- By Kashish Rai
- Tue, 05 Dec 2023 10:31 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Kaal Bhairav Jayanti 2023: The auspicious festival of Kalashtami is dedicated to Lord Kaal Bhairava, a ferocious manifestation of Lord Shiva that is related to destruction. He safeguards the devoted followers and punishes the transgressors. Lord Kaal Bhairava is the ruler of all 64 Bhairavas, who are further commanded by 8 Bhairavas. According to the Hindu calendar, The auspicious day of Kala Ashtami is celebrated on Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha each month. Devotees uphold fast and offer their sincere prayers to Lord Bhairava on this day.
Remarkably, North Indians commemorate the most significant Kalashtami, Kalabhairav Jayanti, in the month of Margashirsha, whereas South Indian devotees celebrate it in the month of Kartik. This year, Kaal Bhairav Jayanti is being celebrated on 5th December 2023.
Kaal Bhairav Jayanti 2023: Date And Shubh Muhurat
- Kaal Bhairav Jayanti 2023 - 5th December 2023, Tuesday
- Margashirsha Krishna Ashtami Tithi Begins - 09:59 PM, 4th December 2023
- Margashirsha Krishna Ashtami Tithi Ends - 12:37 AM, 5th December 2023
One of Lord Shiva's fiercest incarnations, Kaal Bhairav has been linked to devastation. He safeguards the obedient followers and justly punishes the transgressors. (Image Source: Canva)
Kaal Bhairav Jayanti 2023: Significance And Rituals
Bhairava Ashtami or Kaal Bhairava Ashtami are other names for Kaal Bhairav Jayanti. Lord Shiva took on the form of Lord Kaal Bhairav on this day. It is said that this day, which falls on the Ashtami Tithi, Krishna Paksha, in the month of Margashirsha, is the greatest for worshipping and honouring Lord Kaal Bhairav. Around the nation, Kaal Bhairav temples commemorate it with great grandeur. Devotees go for eight days to witness Ashta Bhairava's eight temples in Varanasi.
ALSO READ: Ekadashi December 2023: Check Margashirsha Month Ekadashi Calendar, Dates, And Parana Timings Here
Kaal Bhairav Jayanti 2023: Legend Of Lord Kaal Bhairav
The Shiva Mahapurana offers the most well-known origin tale of Lord Kaal Bhairav. According to legend, Lord Brahma once became arrogant and told Lord Vishnu that He was the Supreme Creator and had five heads like Lord Shiva. Additionally, he could do whatever Lord Shiva could do, and as a result, he should be worshipped rather than Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva threw a strand of His hair on the ground, crushing Lord Brahma's ego. Lord Kaal Bhairav then emerged, chopping off Lord Brahma's fifth head. After realising his mistake, Lord Brahma begged for pardon.
Due to the transgression of Brahman-hatya, Lord Kaal Bhairav was cursed and had to travel like a vagrant carrying Lord Brahma's severed fifth head until He arrived in Kashi. He was cleansed of the sin there, so he remained and turned into the city's guardian deity. "Kotwal of Kashi" is another name designated to address Lord Kaal Bhairav.
