Kaal Bhairav Ashtami 2025: Date, Puja Vidhi, Story & Significance

Kaal Bhairav Ashtami 2025

Kaal Bhairav Ashtami, also known as Kalashtami, is one of the most powerful days dedicated to Lord Kaal Bhairav, a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. This divine occasion commemorates the birth of Lord Bhairav, who appeared from the anger of Lord Shiva to destroy ego, sin, and negativity. Devotees observe this day with great devotion, seeking protection, courage, and spiritual awakening.

In 2025, Kaal Bhairav Ashtami will be celebrated on Friday, 28 November 2025. It falls on the Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the Margashirsha month. On this day, devotees fast, visit Kaal Bhairav temples, and offer mustard oil, black til (sesame seeds), and flowers to the Lord.

Significance of Kaal Bhairav Ashtami

The story of Kaal Bhairav Ashtami originates from the Shiva Purana. Once, during a debate among the Trimurti—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva—Lord Brahma displayed arrogance. To humble Brahma and destroy pride, Lord Shiva created Kaal Bhairav, who severed Brahma’s fifth head. Since then, Bhairav became the protector of dharma and the destroyer of evil.

Observing Kaal Bhairav Ashtami Vrat brings:

• Victory in legal matters and disputes.

• Protection from black magic, enemies, and fear.

• Removal of negative energies and karmic debts.

• Success in career, business, and decision-making.

• Spiritual progress and liberation from sins.

Kashi Vishwanath Mandir and Kaal Bhairav Connection

The Kaal Bhairav Mandir in Varanasi (Kashi) is one of the most sacred temples dedicated to Lord Bhairav. According to scriptures, Lord Kaal Bhairav is the Kotwal (guardian) of Kashi. No one can enter or reside in this holy city without his divine permission. Devotees visiting Kashi Vishwanath Temple first seek blessings at Kaal Bhairav Mandir to ensure a safe and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage.

Similarly, the Kaal Bhairav Mandir in Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh) holds immense significance. Ujjain, known as one of the Sapta Puri (seven sacred cities), is believed to be protected by Kaal Bhairav himself. Devotees offer Mustard Oil, Black Cloth, and Coconuts as a symbol of surrender and devotion.

Both temples witness huge crowds on Kaal Bhairav Ashtami 2025, with devotees chanting mantras, lighting mustard oil lamps, and performing night-long jagrans to honor the Lord.

Kaal Bhairav Mandir Ujjain in India

The Kaal Bhairav Mandir in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Kaal Bhairav, a fierce form of Lord Shiva. Situated on the banks of the Shipra River, it is known for its unique ritual of offering liquor to the deity. Devotees visit the temple to seek protection, strength, and blessings from Lord Bhairav, who is believed to be the guardian of Ujjain.

Do’s and Don’ts on Kaal Bhairav Ashtami

Do’s and Don’ts on Kaal Bhairav Ashtami are – 

Kaal Bhairav Ashtami Do’s:

• Wake up before sunrise and take a holy bath, preferably in a river or sacred water.

• Observe a fast or consume only sattvik (pure vegetarian) food.

• Visit a Kaal Bhairav Temple or perform puja at home with devotion.

• Offer Mustard Oil, Black Til, Flowers, and Cloves to the deity.

• Recite Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam and chant the 108 names of Bhairav.

• Feed black dogs, as they are believed to be Lord Bhairav’s divine vehicle.

Kaal Bhairav Ashtami Don’ts:

• Avoid alcohol, non-vegetarian food, and tobacco.

• Do not harm any animal, especially dogs or crows.

• Avoid anger, harsh speech, or negative actions.

• Do not disrespect elders or spiritual guides.

Following these practices ensures divine blessings and removal of negativity.

Kaal Bhairav Mantra

Chanting mantras on this sacred day invokes the Lord’s energy and purifies the mind. The most powerful mantra is:

“ॐ कालभैरवाय नमः”

“ॐ श्री भैरवाय नमः”

“ॐ भ्रां कालभैरवाय फट्”

“ॐ नमो भैरवाय स्वाहा”

“ॐ भं भैरवाय आप्द्दुदारानाय भयं हन” 

Devotees also recite the Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam composed by Adi Shankaracharya, which praises Lord Bhairav as the protector of righteousness and destroyer of fear.

Shri Kaal Bhairav Dev Ji Aarti

The Shri Kaal Bhairav Ji Ki Aarti is a fierce yet essential prayer to Lord Shiva’s guardian form, known as the Kotwal of Kashi. This sacred hymn is your strongest defense against all distress (Dukh), negative energy, and obstacles (sankat). By invoking his presence, you ask the Paap-uddharak (sin-redeemer) to shoulder the burdens of your karma and protect you from all harm. Dedicating time to this aarti, particularly with a Chaumukh Deepak, ensures that the protective shield of Batuknath covers your life and home, ushering in courage and prosperity.

Stop living in fear! Read the complete Shri Kaal Bhairav Ji Ki Aarti now and start your path to fearless living.

How to Perform Kaal Bhairav Puja at Home?

You can worship Lord Bhairav at home by following these simple steps:

• Clean your puja space and place an idol or image of Kaal Bhairav facing east.

• Light a Diya filled with Mustard Oil and offer Black Til, Flowers, and Cloves.

• Apply a Tilak of Kajal or Sindoor on the idol.

• Recite Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam, Rudra Path, and 108 chants of his mantra.

• Offer Prasad (such as Khichdi or fruits) and feed black dogs afterward.

• Meditate for peace, strength, and inner transformation.

Performing this puja with faith on Kaal Bhairav Ashtami 2025 helps remove fear, obstacles, and evil influences.