Kaal Bhairav Jayanti 2025: Significance, thithi, mantra, and what to do

Kaal Bhairav Jayanti, also known as Bhairav Ashtami or Kalashtami, will be observed on November 12, 2025. The day marks the eighth day of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Margashirsha. According to believes, this day commemorates the fierce avatar of Lord Shiva, Kaal Bhairav, who symbolizes his anger and is revered as the guardian of time, death, and divine justice. Devotees celebrate by keeping fasts, visiting Kaal Bhairav temples, and offering prayers for protection from obstacles and enemies.

Kaal Bhairav Jayanti 2025 Tithi

The Ashtami Tithi begins on November 11, 2025, at 11:08 PM and ends on November 12, 2025, at 10:58 PM. For most individuals, the observance will take place on November 12.

Kaal Bhairav Jayanti Significance

Kaal Bhairav represents Shiva as the guardian of time, death, and divine justice. Lord Bhairava is described as a fierce form of Lord Shiva. In Hinduism, eight different forms of Lord Bhairava are worshipped, which are collectively called Ashta Bhairava. Kalbhairav is also one of those Ashta Bhairava. The Brahmavaivarta Purana describes the eight Bhairava named Mahabhairava, Samhara Bhairava, Asitang Bhairava, Rudra Bhairava, Kalbhairav, Krodha Bhairava, Tamrachud Bhairava and Chandrachud Bhairava.


According to legend, a dispute arose among Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva regarding supremacy. When Brahma spoke disrespectfully, Shiva's anger manifested as Bhairav. In this fierce form, Bhairav severed one of Brahma's heads, leaving him with four. Consequently, Bhairav had to atone for the sin of Brahmahatya. He wandered the earth as a mendicant until the sin was absolved. His purification occurred in Kashi (Varanasi), making the ancient Kaal Bhairav Temple in Varanasi a significant shrine. Here, he is worshipped as the guardian (Kshetrapal) of the city, and all visitors are expected to pay their respects.

Kaal Bhairav Jayanti: What to do

Devotees also worship Lord Bhairav as the God of Time and Death. "Kaal Bhairava is also worshipped for protection from evil spirits such as ghosts, spirits, and vampires," as per panchang.

To observe Kaal Bhairav Jayanti, devotees offer specific items to the deity at temples. These offerings include black sesame seeds, mustard oil lamps, jaggery, coconuts, black urad, and flowers. Reciting the Bhairav Mantra, Chalisa, or Bhairav Stotra is also part of the observance. As a dog is considered the vahana (vehicle) of Kaal Bhairav, feeding a dog, particularly a black one, is deemed sacred.

Many devotees observe a Bhairav Sunday fast, especially during the month of Margashirsha. This fast involves abstaining from alcohol, meat, onion, garlic, and heavy foods from the preceding night. Only sattvic foods, such as fruits and milk, are consumed. Some devotees undertake a complete fast, while others consume one meal after sunset, known as Ekbhukta.

A common Kaal Bhairav Mantra recited by devotees is “Om Kaalbhairavaya Namah”.