Kshetrapalaka” or the guardian of the mandir. The mandir keys are ceremonially submitted to him when the mandir closes and received from him at the time of opening in the morning. He is also a guardian of all travellers and blesses those who come to the mandir. The siddhas (enlightened ones) state that before embarking on a journey, especially while travelling at night, one must light a lamp to him and garland him with cashew nut wreaths. This assures protection and safety.
As he is a Rudra (fierce aspect of Shiva), he is an expert in tantra and mantra. Though he is one of the most feared gods, he is also one of the most rewarding and protective deities. In Tantrism, he is revered as Batuk Bhairava. He is worshipped by the Aghoris, the Kapalika sect, Gorat Kashmiris, Assamese tantric practitioners, the Gowdas of Karnataka, and many other communities.
The worship of Kala Bhairava is very ancient. The Hindu calendar is cyclical. Every year is denoted by a name which will repeat after sixty years which is one cycle for years, just as every twelve months, the names of the months repeat themselves. All ashtamis that come in the krishna paksha (the eighth day after full moon) is also regarded as an ideal day for his puja. Kala Bhairavashtami or Kala Bhairava Jayanti is celebrated on this day in the month of Margashirsha (November/December). All the twelve Jyotirlingas of Shiva hold big celebrations.
On this day, devotees keep a day-long fast and remain awake all night. A puja is performed at midnight, which is followed by the arati. Food is offered as prasad first to at least one dog, the vahana (mount) of Kala Bhairava.
Other good times to worship him is the rahukalam (an inauspicious time) on Sundays between 4.30 pm and 6 pm. Offerings of coconut, sindoor, flowers, mustard oil and black sesame seeds are advised.
His vehicle is a dog which is usually seated on one side, eager to taste the blood dripping from the chopped head of Brahma. One of the best ways to honour him is by taking care of and feeding dogs. He is known to bestow great blessings on those who feed halwa puri (sweet bread) to hungry dogs. All their problems will vanish!
Though he is a fierce deity yet he helps his devotees to achieve success and gain material comforts. Since he is the Lord of Time, he also helps them to use their “time” in a constructive fashion instead of wasting it in frivolous pursuits. His devotees find that they often find themselves at the right place at the right time to avail themselves of opportunities!
This fearful manifestation of Shiva is believed to be one of the most protective powers for blessing humanity especially in this age of decadence.
What is significance of Kalabhairava's fierce form
In essence, the fierce form of Kalabhairava serves as a reminder of the impermanent nature of life, the importance of spiritual evolution, and the need to transcend limitations by surrendering the ego. Devotees seek his blessings to navigate life's challenges, transform spiritually, and ultimately attain liberation (moksha).
oṃ kālākālāya vidhmahe,
kālāthīthāyā dhīmahi,
tanno kālbhairavā pracodayāt ll
The mantra promises a conclusion of the bad consequences caused by doshas.
The mantra aids in the removal of any bad ideas and energies from a person's psyche.
It aids in the defeat of issues, adversaries, grief, anguish, and toxic relationships.
The mantra brings Lord Shiva's and Kaal Bhairava's blessings in the life of the devotee.
This mantra helps in increasing the lifespan and improving the health of a person.
|| oṃ aiṃ hrāṃ hrīṃ klīṃ śrī baṭuka bhairava ||
|| oṃ hrīṃ bam baṭukāya apadudharanaya kuru kuru baṭukāya hrīṃ oṃ namaḥ śiyāye ||
|| oṃ hrāṃ hrīṃ hrūṃ hraīṃ hrauṃ kṣaṃ kṣetrapālāya kāla bhairavāya namaḥ ||
