Kaal Bhairav Temple – Know What Makes It Mysterious

Many temples in our country carry unique traditions and mysteries. One such temple is Lord Kaal Bhairav’s shrine in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. The temple features a miraculous event: the idol of Kaal Bhairav consumes liquor, yet no one knows where the liquor goes. People from across the world visit this temple to witness this wonder. In this special article, I tell you about Mahakal’s Kotwal, Baba Kaal Bhairav…

Know the Special Facts About the Temple

The Kaal Bhairav Temple stands on the banks of the Shipra River in the Bhairavgarh area. The temple’s main feature is that devotees offer liquor to the idol of Kaal Bhairav. The amazing fact is that the vessel containing the liquor empties within moments. No one knows where the liquor goes, and this mystery still remains. A huge crowd gathers here daily to witness this miracle. When we offer liquor to Kaal Bhairav, we should intend to surrender all our vices and pledge to walk the path of goodness. Tantra scriptures assign a special place to liquor. Liquor, or sura, also represents a form of Shakti. One should not consume this power. Anyone who consumes it loses their path. According to the temple priests, the Skanda Purana’s Avanti Khand describes this temple.

Kaal Bhairav Serves as Mahakal’s Kotwal

Several legends surround this temple. According to them, Lord Mahakal appointed Kaal Bhairav to guard the city, which is why people call him the Kotwal of the city.
About a decade ago, authorities strengthened the temple structure by constructing an outer layer. They dug about 12 feet around the structure for renovation. People gathered in large numbers to see the excavation, hoping to learn where the liquor disappears. However, the digging revealed nothing that could answer this question.

Many legends also claim that several scientists visited the temple to uncover the mystery but failed to discover the reason behind this miracle. The Kaal Bhairav Temple stands a little away from the main city. The place is famous by the name Bhairavgarh. The temple stands on a high mound surrounded by protective walls. People believe that Parmar-era kings renovated this temple nearly a thousand years ago. They used old temple materials for the construction. The structure consists of large interlocked stones. The temple still appears firm and strong.

Patal Bhairavi Resides in the Temple

When you enter through the main gate of the Kaal Bhairav Temple and walk a little, you find Patal Bhairavi’s place on the left. Walls surround this area. The entrance is extremely narrow. After descending about 10–12 steps, you reach the underground chamber. The wall of this chamber bears an engraved idol of Patal Bhairavi. People believe that yogis of ancient times meditated in this chamber.
A short distance away stands the Vikrant Bhairav Temple. This temple holds great significance for tantrics. People believe that any tantric ritual performed here never fails. The temple stands on the bank of the Shipra River. A cremation ground lies near Vikrant Bhairav. Because of the riverbank and cremation ground, tantrics from distant places come here to attain tantric powers. The idol of Kaal Bhairav in this temple wears a Scindia turban, which the Scindia royal family of Gwalior continues to send. This tradition has continued for hundreds of years.

The Gwalior Royal Family Sends the Turban

People believe that nearly 400 years ago, Mahadji Scindia of the Scindia dynasty lost battles against enemy kings. When he reached the Kaal Bhairav Temple, his turban fell there. Mahadji Scindia offered his turban to Lord Kaal Bhairav and prayed for victory. After this, he defeated all his enemies and ruled successfully for many years. With Kaal Bhairav’s blessings, he never lost a battle in his lifetime. Since then, the royal family of Gwalior continues to send the turban for Kaal Bhairav.