Kaala Bhairava, Varanasi
Hi Viewer,
Welcome to my blog on Kaala Bhairava, a powerful manifestation of Lord Shiva.
Let us first listen to Shiva Thaandava Stotram in the following link, to take us nearer to the Bhairav manifestation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZmXrPIkcEo&list=WL&index=24
Bhairava is a protector god, who guards the eight directions. He is also the protector of women, especially the timid ones. Bhairava is also the Guardian of Travelers, particularly those who travel at night. He is also believed to grant protection from sadness, premature death, debt, and tragedy. You can find Bhairava idol in almost all temples, situated in the North-East corner. Literal meaning of Kaal Bhairav would be guardian or controller of time. He is considered as a protector and destroyer of evil. He is the chief of security of the temple premises and on a daily basis, the key of the sanctum sactorium is placed at his feet in the night and is taken back in the next morning. He is often depicted with a dog as his vehicle, a rod or "danda" or Trishul to punish sinners, and adorned with snakes.
Mythology
There is a myth associated with this deity as detailed in Shiva Purana. When creation started, Lord Vishnu was lying on Adisesh snake bed in the Milky Ocean. From his naval, a lotus sprouted upwards into the sky and Lord Brahma came into existance. Brahma did not know his origin or the reason why he was created. He heard a voice which ordered him to meditate to know his origin and purpose. After spending thousands of years in meditation within the lotus stem, He found himself standing by the side of Lord Vishnu. He still did not realise his origin. He asked Vishu who he was. Vishnu replied that he was Brahma's father. Brahma refused to accept this statement and went on to argue with Vishnu that Brahma was the first one to be created as there was no one visible at that time. It ended up with both of them fighting with each other. Suddenly there was a huge column of fire, which appeared from nowhere. Both Brahma and Vishnu stopped their fighing as they were awestruck by this sudden appearance.
A voice came out from the fire column ordering them to stop their fight and hailing that it was Lord Shiva, who is the father of them both. Both Vishnu and Brahma refused to accept it and asked the fire column to prove it. Lord Shiva asked them to find out the ends of the fire column before he could prove himself. Lord Vishnu was asked to find the bottm end, while Brahma was asked to climb up. Vishnu went down in the form of a boar and Brahma went up as a swan. Both of them travelled for thoudans of years but could not reach the edges.
While Vishnu conceded his defeat and retracked to his original place, Brahma continued his journey upwards. On seeing this Lord Shiva laughed, which resulted in some Ketaki flowers falling down from his head. Brahma caught hold of these flowers and claimed to Lord Vishnu that he has reached the top and seen the head of Lord Shiva. He asked the Ketaki flowers to support his false claim to which the flowers agreed. Brahma informed Vishnu that Shiva had five heads (which he had learnt from the Ketaki flower). Brahma further went on to say that Brahma himself has five heds and therefore he is equal in status to Shiva.
Then, suddenly there was a loud OHM sound which rocked the entire space. Lord Shiva came out of the linga of fire and was furious with Lord Brahma for such a false statement. From the fury, a fierce form of Bhairava came out of the third eye of Lord Shiva. Shiva ordered Bhiarava to severe the head of Brahma for uttering a lie. Bhairava plucked the fifth head of Brahma. Lord Vishnu interfered and pleaded not to severe the other four heads as Brahma happens to be his son. Brahma also fell down to Bhairav's feet for pardon. Shiva ordered that from then on, Brahma would not be worshipped in temples and that ketaki flowers (Thazhampoo) should not be used for his worship. From then on Ketaki is banned for Shiva worship.
Bhairava & Brahma
Ketaki or Thaazhampoo
While this happenned, Kaala Bhairav had a problem as Brahma's head got stuck in his hand due to brahmahathi dosha, for beheding a brahmin. He could not get it detached and he went on roaming the three worlds in vein. When he came to the holy city of Kashi kshetram, the head fell down on its own, due to the very holy nature of the city of liberation. From then on Kaala Bhairav started residing in Kashi as its Ksethrapalaka and presiding deity. As directed by Shiva he became the controller in all temples to identify and punish those who are evil minded and protecting the good souls by eating their sins. Even today, those visitng Kashi would first visit the temple dedicated to Kaala Bhairav first. He is the Kotwal of Kashi, the guardian policeman.
Bhairav Worship:
Worshipping Kala Bhairava is believed to grant success, prosperity, and protection from premature death, as he is the one who controls the inexorable march of time. There are many temples dedicated to Kaal Bhairava including the ones at Varanasi, Ujjain, Adichunchanagiri Hills, Karnataka, many in Andhra Pradesh and one in Tamil Nadu at Erode.
