Kaal Bhairav Mantra: A Guide to Worship and Significance

Kaal Bhairav is a revered deity in Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. In Hinduism, Kaal Bhairav is considered an incarnation of Lord Shiva. Depictions of Kaal Bhairav often show him in a fierce form, holding a trident, a drum, and the fifth head of Brahma. Many devotees celebrate Kaal Bhairav Ashtami, which falls on the eighth day of the waning moon in the month of Margashirsha according to the Hindu calendar. It is believed that worshipping Kaal Bhairav on this day destroys enemies and brings success, peace, and prosperity in life.

Kaal Bhairav Ashtami 2023 Date and Auspicious Time

• Date: December 5, 2023, Tuesday
• Auspicious Time for Worship: From 9:59 PM on December 5 to 12:37 AM on December 6

Kaal Bhairav Puja Materials

To perform Kaal Bhairav Puja, you will need the following items:

• Kaal Bhairav’s idol or picture
• Incense sticks, lamp, and agarbatti
• Panchamrit (a mixture of milk, ghee, curd, sugar, and honey)
• Vermilion, saffron, mace, and rice
• Flowers and water for bathing the idol with Panchamrit
• Puja Kalash and materials for Kalash Sthapana
• Kusha grass and Durva
• Clothes for the deity and yourself
• Kaal Bhairav Yantra (if available)
• A special letter and pen
• Food items for offering

Kaal Bhairav Puja Procedure and Vastu Tips

Worshipping Lord Kaal Bhairav with special rituals and devotion fulfills the wishes of devotees. Here is a detailed guide to performing Kaal Bhairav Puja:

Preparation for the Puja

1. Start the Day Early: Begin the day of Kaalashtami by waking up early in the Brahma Muhurta and taking a bath.
2. Choose the Puja Site: Select a clean and pure place for the puja during the auspicious time. If using a Bhairav Yantra, place it in the center of the puja area. Decorate the space with flowers, incense, and lamps.
3. Set Up the Deities: Along with Kaal Bhairav’s idol or picture, you can also place idols of other deities like Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha.

Performing the Puja

1. Kalash Sthapana: Decorate a Kalash (pot) with Ganga water and flowers, and place a lid on it. Draw a Swastika on the lid.
2. Prepare Panchamrit: Mix milk, ghee, curd, sugar, and honey in a vessel. Add saffron, mace, and rice. Offer this mixture to Kaal Bhairav’s idol or picture.
3. Light Lamps and Incense: Light a lamp and incense sticks in the temple and offer prasad to the deity. In the evening, light a four-faced lamp with mustard oil.
4. Chant Mantras: Perform the aarti while chanting mantras or reciting the Kaalbhairavashtak.
5. Offerings: Offer fruits, bel leaves, red sandalwood, flowers, Panchamrit, and coconut to Kaal Bhairav. Mustard oil and black gram should also be offered.
6. Recite Bhairav Ashtottara Shatanamavali: This involves reciting the 108 names of Lord Bhairav, seeking his blessings.
7. Sing Bhajans and Kirtans: Singing devotional songs and hymns pleases Lord Bhairav and brings peace and happiness to your life.
8. Distribute Prasad: After the puja, distribute the prasad among the devotees.

Vastu Guidelines

While performing Kaal Bhairav Puja, follow these Vastu guidelines:

• Ensure that the person performing the puja faces the east direction.
• Always place the deity on a high platform.

Benefits of Kaal Bhairav Puja

Worshipping Lord Kaal Bhairav is believed to purify the soul and create favorable conditions for devotees. Here are some benefits:

• Removes Obstacles: It is said that Kaal Bhairav Puja removes obstacles in business and other aspects of life.
• Protection from Enemies: Lord Kaal Bhairav protects devotees from enemies and helps in winning legal battles.
• Ward Off Evil: The puja protects against black magic and negative energies.
• Health and Longevity: According to Hindu beliefs, Kaal Bhairav blesses devotees with good health and long life.
• Pleases Rahu and Ketu: Worshipping Kaal Bhairav also pleases the planets Rahu and Ketu.

Significance of Kaal Bhairav Ashtami

Kaal Bhairav Ashtami marks the day when Lord Kaal Bhairav descended to Earth. Associated with destruction, Kaal Bhairav is worshipped by devotees who consider him their protector. It is believed that worshipping Kaal Bhairav removes fear. On this day, people also observe fasts.

In tantric practices, Kaal Bhairav is worshipped as Batuk Bhairav. His vehicle is a dog, and feeding sweet bread and jaggery to dogs is considered highly beneficial as it pleases Lord Bhairav.

Kaal Bhairav Mantra

Chanting the Kaal Bhairav Mantra is an essential part of the worship. Here are some powerful mantras:

• Om Hreem Batukaya Apaduddharanaya Kuru Kuru Batukaya Hreem
• Om Hraam Hreem Hroom Hreem Hroom Ksham Kshetrapalaya Kaalbhairavaya Namah
• Om Kaalbhairavaya Namah

Prominent Kaal Bhairav Temples

Source: Pinterest/psychicramnathji

Some of the most famous Kaal Bhairav temples include:

• Kaal Bhairav Temple, Ujjain Dham
• Batuk Bhairavnath Temple
• Bhairav Temple or Kilkari Baba Bhairavnath Temple

Precautions and Considerations for Kaal Bhairav Puja

When performing Kaal Bhairav Puja or observing Kaalashtami fast, it is important to maintain a pure mind. Avoid consuming meat and alcohol on this day. Maintain peace and harmony in the household. Chant the mantra “Om Kaalbhairavaya Namah” and recite the Kaalbhairavashtakam to ward off negative energies.

Important Tips

• Light a mustard oil lamp.

• Feed sweet bread to a black dog.

Appropriate Attire for Kaal Bhairav Puja

Saturday is considered the day of both Shani Dev and Bhairav Maharaj. Wearing dark colors like black, deep blue, dark brown, or purple during the puja enhances confidence and courage. Therefore, wear these colors and worship Kaal Bhairav with a pure heart.

In conclusion, worshipping Kaal Bhairav with devotion and following the proper rituals can bring immense benefits, including protection, prosperity, and peace. By chanting the Kaal Bhairav Mantra and observing Kaal Bhairav Ashtami, devotees can seek the blessings of this powerful deity.