Praying to Kaal Bhairav: A Guide in the Hindu Tradition
Kaal Bhairav is a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva, associated with time (Kala) and destruction. As a guardian deity, Kaal Bhairav is revered for his power to protect, destroy evil, and remove obstacles. Praying to Kaal Bhairav is believed to grant protection, spiritual growth, and fulfillment of desires. Here's a detailed guide on how to pray to Kaal Bhairav according to Hindu traditions, along with prayers, rituals, benefits, and other relevant information.
1. Understanding Kaal Bhairav
- Aspect of Shiva: Kaal Bhairav represents the fierce aspect of Lord Shiva. He is known as the "Lord of Time" and the destroyer of all things, including fear and ignorance.
- Guardian of Temples: In many temples, Kaal Bhairav serves as the 'Kotwal' or the chief guard, especially in the sacred city of Varanasi (Kashi), where he is revered as the protector of the city.
- Symbol of Protection: Devotees believe that worshiping Kaal Bhairav grants them protection from evil forces, negativity, and misfortune.
2. When to Pray to Kaal Bhairav
- Bhairav Ashtami: This is the most significant day dedicated to Kaal Bhairav, observed on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (waning moon phase) in the Hindu month of Margashirsha (November-December).
- Sundays and Tuesdays: These days are considered particularly auspicious for worshiping Kaal Bhairav.
- Midnight Prayers: Some devotees prefer to perform midnight prayers, as Kaal Bhairav is associated with the night and the darker aspects of life and spirituality.
3. How to Pray to Kaal Bhairav: Steps and Rituals
Preparation for Worship:
- Cleanse Yourself and the Space: Take a bath and purify yourself. Clean the space where you intend to perform the prayer.
- Light a Diya or Lamp: Light an oil lamp with mustard oil or ghee as a symbol of purity and to invoke the deity.
- Offerings (Naivedya): Prepare offerings such as black sesame seeds, flowers (preferably blue or black), incense, fruits (like bananas), and specific food items (like black gram or jaggery).
- Chanting and Recitation: Sit in a comfortable position, ideally facing east or north. Begin the prayer by chanting the invocation mantras.
Main Prayers and Mantras:
Invocation Mantra: Start with a prayer to Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles:
Om Gan Ganapataye Namah
Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam: Recite the famous hymn dedicated to Kaal Bhairav, composed by Adi Shankaracharya. This hymn is believed to be potent in invoking the blessings of Kaal Bhairav.
Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam:
Deva-Raaja-Sevyamaana-Paavana-Angghri-Pangkajam | Vyaala-Yajnya-Suutram-Indu-Shekharaṃ Krpaakaram || Naarada-[A]adi-Yogi-Vrnda-Vanditam Digambaram | Kaashikaa-Pura-Adhinaatha-Kaalabhairavam Bhaje ||1|| Bhaanuko.ti-Bhaasvaram Bhavaabdhi-Taarakam Param | Niilakan.ttha-Miipsitam Samasta-Loka-Panditam || Bhuuta-Bhaavi-Naat[aa-Kala-Vikarama-Avatara]m | Kaashikaa-Pura-Adhinaatha-Kaalabhairavam Bhaje ||2|| (Note: The above is a small part of the Ashtakam. The full prayer has eight stanzas.) **Meaning**: "I worship Kalabhairava, the Lord of the city of Kashi, whose lotus feet are revered by Indra and other gods, who wears a serpent as his sacred thread, who has the moon on his head, who is compassionate, who is praised by Narada and other yogis, who is the naked one (Digambara), and who is the supreme lord and ruler of Kashi."
Bhairav Mantra for Protection:
Om Kaal Bhairavaya Namah
This mantra is a simple and effective way to invoke the protective energy of Kaal Bhairav.
108 Names of Kaal Bhairav: If time permits, reciting the 108 names of Kaal Bhairav can be a powerful way to immerse oneself in the devotion and invoke various aspects of the deity.
Concluding the Prayer:
- Aarti: Perform the Aarti (ritual of waving light) using a camphor flame or lamp, singing or reciting the Kaal Bhairav Aarti. This concludes the prayer.
- Offering of Naivedya: Present the offerings to Kaal Bhairav and later distribute them as Prasad (consecrated food) to devotees or family members.
- Seek Blessings: Bow down and seek blessings for protection, removal of obstacles, and spiritual growth.
4. Benefits of Praying to Kaal Bhairav
- Protection: Devotees believe that Kaal Bhairav protects them from negative energies, evil spirits, and unforeseen dangers.
- Courage and Confidence: Worshiping Kaal Bhairav can instill courage, confidence, and fearlessness in devotees, enabling them to overcome life's challenges.
- Removal of Obstacles: Kaal Bhairav is known to remove obstacles, particularly those related to career, health, and legal matters.
- Spiritual Growth: The fierce energy of Kaal Bhairav helps devotees transcend fear and ignorance, leading to higher spiritual understanding and wisdom.
- Time Management and Discipline: As Kaal Bhairav is the "Lord of Time," devotees often pray to him for better time management, discipline, and focus in life.
5. Additional Facts and Relevant Information
- Offerings of Alcohol: In some traditions, especially in tantric practices, offerings of alcohol (particularly whiskey or rum) are made to Kaal Bhairav as it symbolizes the breaking of social norms and material illusions.
- Sacred Days: Apart from Bhairav Ashtami, other days like Purnima (full moon) are also considered auspicious for worshiping Kaal Bhairav.
- Guardianship of Kashi: In Varanasi, Kaal Bhairav is considered the Kotwal (guardian deity) of the city. It is believed that without his permission, no one can stay in Kashi.
- Representation: Kaal Bhairav is often depicted as a black or dark blue deity with fierce eyes, a garland of skulls, holding a trident (Trishul), and a drum (Damaru). He is accompanied by a dog, which symbolizes loyalty and vigilance.
6. Conclusion
Praying to Kaal Bhairav is a profound spiritual practice in Hinduism that combines devotion, discipline, and a deep understanding of the temporal and eternal aspects of life. By following the traditional rituals and prayers, devotees can seek his blessings for protection, courage, wisdom, and spiritual liberation.