In the Hindu Panchang, Kalashtami Vrat is considered an extremely important date, observed every month on the Ashtami Tithi of the Krishna Paksha. On this day, special worship and adoration are offered to Lord Shiva's fierce and protective form, Kaal Bhairav. It is believed that those who observe the Kalashtami Vrat with proper rituals and perform the worship of Kaal Bhairav, have all their life's troubles removed and are protected from untimely death.
Importance of Kaal Bhairav's Worship
Kaal Bhairav is considered the deity of tantra-mantra, Siddhis (spiritual powers), and protection. He is a fierce avatar of Lord Shiva, also considered a symbol of justice. His worship provides liberation from the malefic effects of planets like Shani (Saturn), Rahu, and Ketu. It also bestows upon the devotee self-confidence, courage, decisiveness, and the strength to overcome challenging situations.
When is the Monthly Kalashtami Vrat in May 2025?
According to the Vedic Panchang, the Ashtami Tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the Jyeshtha month falls on May 20, 2025 (Tuesday). The monthly Kalashtami Vrat will be observed on this day.
- Ashtami Tithi Begins: May 20 at 5:51 AM
- Ashtami Tithi Ends: May 21 at 4:55 AM
- Vrat Tithi according to Udayatithi: May 20, 2025
Kalashtami 2025: Auspicious Muhurats for Puja
- Brahma Muhurat: 4:05 AM to 4:46 AM
- Nishita Kaal (Night Puja Time): 11:57 PM to 12:38 AM
- Abhijit Muhurat: 11:50 AM to 12:45 PM
- There is particular significance to performing the puja at night, as this is considered the time of Kaal Bhairav's awakening.
Kalashtami Puja Vidhi (Method of Worship)
- Take a bath in the morning and resolve to observe the fast. There is also a tradition of bathing at night, especially for those who perform the night puja.
- Establish the image or picture of Kaal Bhairav on a black cloth.
- Offer him black sesame seeds, black urad dal, lemon, coconut, alcohol, dhatura, a mustard oil lamp, and gulal (red powder).
- Perform Panchopchar Puja – offer fragrance, flowers, incense, lamp, and Naivedya (offering).
- Special offerings include puri, halwa, dahi-vada, khichdi, black sesame seeds, and alcohol.
- Chant the mantras of Kaal Bhairav and recite the Kaal Bhairav Ashtak.
- Offering food to a dog, especially a black dog, is considered essential. This is believed to provide liberation from Pitru Dosha (ancestral curses), Kaal Sarp Dosha (serpent curse), and the effects of Shani (Saturn).
Which Mantras to Chant on Kalashtami?
- Chanting these mantras on Kalashtami is particularly fruitful:
- Om Kaal Bhairavay Namah (I bow to Lord Kaal Bhairav).
- Om Hreem Bam Batukaya Apaduddharanaya Kuru Kuru Batukaya Hreem (This mantra is effective for relief from troubles).
- Atikrur Mahakaya Kalpant Dahanopam.
Bhairav Namas Tubhyam Anujnaam Daatum Arhasi|| (This mantra praises the fierce form of Lord Bhairav). - Om Tikhadant Mahakaya Kalpant Dahanam.
Bhairavay Namas Tubhyam Anujnaam Daatum Arhasi||
Three Forms of Kaal Bhairav and Their Significance
- Kaal Bhairav – Protector of time, Tamasic form, symbol of protection and destruction
- Batuk Bhairav – Worshipped in child form, protects devotees
- Svarnakarshan Bhairav – The form of Bhairav who bestows wealth and prosperity
Primarily, the worship of Kaal Bhairav is performed on the monthly Kalashtami. In Tantra Shastra, this date is considered extremely powerful.
Benefits of Kaal Bhairav's Grace
- Removes fear, troubles, and mental distress from life
- Protection from untimely death and accidents
- Liberation from debt and relief from financial crises
- Victory over enemies
- Excellent day for Sadhana (spiritual practices), Tantra-Mantra Siddhi
- Helpful in the alleviation of Pitru Dosha, Shani Dosha, Kaal Sarp Dosha
Perform these actions on Kalashtami and receive benefits
- Donate black clothes, black sesame seeds, oil, and black urad dal to the needy
- Feed a black dog milk, bread, or halwa
- Light a mustard oil lamp in the temple or home
- Visit a Bhairav temple and offer a flag
- Refrain from consuming alcohol, but it can be offered as an offering to Bhairav
Special Note
- Observe the Kalashtami Vrat with complete devotion and restraint
- Avoid Tamasic food, non-vegetarian food, and intoxicants on this day
- Do not speak lies, deceit, or harsh words
- Night-time vigil is particularly important; recite Bhairav Chalisa, Ashtak, or Tantra mantras
The Kalashtami Vrat is not only significant for achieving Tantra-Mantra Siddhi and obtaining Bhairav's grace, but it is also a powerful means of providing a devotee with spiritual strength, protection, and liberation from enemy obstacles. By worshipping Lord Kaal Bhairav on Kalashtami, falling on May 20, 2025, one can gain freedom from all obstacles in life. This day is full of self-confidence, faith, and devotion. Therefore, observe the fast with reverence, worship Bhairav Nath, and receive his blessings.
