Information of Kaal Bhairav Temple, Varanasi (Kashi), Uttar Pradesh

Kaal Bhairav Temple is regarded as one of the ancient temples of Varanasi. It is situated near Visheshar Ganj of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. Kaal Bhairav Temple is dedicated to Lord Kal Bhairav who is also termed as 'Kotwal of Sati Pind'. It is believed that without the approval of Lord Kal Bhairav no individual can touch the Sati Pind. It is an important temple of Varanasi and is respected by those who lived under its guidance.

Kaal Bhairav Temple Religious Significance

Kaal Bhairav is regarded as a fearsome manifestation of god Shiv who wears wreath of skulls and carries peacock feathers. The name Kaal Bhairav indicate death as well as destiny. Even the lord of Death is believed to be terrified by Lord Kaal Bhairav. Thus, devotees worship Kaal Bhairav in order to obtain protection. It is said that if a devotee worship Kaal Bhairav for about 6 months with great devotion, he/she can gain salvation. Furthermore, it is also believed that whenever any individual leave the city Kashi for any short trip, they worship Lord Kaal Bhairav for obtaining approval to leave and again while return to the city they worship in order to get approval to enter to the city. The full moon in the month of November is regarded as the imperative day for worshipping Lord Kaal Bhairav. Moreover, Tuesdays, Ashtamis and Chaturdashis in Bengali calendar is also regarded as proper days for worshipping Lord Kaal Bhairav. Each year many devotees who visit Varanasi, come and worship in Kaal Bhairav Temple in order to remit the sins committed by them.

Kaal Bhairav Temple Mythology & History

According to Hindu mythology, once upon a time great saints went to Sumeru Mountain for knowing who is eternal and possesses the ultimate power. On this query, god Brahma said that he was the supreme power. God Vishnu opposed this proclaim and both went to four Vedas in order to seek the answer. However, all four Vedas affirmed lord Shiv in various forms as the supreme power. On this affirmation of Vedas, both god Brahma and god Vishnu laughed and soon god Shiv appeared as a strong divine shine near them. God Brahma was gaping angrily at that shine with his 5th head then, god Shiv has promptly made a new form named Kaal Bhairav who was also known as the ruler of Kaal. Kaal Bhairav plucked the 5th head of god Brahma with rage. Meanwhile, god Shiv also stated that Kaal Bhairav will stay in Kashi for eradicating the sins of his followers. Due to this reason, Kaal Bhairav has another name, i.e. 'Paap Bhakshak'.

Lord Kaal Bhairav went several locations where another being created by Lord Shiv namely Brahma Hatyia tracked him at every places. However, as Lord Kaal Bhairav entered in Kashi, Brahma Hatyia disappeared. In Kashi, the 5th head of god Brahma which was kept by Lord Kaal Bhairav, fell at the ground and from then the place was famed as Kapal Mochan Teerth. Since that day, it is believed that Kaal Bhairav stays in Kashi and protects every devotees who have problems in life.

Kaal Bhairav Temple Architectural Significance

Kaal Bhairav Temple has interesting architecture among other temples in Varanasi. In the front side of the temple, there is an entrance which is guarded by Kaal Bhairav's steed. Inside the temple, there a beautiful courtyard. At the middle of the courtyard, there is the main temple of Kaal Bhairav. The statue of Kaal Bhairav has silver coloured face and is wreathed with flowers. The statue can be observed through the entrance of the shrine. The statue holds a trident and is said that is placed upon a statue of dog. Apart from the face, the body part of the statue is covered with flowers.