Kalabhairav Jayanti 2024 – Date, Significance and Benefits of Worship

In Hinduism, Kalabhairav is considered a fierce deity, embodying a form that transcends time. He is regarded as an aspect of Lord Shiva, and in many places, he is worshipped as the helper or son of Goddess Kali. Worshipping Kalabhairav is believed to bring various benefits. The festival of Kalashtami is celebrated on the eighth day of the waning moon each month, while Kalabhairav Jayanti is observed on the eighth day of the waning moon in the month of Margashirsha.

Kalabhairav Jayanti 2024

Kalabhairav Jayanti falls on Friday, November 22, 2024.

Start of the eighth day (Ashtami): November 22, 2024, at 6:07 PM
End of the eighth day: November 23, 2024, at 7:56 PM

Significance of Kalabhairav Jayanti

Kalabhairav is viewed as a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. The worship of Kalabhairav on this day, especially through specific mantras, is believed to yield quick results. A grand festival is celebrated in Kashi (Varanasi) in honor of Lord Kalabhairav, and various rituals and havans are performed at the prominent Kalabhairav temple in Ujjain. He is known as a deity who grants swift blessings, helping to dispel negativity from life. If you’re troubled by negative energies, seeking the blessings of Kalabhairav is advised.

Two Prominent Temples of Lord Kalabhairav

While there are many temples dedicated to Kalabhairav, two of the most revered and energetic ones are located in Kashi and Ujjain. In Kashi, the Kalabhairav temple is significant; it is said that before visiting Kashi Vishwanath, one should seek permission from Kalabhairav to ensure a blessed journey. According to legend, Lord Vishwanath appointed Kalabhairav as the protector of Kashi. The Ujjain temple is filled with divine energy and mysteries; here, offerings of alcohol are made before the idol, which mysteriously disappears. Visiting this temple is believed to eliminate negative forces.

The Origin (Prakatya) of Kalabhairav

According to ancient myths, once the gods asked Brahma and Vishnu who was the greatest among them. Brahma claimed superiority and began to criticize others. Angered by this, Lord Shiva manifested in a fierce form and was named Kalabhairav. He severed Brahma’s fifth head, resulting in a curse of Brahmahatya (the sin of killing a Brahmin). To atone, Kalabhairav came to Kashi, where he chose to remain. Another tale tells how Lord Shiva took the form of Bhairav to protect the Shakti Peethas after Goddess Sati’s body was scattered by Lord Vishnu.

Benefits of Kalabhairav Worship

The worship of Kalabhairav on his Jayanti is said to provide numerous benefits, as highlighted in texts like the Narada Purana. Some key advantages include:

– Removal of obstacles caused by mantras and planetary influences.
– Complete dispelling of negativity.
– Special benefits during the Mahadasha of Rahu and Saturn.
– Improved health.
– Relief from the fear of untimely death.

How to Worship at Home on Kalabhairav Jayanti

Worshipping Kalabhairav at home is quite simple. If you have a photo of him, light a lamp with sesame oil in front of it on Kalabhairav Jayanti. You can offer sweets like imarti, urad dal laddus, halwa, or kheer as prasad. After the offerings, recite the Kalabhairav Ashtakshara. If you’re not comfortable with the Sanskrit verses, simply chant the mantra “Om Kalabhairavaya Namah.” Perform the worship after sunset during the Pradosh period for maximum benefits.