Dedicated to Lord Kaal Bhairav, Kaal Bhairav Temple is an ancient Temple in Varanasi. Lord Kaal Bhairav is considered as the guardian (Kotwal) of Varanasi and supposed to be dreadful form of Lord Shiva symbolizing death. It is believed that anyone who wants to live in Varanasi need to take Kaal Bhairav's permission to live in the city. It is believed that without the permission of Lord Kaal Bhairav no one can touch the "Sati pind".

Location K 32/22 Bharonath, Vishweshwarganj, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Legend 

Once several great Saints went to the Sumeru Mountain desired to know from Lord Brahma as to who was indestructible and supreme. Lord Brahma declared himself as the superioe and upon hearing this Lord Vishnu reprimanded Lord Brahma for his reply. To resolve the issue, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu asked the question to the Vedas as to who is superior. Rig Veda replied that Rudra, the almighty deity who controls all living beings is supreme. Yajurveda and Sam Veda replied that the Lord Shiva is supreme as he is worshiped by various Yajnas and worshipped by Yogis and can control entire world. Atharvaveda also replied that Lord Shankar (Lord Shiva) is supreme as he can eliminate all the troubles of human beings. As all four Vedas unanimously concluded that Lord Shiva is the ultimate supreme, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu started laughing. At that time, Lord Shiva appeared as a powerful divine shine between Lord Brahma and Vishnu and created the new being (King of "Kaal", "Kaal Bhairav"). Lord Brahma got angry and started to stare at the shine with his 5th head (which started to burn out of anger) and Kaal Bhairav beheaded the burning head of Brahma. Lord Shiva asked Kaal Bhairav to go as he got Brahmanahatya Dosh. The brahmanahatya dosh on Kaal Bhairav went away as soon as he entered Kashi (also known as "Moksha Puri") where Bramha's head held by Kaal Bhairav fell on the ground. The place is called "Kapal Mochan Teerth". From that day onwards, Kaal Bhairav stayed in Kashi forever and protects devotees from their problems.

Architecture 

The temple has a garba griha, the inner sanctum in which the idol is housed. The garba griha is surmounted by a shikhara, or tower. The Kaal Bhairava is depicted with a range of twisted serpentines as his ornaments worn as earrings, bracelets, anklets, and sacred thread (yajnopavita). A tiger skin worn on the body and the ritual apron around his neck made of human bones, he has a dog (Shvan) as his divine vahana (vehicle). The silver faced idol of Kal Bhairav is seated on a dog and is holding a trident. Only the face of the idol is visible to the visitors through the doorway. Rest of the idol is covered with a piece of cloth. On the rear door of the temple, there is a statue of Kshetrapal Bhairav.

Culture 

The art and culture of Varanasi is unique. It is the rich cultural tradition of Varanasi that makes it the cultural capital of India. A combination of archaeology, mythology, geography, art and history makes Varanasi a great center of Indian culture.

Darsan Dresscode 

Wear neat and good clothes and avoid trendy and fashionable wear dress code inside the temple premises.

 Darsan Info

The temple opens at 5:00 AM to 1:30 PM and from 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM

Special Rituals

Ashtami day [eighth day after Poornima] in the month of Margashirsha is an important day for worshipping Kaal Bhairav. Besides Sundays, Tuesdays, Ashtami and Chaturdasi days are very important for worshipping Kaal Bhairav.

Temple Rituals 

Morning pooja and arati to Lord Shiva starts from 5:00 AM onwards and final arati is at 9:30 PM

Additional Info


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