According to the Hindu calendar, Masik Kala Ashtami falls on the Ashtami Tithi (eighth day) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase) every month. However, the Kala Ashtami falling in July 2025 is considered very special because it will occur during the Shravan month. Shravan, the most beloved month for Shiva devotees, further elevates the significance of worshipping Lord Kaal Bhairav.
Kaal Bhairav is considered the fierce and wrathful form of Lord Shiva. He is also known as the god of justice, who removes fear, defects, and obstacles from the lives of his devotees. Those who regularly observe a fast and worship on Kala Ashtami experience stability, courage, and security in life.
When will the July 2025 Kala Ashtami be?
According to the Panchang (Hindu calendar), the Masik Kala Ashtami of the Shravan month will fall on Thursday, July 17, this year.
- Ashtami Tithi begins: July 17, 2025, at 07:08 PM
- Ashtami Tithi ends: July 18, 2025, at 05:01 PM
- Nisha Kaal Puja Muhurat: July 17, from 12:07 AM to 12:48 AM
It is considered auspicious to perform the puja during Nisha Kaal, the night time when the worship of Kaal Bhairav is considered most fruitful. Devotees observe a fast throughout the night and meditate on Kaal Bhairav.
Tradition and Devotion of Kala Ashtami Vrat
On the day of Masik Kala Ashtami, Shiva devotees perform special puja to Kaal Bhairav. It is believed that observing a fast and performing the rituals on this day ends the crises and fears in a person's life. This day is also considered important for those who are troubled by mental instability, negative energy, or repeated obstacles in life.
Tantra and Sadhana practitioners also perform special sadhana, especially at night, as it is the best time to receive the special grace of Kaal Bhairav.
Puja Vidhi – How to worship Kaal Bhairav
To worship Lord Kaal Bhairav on Masik Kala Ashtami, one should begin the day by waking up during Brahma Muhurta (early morning). The complete method of puja is as follows:
- Wake up early in the morning, take a bath, and wear clean clothes.
- Take a vow for the fast and purify the place of worship with Gangajal (holy water).
- Place a red cloth on a clean chowki (wooden platform) and install an idol or picture of Shiva and Kaal Bhairav on it.
- Perform Abhishek (ritual bathing) of the Shivling with sugarcane juice.
- Apply a white sandalwood tilak (mark) to Kaal Bhairav and offer him black sesame seeds, a lamp lit with mustard oil, jalebis (sweet pretzel-like treat), coconut, and fruits.
- Perform special puja at night during Nisha Kaal and perform Aarti (a devotional ritual).
- Feeding black dogs at the end of the worship is considered auspicious.
Why is Kala Ashtami special in Sawan?
The month of Sawan is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Special pujas are performed in Shiva temples throughout this month, and devotees offer Jalabhishek (pouring water on the Shivling). In such a situation, when Kala Ashtami falls in this month, its importance increases many times over.
It is believed that by performing Bhairav upasana (worship) on the Kala Ashtami of Sawan, Shiva himself is pleased and protects the seeker from all kinds of fear, crisis, and invisible obstacles.
Beliefs and Symbols associated with Kaal Bhairav
Kaal Bhairav is also called the Dandaadhikari (one who wields a staff). The Skanda Purana mentions that when Lord Brahma insulted Lord Shiva, Shiva created Bhairav from his anger, who cut off Brahma's fifth head. For this reason, he was called 'Bhairav'.
Bhairav's vehicle is a dog, and the tradition of feeding a black dog roti (bread), milk, jaggery, or sweets has been going on since ancient times to please him. It is said that this destroys untimely death, enemy obstacles, and negative energy.
Special Remedies for Kala Ashtami
By performing some remedies on the Kala Ashtami of the Shravan month, peace and security remain in life. Some special remedies performed by devotees are as follows:
- Light a four-faced lamp in front of the Shivling at home in the evening.
- Pour mustard oil in the lamp and light it while reciting the Bhairav Chalisa or Bhairavashtak.
- Offer sweets, especially jalebis, to Kaal Bhairav.
- Feed roti, milk, or besan ke laddu (gram flour balls) to a black dog.
- Perform Abhishek of the Shivling with sugarcane juice.
- Visit the Bhairav temple at night and have darshan (viewing the deity) and perform Aarti.
Devotees' Faith and Experiences
On the day of Kala Ashtami, special bhajans, kirtans, and Bhairav Sahasranama paths are performed in many temples. Many practitioners observe a fast throughout the night and meditate. In many cities, a procession of Kaal Bhairav is also taken out, in which a large number of devotees participate.
One of the reasons for the devotees' faith in the worship of Kaal Bhairav is that he protects them from unforeseen events in life. Many devotees say that after observing the Kala Ashtami fast, the difficulties in their lives have decreased, and they have attained mental peace.
