Bhairava is a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva, often associated with protection, destruction of evil, and the control of time. Worshiping Bhairava brings power, protection, wealth, and success, while removing fear and negative energies. Bhairava is also regarded as the guardian of the eight directions (Ashta Bhairavas). His vehicle is the dog, which is also worshipped as a part of his devotion. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to properly worship Bhairava.
1. Cleanliness & Purity
Before starting the puja, it is essential to ensure the cleanliness of the place where the puja is being performed and personal hygiene:
- Take a bath: The devotee should bathe and wear clean clothes.
- Clean the altar or puja room: Make sure the space is cleaned and purified with water and incense.
- Purity of mind: Have a calm and devoted mindset, free from anger or distractions.
2. Time of Worship
Bhairava is traditionally worshipped during the night, especially on Kalabhairava Ashtami or on a Sunday or Saturday.
- Rahu Kalam (period of Rahu) is considered particularly auspicious for Bhairava puja.
- Midnight or late-night hours are also regarded as a good time, as Bhairava rules over time and darkness.
3. Dress Code for Bhairava Worship
- Colors to wear: It is highly recommended to wear black or blue-colored clothes, as these colors are associated with Bhairava. Black symbolizes protection and power, and wearing it invokes the divine energy of Bhairava.
- Comfortable and modest attire: Ensure your clothing is comfortable, clean, and modest.
4. Puja Items Required for Bhairava Worship
The following items are essential for the Bhairava Puja:
- Bhairava idol or image
- Clean and fresh water for Abhishekam (bathing the deity)
- Milk, honey, curd, and ghee (for Abhishekam)
- Bilva (Bael) leaves, flowers (preferably red or white), and black sesame seeds
- Akshata (uncooked rice mixed with turmeric)
- Dhoop (incense) and Deepam (lamp) for lighting
- Fruits, sweets, and coconut as offerings
- Betel leaves and nuts
- Black sesame oil lamp
- Cloth offerings: You may also offer a black cloth to Bhairava
- Naivedya: The food offering, such as kheer, sweets, or any simple homemade food like rice or rotis.
5. Simple Steps for Bhairava Puja
Follow these steps to perform a basic Bhairava Puja at home:
Preparation: Start by cleaning the area and placing the Bhairava idol or image on a clean altar. Light the lamp and incense.
Invoke Bhairava: Chant the Dhyana Mantra to invoke Bhairava's presence:
“Kaalabhairava Karunam Bhaktavatsalam Maheswaram
Trilochanam Suraaryam Kalika Paripalakam
Bhukti Mukti Dayakam Sarva Saubhagyavardhakam
Avasthitham Smarennithyam Raksha Raksha Mahaprabho”Abhishekam: Bathe the deity with water, milk, curd, honey, and ghee. Afterward, dry the idol and adorn it with flowers and Bilva leaves.
Offer Naivedya (Prasad): Offer food like kheer, fruits, sweets, or whatever has been prepared as prasad.
Chant Bhairava Mantras: While offering flowers, recite these mantras 108 times:
- “Om Hreem Bhairavaya Namah”
- “Om Kalabhairavaya Namah”
- “Om Batukabhairavaya Namah”
You may also recite the Kalabhairava Ashtakam, a devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Bhairava.
Offer Dhoop and Deep: Offer incense (dhoop) and light a lamp (deepam) with sesame oil.
Aarti: Perform Aarti (waving of the lamp) while chanting Bhairava's praises.
Conclude the puja: Conclude the puja by offering a final prayer and thanking Bhairava for his blessings.
6. Prasad to Be Prepared
Prasad for Bhairava worship can be simple:
- Kheer (sweet rice pudding) is one of the most preferred offerings.
- Fruits, such as bananas, are also commonly offered.
- Black sesame seeds are important in Bhairava worship and may be mixed into the prasad.
After offering, distribute the prasad to all participants and keep a portion for yourself.
7. Importance of Worshiping Bhairava
Worshiping Bhairava is believed to grant many benefits:
- Protection from negative forces: Bhairava destroys all kinds of evil influences and negativity.
- Success and prosperity: Bhairava removes obstacles, providing clarity and guidance in life.
- Time management and control over fear: As Bhairava controls time (Kaal), his devotees experience better time management and a reduction in anxiety and fear.
- Spiritual upliftment: Devotees experience a deeper connection with the divine and spiritual progress.
8. Benefits of Bhairava Puja
- Protection from black magic, evil spirits, and enemies.
- Success in endeavors, good health, and material wealth.
- Blessings of spiritual enlightenment and moksha (liberation).
- Removal of fear and anxiety from life, especially fear of death or unknown forces.
9. Worship of Bhairava's Vehicle: Black Dog Worship and Feeding
Dogs are sacred to Bhairava, particularly black dogs, as they are considered his vehicle (vahana). Worshipping or feeding black dogs is an important part of Bhairava's puja:
- Feed black dogs with milk, sweets, chapati, or bread after the puja. It is said that feeding black dogs removes negative karma and brings blessings.
- Dog protection rituals: Some devotees may tie black thread around the dog’s neck or give them special food on Bhairava Ashtami.
10. What to Do with the Puja Leftover Items
After the puja, certain practices should be followed with the leftover items:
- Flowers and leaves: Offer these in running water or place them under a sacred tree.
- Lamp oil: If the lamp remains, dispose of it in a clean place outside the house.
- Prasad: Consume the food offerings or share them with others. Leftover prasad should not be thrown away but respectfully disposed of or fed to animals like cows and dogs.
By worshiping Bhairava with dedication, wearing black or blue clothes, and following the rituals, devotees can experience Bhairava's protection, spiritual upliftment, and success.