Kal Bhairav Jayanti, also known as Mahakal Bhairav Ashtami, is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Kal Bhairav, a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. This festival is observed annually on the Ashtami Tithi (eighth day) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase) in the month of Margashirsha. In 2024, Kal Bhairav Jayanti will be celebrated on November 22.
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Auspicious Timings for Kal Bhairav Jayanti 2024:
- Ashtami Tithi Begins: November 22, 2024, at 6:07 PM
- Ashtami Tithi Ends: November 23, 2024, at 7:56 PM
- Optimal Puja Time: November 22, 2024, from 6:50 AM to 10:48 AM
Significance of Kal Bhairav Jayanti:
Lord Kal Bhairav is revered as the fierce form of Lord Shiva, often referred to as the “Kotwal of Kashi” (the guardian of Varanasi). Devotees believe that worshipping Kal Bhairav on this day helps in overcoming fears, adversities, and negative energies. It is also believed to protect against untimely death and grant liberation (moksha).
Puja Materials Required:
- Image or idol of Lord Kal Bhairav
- Panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar)
- Mustard oil and oil lamp
- Black sesame seeds
- Vermilion (sindoor) and rice grains
- Bel leaves
- Incense sticks and dhoop
- Black cloth
- Offerings like jaggery and dishes made from black gram (urad dal)
Puja Procedure:
- Begin the day with a bath and wear clean clothes.
- Clean the worship area and place the idol or image of Lord Kal Bhairav.
- Take a vow to observe the fast and meditate on Lord Kal Bhairav.
- Perform an abhishek (ritual bath) of the idol using Panchamrit and Ganga water.
- Apply vermilion and offer rice grains and black sesame seeds.
- Light an oil lamp using mustard oil.
- Adorn the deity with black cloth and offer jaggery and dishes made from black gram.
- Chant the mantra “Om Kalabhairavaya Namah” and recite the Kal Bhairav Chalisa and Bhairav Stotra.
- Conclude the ritual with the aarti (devotional song).
It is also customary to feed dogs on this day, as they are considered the vehicle (vahana) of Lord Kal Bhairav.
Story Associated with Kal Bhairav:
According to Hindu mythology, once there was a dispute between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu regarding their supremacy. To resolve this, Lord Shiva manifested as an infinite pillar of light, challenging both to find its beginning or end. While Lord Vishnu accepted his inability to find the end, Lord Brahma falsely claimed to have found the top.
Angered by this deceit, Lord Shiva manifested as Kal Bhairav, who severed Brahma’s fifth head, symbolizing the eradication of ego and falsehood. Subsequently, Lord Shiva appointed Kal Bhairav as the guardian of Kashi, granting him the responsibility of protecting the city and its devotees.
Observing Kal Bhairav Jayanti with devotion is believed to invoke the blessings of Lord Kal Bhairav, leading to a life free from fear and obstacles.
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