Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam: Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam: Unveiling the Benefits, Significance, Verses, and Puja Vidhi

Introduction:

In Hinduism, Lord Shiva is revered in various forms, each representing a unique aspect of divinity. One such fierce manifestation is Lord Kaal Bhairav, also known as Bhairav Baba. Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam, a revered hymn dedicated to this deity, holds great significance among devotees. This article delves into the benefits, significance, verses, and the puja vidhi (ritual) associated with the Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam.

Significance of Kaal Bhairav:

Kaal Bhairav is the ferocious form of Lord Shiva, symbolizing time, destruction, and transcendence. He is often depicted with a dog as his vehicle and carries a trident, drum, and a skull in his hands. Devotees believe that worshipping Kaal Bhairav can protect them from negative energies, grant spiritual progress, and help overcome hurdles and challenges in life.

The Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam:

The Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam is a powerful eight-verse hymn composed by the revered saint Adi Shankaracharya. Each verse of the Ashtakam captures a unique aspect of Lord Kaal Bhairav, describing his divine attributes and seeking his blessings. Reciting or listening to this hymn with devotion is believed to invoke the grace of Lord Kaal Bhairav.

Verses of Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam:

1. “Indu kaladhara divya prakasha, Darshane kalebharam kaapaali, Chanda kanda bhava shuddha sarpa, Roga hara trayam kaala bhairavam.”

Meaning: I bow to Kaal Bhairav, who adorns the moon on his head, wears the garland of skulls, and is the destroyer of the serpent of worldly attachments. He eliminates the afflictions of three types—physical, mental, and spiritual.

2. “Brahma vishnu siva poojithaaya, Swarna varna vishalakshaya, Sri swetha deva vacha sthuthaaya, Kaala bhairavaya namo nama.”

Meaning: Salutations to Lord Kaal Bhairav, who is worshipped by Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, whose complexion is radiant gold, and who is praised by the divine white swan.

3. “Bhairavam rakthavarnaam swetha vakthram, Smerthi manthram praatharuthaya paden, Nanarthasangyaa nathathhwa thoshaya, Kaala bhairavaya veththa namaha.”

Meaning: I offer my salutations to Kaal Bhairav, who has a red complexion, a radiant face, and who is pleased by reciting this hymn in the morning. He is the knower of all meanings and interpretations.

4. “Sthambhaane paden nithya mevam, Praathyaham sarva pooja kriyadheen, Sathru sanga nivarakaayatho, Kaala bhairavaya veththa namaha.”

Meaning: Regular recitation of this hymn every morning ensures the fulfillment of all desires and bestows success in all undertakings. Lord Kaal Bhairav protects devotees from the influence of enemies and negative energies.

Puja Vidhi (Ritual) for Kaal Bhairav:

Performing a puja for Lord Kaal Bhairav with devotion and sincerity can deepen the connection with the deity and invite his blessings. Here is a simplified puja vidhi for worshipping Kaal Bhairav:

1. Choose an appropriate day and time to perform the puja.
2. Cleanse yourself and the puja area.
3. Place an idol or picture of Lord Kaal Bhairav on a clean cloth.
4. Offer flowers, incense, and a lamp to the deity.
5. Recite the Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam with utmost devotion.
6. Offer a coconut, vermilion, and sweets as prasad (offering).
7. Conclude the puja by seeking the blessings of Lord Kaal Bhairav.

Conclusion:

The Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam is a revered hymn that holds immense significance for devotees seeking protection, spiritual progress, and the removal of obstacles. The verses beautifully describe Lord Kaal Bhairav’s divine qualities, and its regular recitation can foster a deep spiritual connection. By performing the puja with sincerity and devotion, one can seek the blessings of Lord Kaal Bhairav and experience his grace in life’s journey. May Lord Kaal Bhairav bestow his divine protection and blessings upon all who seek his shelter.

Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam –

देवराजसेव्यमानपावनांघ्रिपङ्कजं व्यालयज्ञसूत्रमिन्दुशेखरं कृपाकरम् ।
नारदादियोगिवृन्दवन्दितं दिगंबरं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ १॥

भानुकोटिभास्वरं भवाब्धितारकं परं नीलकण्ठमीप्सितार्थदायकं त्रिलोचनम् ।
कालकालमंबुजाक्षमक्षशूलमक्षरं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ २॥

शूलटंकपाशदण्डपाणिमादिकारणं श्यामकायमादिदेवमक्षरं निरामयम् ।
भीमविक्रमं प्रभुं विचित्रताण्डवप्रियं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ ३॥

भुक्तिमुक्तिदायकं प्रशस्तचारुविग्रहं भक्तवत्सलं स्थितं समस्तलोकविग्रहम् ।
विनिक्वणन्मनोज्ञहेमकिङ्किणीलसत्कटिं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे॥ ४॥

धर्मसेतुपालकं त्वधर्ममार्गनाशनं कर्मपाशमोचकं सुशर्मधायकं विभुम् ।
स्वर्णवर्णशेषपाशशोभितांगमण्डलं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ ५॥

रत्नपादुकाप्रभाभिरामपादयुग्मकं नित्यमद्वितीयमिष्टदैवतं निरंजनम् ।
मृत्युदर्पनाशनं करालदंष्ट्रमोक्षणं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ ६॥

अट्टहासभिन्नपद्मजाण्डकोशसंततिं दृष्टिपात्तनष्टपापजालमुग्रशासनम् ।
अष्टसिद्धिदायकं कपालमालिकाधरं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ ७॥

भूतसंघनायकं विशालकीर्तिदायकं काशिवासलोकपुण्यपापशोधकं विभुम् ।
नीतिमार्गकोविदं पुरातनं जगत्पतिं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ ८॥

॥ फल श्रुति॥

कालभैरवाष्टकं पठंति ये मनोहरं ज्ञानमुक्तिसाधनं विचित्रपुण्यवर्धनम् ।
शोकमोहदैन्यलोभकोपतापनाशनं प्रयान्ति कालभैरवांघ्रिसन्निधिं नरा ध्रुवम् ॥ ॥इति कालभैरवाष्टकम् संपूर्णम् ॥

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