Kaal Bhairav uses dog as his vahana (Vehicle), as dog is a symbol of loyalty and watchfulness with full alert. Many believe that caring for a dog keeps Bhairava happy.
Maha Kaala Bhirava Stotram
(Teekshana Damstra Ashtakam)
Reciting the following Kaala Bhairava Ashtakam is said to eliminate unfounded fears, instil courage, destroy negative energies and bestow protection from evil. This Ashtakam contains several Bija mantras such as : Yam, Lam, Ram, Sham, Aim, Aam, Vam, Ham, Tam, and Pam.
Click the following link to listen to this lovely slokam:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Rv6JG4uoVw&list=WL&index=4
The text and meaning are given below. The text, also called as Teekshana Damstra Ashtakam, is inclusive of several Bija Mantras. The transliteration in Tamil has some unavoidable errors and viewer is requested to follow the sanskrit verses as in the video recital.
Vrese 1
यं यं यं यक्षरूपं दशदिशिविदितं भूमिकम्पायमानं
सं सं संहारमूर्तिं शिरमुकुटजटा शेखरंचन्द्रबिम्बम् ।
दं दं दं दीर्घकायं विक्रितनख मुखं चोर्ध्वरोमं करालं
पं पं पं पापनाशं प्रणमत सततं भैरवं क्षेत्रपालम् ॥ १॥
Yam Yam Yam Yaksha Roopam Dash Dishi Viditam Bhoomi Kampaayamaanam.
Sam Sam Samhaar Moortim Shira Mukuta Jataa Shekharam Chandra Bimbam. Dham Dham Dham Deergha Kaayam Vikrita Nakha Mukham Jordhvaromam Karaalam.
Pam Pam Pam Paap Naasham Prannmat Satatam Bhairavam Shetrapaalam.
யம் யம் யம் யக்ஷ ரூபம் தஷ் திஷி விதிதம் பூமி கம்பாயமானம்.
ஸம் ஸம் ஸம்ஹர மூர்திம் ஶிர முகுட ஜடா ஶேகரம் சந்த்ர பிம்பம் ।
தம் தம் தீர்க காயம் விக்ரித நக முகம் ஜோர்த்வரோமம் கராளம்.
பம் பம் பம் பாப நாஷம் ப்ராந்மத் சததம் பைரவம் ஷேத்ரபாலம்.
Bhairavam is of the form of a Yaksha, the clan of Kubera, the god of wealth. He is well known in all ten directions and is so powerful that he can shake the earth. He is the destroyer, wears the crescent moon upon his matted crowned hair. He is tall, has long nails, fierce face, upright hairs and terrifying over all. He is the destroyer of our sins. He is the guardian of the sacred city of Kashi. I bow to him.
Verse 2
रं रं रं रक्तवर्णं, कटिकटिततनुं तीक्ष्णदंष्ट्राकरालं
घं घं घं घोष घोषं घ घ घ घ घटितं घर्झरं घोरनादम् ।
कं कं कं कालपाशं द्रुक् द्रुक् दृढितं ज्वालितं कामदाहं
तं तं तं दिव्यदेहं, प्रणामत सततं, भैरवं क्षेत्रपालम् ॥ २॥
RaM RaM RaM rakta varnam, katikatitatanum Teekshna Danstra Karalam!
Gham Gham Gham Ghosha Ghosham GHa GHa Gha Gha Ghatitam GHarghaaram Ghoora naadham!
Kam Kam Kam Kaala Paasam Dhruka Dhruka Dhri kritam Jwalitam Kaamadeham!
Tam Tam Tam divya Deham, PraNA MATAM satatam, BHAIRAVAM KSHETRA PAALAM!!!
ரம் ரம் ரம் ரக்த வர்ணம், கடிகடிதாடனும் தீக்ஷ்ண டன்ஸ்ட்ரா கராலம்!
Gham Gham Gham Ghosha Ghosham GHa GHa Gha Gha Ghatitam GHarghaaram Ghoora Naadham!
கம் கம் கம் கால பாசம் த்ருகா த்ருகா த்ரி கிருதம் ஜ்வலிதம் காமதேஹம்!
தம் தம் தம் திவ்ய தேஹம், பிராண மதம் சடதம், பைரவம் க்ஷேத்திர பாலம்!!!
He has a fearsome form, blood red in colour, wearing a cloth on his waist, with sharp venomous fangs like a snake. He makes terrifying sounds, roars like thunder. He holds the noose, like Yama, to control time. He blazes with fire around his head, which burns all unwanted desires. His body is very divine in all aspects. He is the guardian of the sacred city of Kashi. I bow to him.
