Kalashtami is celebrated in honour of God Bhairav, who is revered as the fierce and furious form of God Shiva. Kalashtami, also known as Kala Ashtami, happens each month on Krishna Paksha’s Ashtami Tithi. On each Kalashtami day of the year, devotees of Bhairav fast and honour him.
This fast is held each month on the Ashtami date of the Krishna Paksha. On this day, worshippers of Lord Bhairav observe an all-day fast and pay homage to him on the day of Kalashtami. Note that the fast of Kalashtami can be observed on Saptami Tith. According to the religious literature, the fast of fasting Kalashtami must be followed on the day that Ashtami Tithi remains in the dark.
Kalashtami Fast 2023 Dates
| Date | Day |
|---|---|
| 14th January 2023 | Saturday |
| 13th February 2023 | Monday |
| 14th March 2023 | Tuesday |
| 13th April 2023 | Thursday |
| 12th May 2023 | Friday |
| 10th June 2023 | Saturday |
| 09th July 2023 | Sunday |
| 08th August 2023 | Tuesday |
| 06th September 2023 | Wednesday |
| 06th October 2023 | Friday |
| 05th November 2023 | Sunday |
| 05th December 2023 | Tuesday |
Kal Bhairav Puja Benefits on Kalashtami
Kaal Bhairav Puja is performed in order to obtain success and wealth in life and to remove impediments and barriers. On the eighth day following the waxing moon, puja is conducted. In addition to chanting mantras during ceremonies, food is donated to the impoverished, stray dogs are fed, and cows are fed bananas.
- To seek Lord Shiva’s blessing
- To acquire protection against negatives, illness, and disease.
- To live a comfortable life.
- For having one’s wishes granted
Kal Bhairav Mantra for Recitation on Kalashtami
“Hrim vatukaya apadudharanaya kuru kuru batukaya hrim”
“Om hreem vam vatukaaya Aapaduddharanaya vatukaaya hreem”
“Om Hraam Hreem Hroom Hrime Hroum Ksham Kshetrapaalaaya Kaala Bhairavaaya Namaha”
Story and Significance of Kal Bhairav (Kalashtami)
Lord Shiva is incarnated as Kal Bhairav. Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu once had a passionate disagreement about their respective greatness. A massive Agnilinga suddenly emerged in front of them. They both attempted to see the end of the Linga but were unsuccessful. In this circumstance, Lord Brahma told Lord Vishnu that he saw the endings, but he did not, and Lord Vishnu accepted his failure. Lord Shiva then appeared and implored Lord Brahma not to lie, but Lord Brahma did not recognise his error and insulted Lord Shiva.
Lord Shiva, unable to resist, created Kaal Bhairav as a punishment for him. On this note, Kaal Bhairav severed the fifth head of Lord Brahma, and Lord Brahma quickly recognised his error in lying to Lord Vishnu. Lord Brahma requested an apology, which Lord Shiva graciously accepted before departing. Lords Brahma and Vishnu ended their conflict, reclaimed their knowledge, and abandoned their pride and ego.
FAQs
1. How is Kalashtami celebrated?
Ans – For worshipers of Lord Shiva, Kalashtami is the most important day. On this auspicious day, worshippers rise before daybreak to begin their day. They take a shower after completing their daily responsibilities. After preparing, worshippers execute a specific puja of Kaal Bhairav in accordance with all necessary laws.
2. Which day is good for Kalabhairava?
Ans – If Bhairava Ashtami happens on a Sunday or Tuesday, hallowed weekdays dedicated to Bhairava, the day is considered holiest. Bhairava is specifically venerated for success, riches, health, and the elimination of obstacles. By observing Bhairava Ashtami, a devotee is purportedly liberated from sin and death phobia.
3. What should we do on bhairava ashtami?
Ans – To worship Lord Bhairav nath, Jaagran should be conducted at night. Additionally, Katha and kirtans should be performed. It is of the highest importance to chant the Bhairav katha during the puja. The devotee should do Bhairav aarti using conch, drum, gong, etc. in the middle of the night.
4. What is significance of Kalashtami?
Ans – Kalashtami, also known as Kala Ashtami, is a festival dedicated to Lord Bhairava, a destructive manifestation of Lord Shiva. He correctly punishes sinners and protects submissive followers.
