Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam

Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam

Full Mantra

देवराजसेव्यमानपावनांघ्रिपङ्कजं
व्यालयज्ञसूत्रमिन्दुशेखरं कृपाकरम् ।
नारदादियोगिवृन्दवन्दितं दिगंबरं
काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥

Historical Context

This 8-verse hymn was revealed by Lord Shiva himself to the sage Parashara. It describes Kaal Bhairav’s terrifying form – black complexion, three eyes, wearing a garland of skulls and carrying a trident, standing over a corpse with his vahana (vehicle) being a dog.

The Curse of Brahma

The story begins when Brahma’s fifth head arrogantly claimed superiority over Shiva. Enraged, Shiva manifested as Kaal Bhairav and severed the head. But the skull stuck to Bhairav’s hand as punishment for Brahmanicide. For 12 years, Bhairav wandered as a beggar until reaching Varanasi where the skull finally fell off. This explains why Kaal Bhairav is always shown carrying a skull and why he’s considered guardian of Varanasi.

Tantric Applications

• Protects against black magic when chanted at midnight

• Breaks prolonged bad luck cycles

• Grants fearlessness when recited 21 times before important events