Kaal Bhairav is the Rudra Avatar of Bhagwan Shiva. Margashirsha Krishna Ashtami is celebrated as Kaal Bhairav Jayanti (as per the Purnimanta calendar). He is said to be a fierce manifestation of Devadidev Mahadev who helps devotees overcome untimely death, disease, and other problems. Baba Bhairav is designated as the fifth Anshavatar of Mahadev by the shastras.
Birth of Kaal Bhairav
According to Puranic beliefs, once an argument ensued between Devadidev Mahadev and Brahmadev (among Tridev as per some) regarding who was the best. All the Devas kept forth their opinion and voted in favour of Mahadev. Devas said Mahadev was the best because the entire universe as well as time (past, present, and future) were integrated with Him.
Brahmadev was angered hearing this and He began insulting Mahadev. Shiv Bhagwan became furious with Brahmadev and manifested Bhairav Baba. Kal Bhairav, who was manifested out of Mahadev’s anger, beheaded Brahmadev’s fifth head that had abused Mahadev using the little fingernail of His left hand. Since then, Brahmadev has only four heads.
The decapitated head of Brahmadev stuck to Baba Kaal Bhairav’s hand. The sin of beheading Brahmadev followed Bhairav personified as Brahmahatya. Mahadev asked Bhairav to go to various Teerths to get rid of the sin. Brahmahatya followed Him to various places until Kashi (Varanasi) where Brahmadev’s head fell on the ground.
Since Bhagwan Bhairav got rid of Brahmahatya as soon as He entered Varanasi, the place is also known as Kapal Mochan Teerth. Devadidev Mahadev asked Bhairav Baba to stay in Varanasi forever to bless the disciples. Hence, Kaal Bhairav is called Paap Bhakshak. Baba Kal Bhairav baba is said to be the Kotwal and protector of Kashi. A black dog is Baba’s Vahan and He carries a Dand (stick). Kaal Bhairav is called Dandanayak.
Important Kaal Bhairav temples
There are several Bhairav temples across the country. Kaal Bhairav Mandirs are also found at Shaktipeeth and Jyotirlinga Mandirs.
Some of the Kal Bhairav Mandirs are:
Kal Bhairav Mandir, Ujjain: Kaal Bhairav is the guardian deity of the city. The Mandir is located on the banks of River Shipra.
Kaal Bhairav Mandir, Varanasi: Here Bhagwan is said to be the Kotwal of Sati pind and no one can touch the pind without His permission. The Mandir is located in Varanasi’s Vishweshwarganj.
Ajaikapada Bhairav Mandir, Odisha: This temple is found in Jagatsinghpur district’s Chausath Yogini temple.
Chomukha Bhairavji Mandir, Rajasthan: This temple is located in Jhunjhunu district.
Shri Kala Bhairava Nath Swami Temple, MP: This Mandir is located in Madhya Pradesh’s Adegaon village.
Bhagwan Adi Shankaracharya composed Kalbhairavashtak.
(Featured Image Source: Dainik Bhaskar)
Let me know that after Baba Kaal Bhairav being deputed as the Mayor of Varanasi , who will look after the safety of the deciples and guard against all odds that may happen in Varanasi .
Then how come the Masjid created during Moghul era just beside our Bhole baba Mandir and why Baba Kaal Bhairav baba remained sailent .
Is it for any reason that Baba Kaal Bhairav didnt do anything to stop the Masjid creation or there is any other reason which we are not understanding ?
Shall wait for a satisfactory reply .
Regards
Siddhartha Goswami
One should clarify that the author is using the Purnim-anta system. In the alternative Amanta system, the month of Margashirsha has not yet begun. So, if you are using Purnimanta, then Kaal Bhairava Jayanti falls on Margashirsha Krishna ashtami day. Some states use Amanta (ex: Maharashtra mostly uses Amanta). This can confuse readers who are not aware of the 2 systems.
Sure sir.
I have personal experience of the power of Kaal Bhairav and Bhairavi. Indeed, for those who have faith, their power is incredible. We must have faith in our devas, we Hindus seem to have lost our faith, and are blindly running after materialism.