Chanting the Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam is a revered practice in Hinduism that invokes the blessings of Lord Kaal Bhairav, a fierce form of Lord Shiva. Here's a detailed guide on how to chant it, along with additional information to enrich your practice:
What is the Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam?
The Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam is an eight-verse hymn composed by Adi Shankaracharya. It praises and glorifies Lord Kaal Bhairav, the protector of time, truth, and dharma. Chanting it with devotion is believed to remove fear, negativity, and ignorance while bestowing courage, focus, and spiritual wisdom.
The Mantra in Sanskrit, Hindi, and English Transliteration
Sanskrit:
Deva-Raaja-Sevyamaana-Paavana-Angghri-Pangkajam |
Vyaaghra-Carmma-Paridhaanam Jatt-Juuttam Shikha-Ndajam ||
Om Naamaaha Kali-Anantaadi Grahaa Mukh Bhairav || etc verse title sins//2010
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The Mantra in Sanskrit, Hindi, and English Transliteration
Here is the Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam in the requested formats:
Sanskrit
देवराजसेव्यमान पावनाङ्घ्रिपङ्कजं
व्याघ्रचर्मपरिधानं जटाजूटमण्डितम्।
त्रिशूलदमरु धारणं श्वानवाहनं परम्।
à¤ैरवं चिताà¤ुजङ्ग हारं नमाम्यहम्॥ १॥
अनेकà¤ानुकोटि तुल्य तेजसम् श्रीधरं
अनेक à¤ूत नायकं सदाशिवं सत्तमम्।
शिवप्रिया वल्लà¤ं सुराधिपं जगद्गुरुं
à¤ैरवं चिताà¤ुजङ्ग हारं नमाम्यहम्॥ २॥
Hindi (Devanagari Script)
देवराजसेव्यमान पावनांग्रिपंकजं
व्याघ्रचर्मपरिधानं जटाजूटमंडितम्।
त्रिशूलडमरू धारणं श्वानवाहनं परम्।
à¤ैरवं चिताà¤ुजंग हारं नमाम्यहम्॥ १॥
अनेकà¤ानुकोटि तुल्य तेजसम् श्रीधरं
अनेक à¤ूत नायकं सदाशिवं सत्तमम्।
शिवप्रिया वल्लà¤ं सुराधिपं जगद्गुरुं
à¤ैरवं चिताà¤ुजंग हारं नमाम्यहम्॥ २॥
English Transliteration
Deva-raaja-sevyamaana paavana-angghri-pankajam
Vyaaghra-charmma-paridhaanam jattaa-juutta-manditam।
Trishoola-damaru dhaaranam shvaana-vaahanam param।
Bhairavam chita-bhujanga haaram namaamyaham॥ 1॥
Aneka bhaanu-koti tulya tejasam Shreedharam।
Aneka bhoota naayakam Sadaashivam sattamam।
Shivapriya vallabham sura-adhipam jagad-gurum।
Bhairavam chita-bhujanga haaram namaamyaham॥ 2॥
Meaning of the Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam
Each verse praises Lord Kaal Bhairav as:
- The protector of devotees.
- A fearless destroyer of evil and illusions.
- Embodied with immense power (symbolized by the Trishul and Damaru).
- The keeper of universal balance, time, and righteousness.
The hymn emphasizes liberation from fear and ignorance, urging devotees to align with Lord Shiva's cosmic wisdom.
7 Benefits of Chanting Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam
- Removes Fear and Anxiety: The hymn instills courage and peace by connecting with Lord Kaal Bhairav.
- Protection from Negativity: Acts as a shield against negative forces, spiritual disturbances, and black magic.
- Enhances Focus and Discipline: Strengthens concentration, aiding in meditation and life goals.
- Resolves Legal and Financial Issues: Believed to resolve debts and provide clarity in legal matters.
- Spiritual Growth: Aligns the chanter with divine truth, paving the way for moksha (liberation).
- Improved Time Management: As the lord of time, Kaal Bhairav bestows punctuality and effective time usage.
- Healing Energies: Creates a protective aura that supports mental and physical well-being.
Symbolism
- Clothes: Wearing simple white or saffron clothes signifies purity and devotion. Black can also be worn, symbolizing surrender to Kaal Bhairav's transformative energies.
- Vehicle (Dog): Lord Bhairav's mount, the dog, represents loyalty and the vigilant protection of the divine.
How to Chant the Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam
Preparation
- Time and Place: Ideal during early morning (Brahma Muhurta) or evening (Pradosh Kaal).
- Cleanse Yourself: Take a bath and wear clean clothes.
- Offerings: Light a diya (lamp) and offer flowers, incense, and water (Arghya) to Lord Kaal Bhairav.
Steps to Chant
- Sit Comfortably: Choose a quiet place for focused chanting.
- Start with Om: Begin with a short meditation, then chant "Om Kaal Bhairavaya Namah."
- Chant Slowly: Recite each verse with devotion, clarity, and focus.
- End with Gratitude: Conclude by expressing gratitude to Lord Kaal Bhairav.
Chanting Anywhere and Anytime
- Mental chanting (Manasik Japa) is equally powerful and can be done silently during daily activities. Focus on the imagery of Lord Kaal Bhairav.
Mental Chanting Benefits
- Inner Calmness: Quiets the mind amidst chaos.
- Deep Connection: Strengthens spiritual bonds and mindfulness.
- Flexibility: Allows devotion without formal setups.
How to Focus the Mind and Avoid Distractions
- Regulate Breathing: Practice deep breathing before chanting.
- Visualize the Deity: Picture Lord Kaal Bhairav’s serene yet powerful form.
- Chant with Mala Beads: Using a mala helps maintain count and focus.
- Remove External Noise: Use noise-canceling headphones or chant in a quiet area.
Number of Times to Chant
- Recommended Count: 11, 21, 51, or 108 times for greater benefits.
- Consistency: Regular daily chanting amplifies its effects.
By following these practices, you can immerse yourself in the transformative energy of the Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam.