Kaal Bhairav Jayanti is celebrated according to the Hindu calendar, this festival falls on the eighth day of the waning phase of the moon in the Margashirsha month. The main location is at Kaal Bhairav Temple Varanasi, where everyone who visits Vishveshwara temple must visit. On this day, people worship Lord Kaal Bhairav, who is considered a deity of Tantra Mantra. Those who perform the worship of Kaal Bhairav are believed to be protected from untimely death, diseases, and various doshas. Kaal Bhairav is regarded as a form of Lord Shiva, known as the fierce Rudra incarnation.
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Origins of Kaal Bhairav Temple Varanasi
According to the Shiv Purana, Lord Kaal Bhairav is considered an incarnation of Lord Shiva. He is the most fearsome form of Lord Shiva and is even feared by Lord Yama, the god of death. His name, “Kaal Bhairav,” signifies his existence beyond time. The Skanda Purana narrates the story of Kaal Bhairav’s origin.
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The dispute of Lord Brahma and Vishnu
Once, a dispute arose among the Trinity, which includes Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva, regarding who was the greatest of all. Unable to reach a consensus, they turned to the sages and rishis to make the determination. After much contemplation, the sages declared Lord Shiva as the greatest.
Enraged by the decision, Lord Brahma was consumed by anger and began insulting Lord Shiva. In response, Lord Shiva manifested in his fierce form, known as Kaal Bhairav. In this wrathful state, he was born, and his existence began.
Kaal Bhairav, in his anger, severed one of Lord Brahma’s heads, resulting in the sin of Brahmahatya (the killing of a Brahmin). To cleanse himself of this sin, Lord Shiva advised Kaal Bhairav to embark on a pilgrimage to all the sacred places on Earth. After completing this journey, Kaal Bhairav arrived in the city of Kashi (Varanasi).
Kashi, the city of Lord Shiva, captivated Kaal Bhairav, and he decided to settle there permanently. He serves as the protector and chief of Kashi, while Lord Shiva is the king of the city. Even today, the mandir is in the form of the Kaal Bhairav temple Varanasi. It is believed that those who worship Lord Kaal Bhairav in the Vishwanath Temple in Kashi should also seek his darshan, as it completes their worship.
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Conclusion
Kaal Bhairav, a fierce and revered form of Lord Shiva, is worshipped on Kaal Bhairav Jayanti to seek protection from various adversities and obstacles. The story of his origin highlights the significance of this festival and the eternal connection between Kaal Bhairav and the holy city of Varanasi.
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