Bhadrapada Kalashtami
Bhadrapada Kalashtami, also known as Bhairava Ashtami or Kala-Bhairava Jayanti, is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Bhairava, a powerful and fearsome form of Lord Shiva.
In 2025, Kalashtami will be observed on 16 August
Celebrated on the eighth day Ashtami of the waning moon in the month of Bhadrapada, this day holds special spiritual importance for devotees seeking protection, justice, and strength.
The Roots Of Kalashtami in Mythology
Kalashtami has its roots in ancient legends that revolve around the fierce and protective form of Shiva known as Lord Bhairava.
As told in the Shiva Purana, a conflict once arose between Brahma and Vishnu over who was supreme.
When Brahma told a lie to claim victory, Lord Shiva manifested as Bhairava in a fit of divine anger.
To punish Brahma's dishonesty, Bhairava severed one of his five heads. Though this act restored truth, it was considered a grave sin, killing a Brahmin, known as Brahmahatya.
Holding Brahma's skull as a begging bowl, Bhairava was cursed to wander the earth as a roaming priest.
Bhairava's journey of penance finally ended in Varanasi, where his sin was absolved.
Today, the city holds special importance, as it houses a revered temple dedicated to Kala Bhairava.
In local beliefs, Bhairava is seen not only as a punisher of wrongdoers but also as the guardian of Varanasi, watching over souls and maintaining spiritual order.
Rituals of Kalashtami
Kalashtami is observed with great devotion, especially by followers of Lord Shiva or Bhairava.
The day starts with an early morning bath, followed by offering water or prayers, called tarpan, to ancestors.
This is believed to bring peace to their souls and blessings to the family.
Devotees fast during the day and stay awake all night, reading stories and chanting mantras dedicated to Bhairava, Shiva, or Parvati.
At midnight, a special arati is performed for Bhairava using conches, bells, or drums.
Worship includes offering flowers, sweets, and incense to Bhairava, Shiva, Parvati, and Bhairava's vehicle, the dog.
Feeding dogs on this day is seen as very sacred. People offer them milk, curd, sweets, and food as part of the ritual.
Fasting and praying on these days is believed to bring success, good health, protection from fear, and removal of obstacles.
In Varanasi, a special eight-day pilgrimage takes place leading up to Kalashtami, where devotees visit eight temples of the Ashta Bhairavas, or eight forms of Bhairava.
On Kalashtami, the full idol of Kala Bhairava, usually covered throughout the year, is revealed and decorated with a silver garland of skulls.
Many people gather for this rare and powerful darshan.
In the Bhairav Prasad Temple near Vaishno Devi, devotees honor Bhairava by placing a gold or silver idol in a pot of water and offering prayers with devotion.
The priests who perform the puja are also honored and given gifts by the devotees.
