Kala Bhairava Jayanthi

Lord Kalabhairava – The Controller Of Time

Lord Kalabhairava is the ferocious form of Lord Shiva. Kala Bhairava is the controller and God of Time. Kala means ‘Time’ and Bhairava means the manifestation of Lord Shiva. He is depicted with sharp angry eyes, tiger’s teeth, blazing hair, wearing garlands of skulls and a snake around his neck.  Kalashtami and Kala Bhairava Jayanthi is the most auspicious and ideal day dedicated to Lord Kala Bhairava. Ashtami day falls eight day after Poornima (Full moon day). In 2019, Kala Bhairava Jayanthi is on November 19. He is also known as Kshetrapalaka, the guardian of the temple. In most of the temple, keys are submitted to Lord Kala Bhairava at the time of closing and take from him at temple opening time. The dog is the vahana (vehicle) of Lord Kala Bhairava. Taking care of dogs and feeding is one of the ways to showing devotion to Lord Bhairava. He is also considered as the guardian of travellers. It is advised that before undertaking long journey and night travel, worship Lord Kala Bhairava and light ghee lamps in his glory and request his protection during travel.

Eight Forms Of Kala Bhairava

There are 64 bhairavas grouped under eight categories and control the 8 direction of this world. The main eight Bhairavas are called as Ashta Bhairavas. The eight different manifestations of Lord Kala Bhairava are:

  • Asidanga Bhairava Gives Creative Skill.
  • Guru Bhairava Gives Divine Education
  • Chanda BhairavaProvides Incredible Energy To Attain Success.
  • Kroda BhairavaGives Strength And Courage To Take Massive Action.
  • Unmatta BhairavaControls Harmful Character And Negative Ego.
  • Kapala Bhairava Ends All Profitless Work And Action.
  • Bhishana BhairavaEliminate Evil Spirit And Negative Energy.
  • Samhara BhairavaEliminates Bad Karma Effects.

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Why Celebrate Kala Bhairava Jayanthi

Kalabhairava Jayanthi is the birthday of Lord Bhairava, celebrated in different parts of India. Kalabhairava Jayanthi is also known as Kalabhairava Ashtami, Bhairava Jayanthi and Bhairava Ashtami.

According to Shiv Maha Purana, a serious argument took place between the Trimurti gods, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. During the argument Brahma insulted Lord Shiva. Shiva felt disrespected by the remarks made by Lord Brahma and instructed his devotee Bhairava to cut off one of the head of Lord Brahma.  Lord Bhairava obeyed Shiva’s order and cut off Brahma’s fifth head and he became four headed (Originally Lord Brahma had five heads). After this act, people started to pray Lord Bhairava.

According to another Vedic reference, when Lord Brahma insulted Shiva, Lord Kala Bhairava appeared from the forehead of Lord Shiva and cut off one of Brahma’s head. The head of Lord Brahma attached to Bhairava’s left hand due to sin of brahmahatya. To get relief from the sin of brahmahatya, Bhairava had to travel the world as a naked beggar with the skull as his begging bowl. His sin was expiated when he reaches the holy city of Varanasi.

Rituals Observed On Kala bhairava Jayanthi

On Kalabhairava Jayanthi, devotees of Lord Bhairava stay awake throughout the night as they offer Aarti, special pujas and prayers to Lord Shiva, Mother Parvati and Lord Kalabhairava. At midnight, Aarti is performed with the sounds of drums beating and conches blowing. On Kalabhairava Jayanthi, devotees offer rituals and prayers to their dead forefathers and ancestors and also offering milk, sweets and food items to dogs are considered to be very auspicious.

Benefits Of Celebrating Kala bhairava Jayanthi

Those facing troubles with evil spirits, misfortunes offer prayers and special pujas to Lord Kala Bhairava on this day for getting protection from all evil energies. Some of the people offer prayers to Lord for their ancestors’ souls to rest in peace. Worship of Lord Kalabhairava and offering special rituals is very important to get peaceful life and protection from negative energy and evil forces.

What Impact Can Akasha Bhairava Create On Kala Bhairava Jayanthi