Kaal Bhairav Jayanti is on 25th November, 2013. Kaal Bhairava, a manifestation of Lord Shiva, is the God of Time. Kaal Bhairav Jayanti or Kalashtami is the most auspicious day devoted to Lord Shiva. It is observed on the eighth day after full moon in traditional Hindu calendar. Read this featured article to know more about this day.
Bhairava, The Lord Of Time
Kaal Bhairav develops theory of time for different galaxies. He rules the universe and controls the time. He is worshiped by the people to alter the bad time and enhance the good time. He helps one by guiding them how to organize their time in the best possible way. Generally, the 8th day of waning Moon is the best time to get in touch with Lord Kala Bhairav. Generally speaking, the 8th day of the waning moon within every month is an auspicious time to get in touch with Kala Bhairava.
Kshetrapalaka, The Keeper Of The Temple
Kala Bhairava is known as Kshetrapalaka, meaning the keeper of the temple. As an honor to the Lord, the keys of the temple are submitted to him the the closing time and similarly, received from him at the opening time.
Click here to know the Kalashtami Dates for 2013 - Kalashtami 2013
8 Incarnations Of Bhairava
The eight incarnations of Lord Bhairava are known as Ashta Bhairavas. His eight forms are:
(1) Asithanga Bhairava
(2) Ruru Bhairava
(3) Chanda Bhairava
(4) Krodha Bhairava
(5) Unmatta Bhairava
(6) Kapala Bhairava
(7) Bhishana Bhairava
(8) Samhara Bhairava
What Says The Legend
According to the Legends, on this day Lord Shiva in the avatar of Mahakaleshwar, minced off Brahma’s fifth head and performed penance. When it comes so as to why he did this act, there are several legends. According to one of such legends, the Trimurti, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva had an argument over the reason - who is the most powerful. During that argument, Brahma made a remark which infuriated Lord Shiva. He formed Bhairava from his body and ordered him to cut off Brahma’s head.
Rituals Performed
- On this day, devotees of Shiva get up early, take bath and offer prayers.
- Tarpan is performed and dead ancestors are remembered and honored.
- On the day of Kalashtami, Staunch devotees of Shiva do not sleep and listen or read stories of Mahakaleshwar.
- As Kal Bhairava's vehicle is a black dog, therefore people feed dogs on this day.
Why Observe Kaal Bhairav Jayanti
Worshipping Lord Bhairav brings harmony and peace in the family, maintains health and provides resistance against health troubles. One can get relief from all problems by reading Kaal Bhairav Strot, Bhairav Tantrokta, Batuk Bhairav Brahma Kawach and Batuk Bhairav Kawach.
