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Notes: All timings are represented in 12-hour notation in local time of Lancaster, United States with DST adjustment (if applicable).
Hours which are past midnight are suffixed with next day date. In Panchang day starts and ends with sunrise.
According to the Purnimanta Hindu Panchang, Kalabhairav Jayanti is observed on the Ashtami Tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Margashirsha. In the Amanta Panchang, this Tithi falls in the Krishna Paksha of the Kartika month. This sacred festival marks the anniversary of the manifestation of Lord Kalabhairav. Lord Kalabhairav is also known as Lord Bhairava. As mentioned in the Shiva Rahasya, Lord Bhairava appeared during the Madhyahna. However, due to its being Ratri fast, the Ratri Vyapini Ashtami should be observed for this fast.
In Hinduism, Lord Kalabhairav is considered a fierce form of Lord Shiva. Hindu scriptures describe Him as the Lord of Time and Death. The term Bhairava literally means 'The One Who is Terrible' or 'The Destroyer of Fear'.
In the Tantric tradition, Bhairava Tantra worship holds the highest place. Devotees worship Lord Kalabhairav for protection from ghosts, spirits and negative energies, as well as for victory over enemies. The person who devoutly worships Lord Kalabhairav becomes fearless and all known and unknown fears from the mind are dispelled.
Kalabhairav Jayanti is also known as Bhairava Jayanti.
According to Vrat Parichay and Shiva Rahasya, one should observe a fast on the Ashtami Tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Margashirsha. While observing the fast, devotees should perform the ritual worship of Lord Bhairava in every Prahara. During the worship, three Arghya should be made to the Lord while reciting the following three Mantras -
First Arghya Mantra -
भैरवार्घ्यं गृहाणेश भीमरूपाव्ययानघ।
अनेनार्घ्यप्रदानेन तुष्टो भव शिवप्रिय॥
Bhairavarghyam Grihanesha Bhimarupavyayanagha।
Anenarghyapradanena Tushto Bhava Shivapriya॥
Second Arghya Mantra -
सहस्राक्षिशिरोबाहो सहस्रचरणाजर।
गृहाणार्घ्यं भैरवेदं सपुष्पं परमेश्वर॥
Sahasrakshishirobaho Sahasracharanajara।
Grihanarghyam Bhairavedam Sapushpam Parameshvara॥
Third Arghya Mantra -
पुष्पांजलिं गृहाणेश वरदो भव भैरव।
पुनरर्घ्यं ग्रहणेदं सपुष्पं यातनापह॥
Pushpanjalim Grihanesha Varado Bhava Bhairava।
Punararghyam Grahanedam Sapushpam Yatanapaha॥
After offering the three Arghya with these Mantras, devotees should remain awake throughout the night keeping a Jagarana and recite or listen to the stories and glories of Lord Shiva. By observing this fast with devotion, a person is freed from all sins and attains an exalted spiritual state.
Lord Bhairava is a fearsome form of Lord Shiva. Once, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu disputed their superiority over each other. To resolve this dispute, Lord Shiva appeared as Kalbhairav. Religious texts describe eight forms of Bhairava, known as the Ashtabhairava.
Bhairava Ravivara Vrat is described here. Apart from the introduction of the fast, the method of worship, the method of Udyapana and food considerations for the fast are also described. In Hinduism, Sunday is considered the best day for worshiping and fasting for Lord Bhairava.
The Shri Bhairava Kavacham, dedicated to Lord Bhairava, is provided along with Sanskrit lyrics and recitation video. This Kavacham is recited for protection from various calamities.
The Shri Kalabhairava Ashtakam, dedicated to Lord Bhairava, is given with Sanskrit lyrics and recitation video. This Ashtakam is recited to please Lord Bhairava.
Bhairava Chalisa, dedicated to Lord Bhairava, is given with Hindi lyrics and recitation video. It is recited every Sunday.
The Shri Bhairava Aarti, dedicated to Lord Bhairava, is given with Hindi lyrics. This Aarti is sung during the worship of Lord Bhairava.
Sahasranamavali of Lord Kalabhairava with these names and Mantras is given on this page.
