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Kala Bhairava Ashtami 2024 Date - Importance of Mahakal Bhairav Ashtami - Kaal Bhairav Jayanti in 2024

Kala Bhairava Ashtami, or Mahakaal Bhairav Ashtami, is the most auspicious day dedicated to Lord Kaala Bhairava – a manifestation of Lord Shiva. In 2024, Kala Bhairav Ashtami and Kaal Bhairav Jayanti is on November 23. Kal Bhairav is the God of Time – Kal means ‘time’ and ‘Bhairava’ the manifestation of Shiva. Ashtami after Purnima, the eighth day after full moon, is considered the ideal day to propitiate Kala Bhairav.

Importance - Kaal Bhairav Jayanti

It must be noted that Kalashtami is observed on the eighth day after the full moon in all months by Shiva devotees.

Legend has it that it Lord Shiva in the form of Mahakaleshwar chopped off the fifth head of Brahma and performed penance on this day. There are several legends regarding the reason for chopping off the fifth head of Brahma. One legend has it that the Trimurti – Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva once had an argument over who is the most powerful. During the argument, Brahma uttered a remark which enraged Shiva. Suddenly, he produced Bhairava from his body and ordered to chop the head of Brahma.

This terrified the demigods (Devas) and humans. This form of Shiva is believed to punish sinners and he carries a ‘Danda’ – a rod to punish.

The most popular Bhairava Ashtami is observed on the eighth day during the waning phase of moon in Margashirsha month in traditional Hindi calendar.

Kal Bhairav vehicle is a black dog and in some regions as part of ritual dogs are fed on the day.

Shiva devotees take morning bath and perform pujas. Special pujas are also offered to dead ancestors in the morning. Staunch devotees keep vigil at night and narrate stories of Mahakaleshwar.

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