Kaal Bhairav Jayanti is the appearance day of Kaal Bhairav, the fierce and protective form of Lord Shiva. It is also called Bhairav Ashtami and Kalabhairav Ashtami. In 2026 Kaal Bhairav Jayanti is on Tuesday, 1 December, Margashirsha Krishna Ashtami. Worshipping Bhairav on this day is believed to remove fear, obstacles from enemies, illness and negative forces. Below are the muhurat, samagri, puja vidhi, mantras, Kalabhairav Ashtakam and the katha.
Kaal Bhairav Jayanti 2026: date and muhurat
| Detail | Time (2026) |
|---|---|
| Kaal Bhairav Jayanti | Tuesday, 1 December 2026 |
| Ashtami tithi begins | 1 December, about 12:12 AM (just after midnight on 30 November) |
| Ashtami tithi ends | 1 December, about 11:14 PM |
| Pradosh Kaal puja – Delhi | 5:23 PM to 7:47 PM |
| Nakshatra | Magha (until about 9:01 AM), then Purva Phalguni |
This year the Jayanti falls on a Tuesday, a day of both Bhairav and Hanuman worship — so the puja is considered especially fruitful. These times come from our Panchang engine; check your city’s sunset on Today’s Panchang.
Significance of Kaal Bhairav Jayanti
According to the Shiva Purana, Kaal Bhairav is the fierce form of Lord Shiva and the master of time (kaal) itself. He frees devotees from fear and destroys adharma. His vahana is the dog. He is called the Kotwal of Kashi — in Varanasi devotees visit the Kaal Bhairav temple before Baba Vishwanath. The Kaal Bhairav temple in Ujjain also holds a special festival on this day.
Bhairav worship is believed to reduce the ill effects of Saturn and Rahu, bring relief in court cases and from enemies, and clear negativity from the home. Bhairav Ashtami matters in tantric sadhana too, but for householders a simple puja, japa and charity are enough.
Kaal Bhairav Jayanti puja samagri
- A picture or idol of Kaal Bhairav or Lord Shiva, a Shivling
- Mustard oil, a clay or iron lamp, black sesame
- Black or blue flowers, bel leaves, dhatura, akshat, roli, sindoor
- Incense, camphor, agarbatti
- For bhog: imarti or jalebi, urad vadas, coconut, paan-supari
- Roti or milk for a black dog
- For charity: black clothes, blankets, urad and mustard oil
Kaal Bhairav Jayanti puja vidhi — step by step
- Bathe in the morning and take the sankalp of the fast or puja before Lord Shiva and Kaal Bhairav. Keep a fruit fast as you are able.
- In the day offer water, bel leaves and black sesame to the Shivling and chant “Om Namah Shivaya”.
- In the evening Pradosh Kaal, place Bhairav ji’s picture at the puja place and light a four-wick mustard-oil lamp.
- Offer sindoor, black sesame, flowers and incense to Bhairav ji, and bhog of imarti, urad vadas, coconut and paan.
- Chant “Om Kalabhairavaya Namah” 108 times on a rudraksha mala and recite the Kalabhairav Ashtakam.
- Finally sing Om Jai Shiv Omkara and read the Hanuman Chalisa.
- Feed a black dog with roti, milk or sweets, and give blankets, black clothes and urad to the needy. Sing bhajans at night.
Kaal Bhairav mantras
- Om Kalabhairavaya Namah — the root mantra; chant 108 times.
- Om Hreem Batukaya Apaduddharanaya Kuru Kuru Batukaya Hreem — the Batuk Bhairav mantra, for protection in trouble.
- Om Bhayaharanam Cha Bhairavah — to remove fear.
Kalabhairav Ashtakam — first verse
The Kalabhairav Ashtakam by Adi Shankaracharya is the best-known hymn to Bhairav. Its first verse:
देवराजसेव्यमानपावनाङ्घ्रिपङ्कजं व्यालयज्ञसूत्रमिन्दुशेखरं कृपाकरम्।
नारदादियोगिवृन्दवन्दितं दिगम्बरं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे॥
Devaraja sevyamana pavananghri pankajam, vyala yajnasutram indushekharam kripakaram, Naradadi yogivrinda vanditam digambaram, Kashika puradhinatha Kalabhairavam bhaje
Meaning: I worship Kaal Bhairav, lord of the city of Kashi, whose holy lotus feet are served by Indra, who wears a serpent as his sacred thread and the moon as his crown, who is an ocean of compassion, and who is worshipped by Narada and the yogis.
The story of Kaal Bhairav’s origin
According to the Shiva Purana, Brahma, Vishnu and the gods once argued over who was supreme. In his pride Brahma insulted Lord Shiva. From Shiva’s anger a fierce radiance appeared — this was Kaal Bhairav.
Bhairav cut off with his nail the fifth head of Brahma from which the insulting words had come. For this he bore the sin of Brahmahatya, and Brahma’s skull stuck to his hand. To be freed of the sin, Bhairav wandered the three worlds. When at last he reached Kashi, the skull fell from his hand and he was freed. The place where it fell became the “Kapal Mochan” tirtha.
Lord Shiva then made Bhairav the guardian of Kashi and blessed him to keep account of the deeds of all who live there. Since then he is called “the Kotwal of Kashi”.
Rules of Kaal Bhairav Jayanti
- Do not hit or chase away a dog on this day — dogs are Bhairav ji’s vahana.
- Avoid lies, anger and insulting anyone.
- Respect your parents and guru; Bhairav ji does not like arrogance.
- Stay away from tamasic food and intoxicants — a sattvic puja is best for householders.
- The sick, pregnant women and the elderly should do only the puja and charity instead of fasting.
Read more on Wikipedia and see our Vrat Calendar.
Also read: Shiv Chalisa · Shiv Tandav Stotram
Frequently asked questions
When is Kaal Bhairav Jayanti 2026?
Kaal Bhairav Jayanti is on Tuesday, 1 December 2026, Margashirsha Krishna Ashtami. Ashtami tithi begins at about 12:12 AM on 1 December and lasts until about 11:14 PM the same day.
What is the best time for Kaal Bhairav puja?
Bhairav puja is considered best at night. On 1 December, Pradosh Kaal (about 5:23 to 7:47 PM in Delhi) is ideal because Ashtami tithi prevails then. The sankalp and puja can also be done in the day after the morning bath.
What is offered to Kaal Bhairav?
Imarti, jalebi, urad vadas, coconut, paan and a mustard-oil lamp are offered. Feeding a black dog with roti or milk is also part of Bhairav worship.
Why is Kaal Bhairav called the Kotwal of Kashi?
It is believed that after cutting off Brahma’s fifth head, Bhairav was freed from the sin of Brahmahatya in Kashi. Lord Shiva then made him the guardian (Kotwal) of Kashi, which is why devotees visit Kaal Bhairav before Kashi Vishwanath.
What is the difference between Kalashtami and Kaal Bhairav Jayanti?
Every Krishna Ashtami is Kalashtami (monthly Bhairav Ashtami). Bhairav appeared on Margashirsha Krishna Ashtami, so this biggest Kalashtami is called Kaal Bhairav Jayanti.