Verse 3
लं लं लं लं वदन्तं ल ल ल ल ललितं दीर्घ जिह्वा करालं
धूं धूं धूं धूम्रवर्णं स्फुट विकटमुखं भास्करं भीमरूपम् ।
रुं रुं रुं रूण्डमालं, रवितमनियतं ताम्रनेत्रं करालम्
नं नं नं नग्नभूषं , प्रणमत सततं, भैरवं क्षेत्रपालम् ॥ ३॥
Lam Lam Lam Lam Vadantam la la la la Lalitam Dheergha Jehvaah Karalam!
Dhoom Dhoom Dhoom Dhoomra Varnam Spoota vekata mukham Bhaskaram Bheemaroopam,
Rum Rum Rum Roondamalam, ravitanum neyatam tamra netram karalam!
Nam Nam Nam NagnaBhoosham , PraNA MATAM satatam, BHAIRAVAM KSHETRA PAALAM!!!
லம் லம் லம் லம் வதந்தம் ல ல ல லலிதம் தீர்க ஜெவாஹ் கராலம்!
தூம் தூம் தூம் தூம்ர வர்ணம் ஸ்பூத வேகட முகம் பாஸ்கரம் பீமரூபம்,
ரம் ரம் ரம் ரூண்டமாலம், ரவிதானும் நீயாதம் தாம்ர நேத்ரம் கரலாம்!
நம் நம் நம் நக்னபூஷம், பிரண மதம் சதம், பைரவம் க்ஷேத்திர பாலம் !!!
He has long tusks sprouting out of his mouth, projecting his long tongue out. He is of smoky-cloured complexion and has a wide and ferful face. He is radiant like many Suns and has a strong body. He wears a garland made of skulls and is decorated with gems and naked ornaments. His eyes are copper-red and offer a fierce look. He is the guardian of the sacred city of Kashi. I bow to him.
Verse 4
वं वं वायुवेगं नतजनसदयं ब्रह्मसारं परन्तं
खं खं खड्गहस्तं त्रिभुवनविलयं भास्करं भीमरूपम् ।
चं चं चलित्वाऽचल चल चलिता चालितं भूमिचक्रं
मं मं मायि रूपं प्रणमत सततं भैरवं क्षेत्रपालम् ॥ ४॥
Vam Vam vaayuvegam natajana sadayam Brahma saaram param tam
Kham Kham khadga hastam tribhuvana vilayam bhaskaram bheema roopam
Cham Cham chalitva chala chala chalita chaalitam bhoomi chakram
Mam Mam maayi roopam pranamata satatam bhairavam kshetra paalam
வம் வம் வாயுவேகம் நடஜன சதயம் பிரம்ம சாரம் பரம் தம்
கம் கம் கட்க ஹஸ்தம் த்ரிபுவன விளையம் பாஸ்கரம் பீம ரூபம்
சம் சம் சலித்வா சல சல சலித்த சாலைதம் பூமி சக்கரம்
மம் மம் மாயீ ரூபம் ப்ரணமத சததம் பாலம்
He moves swifly like stormy winds, very compassionate to the humble beings, much like the essence of Brahman Himself, the ultimate Truth. He holds a sharp sword in his hands, and is the detroyer of the three worlds. He is radiant like the Sun with a strong body. He shakes the round earth and is of the form of Maya. He is the guardian of the sacred city of Kashi. I bow to him.
Verse 5
शं शं शं शङ्खहस्तं, शशिकरधवलं, मोक्ष सम्पूर्ण तेजं
मं मं मं मं महान्तं, कुलमकुलकुलं मन्त्रगुप्तं सुनित्यम् ।
यं यं यं भूतनाथं, किलिकिलिकिलितं बालकेलिप्रदहानं
आं आं आं आन्तरिक्षं , प्रणमत सततं, भैरवं क्षेत्रपालम् ॥ ५॥
Sham Sham Sham Shankha Hastam, Sasi kara dhavalam, Mooksha Sampoorna Tejam!
Mam Mam Mam Mam Mahantam, Kula macula kulam Mantra Guptam Sunityam!
Yam Yam Yam Bhootanadham, Kili Kili Kalitam Baalakeli Pradhanam,
Aam Aam Aam Aantariksham , PraNA MATAM satatam, BHAIRAVAM KSHETRA PAALAM!!!
ஷம் ஷம் ஷம் ஷங்க ஹஸ்தம், சசி கர தவளம், மூக்ஷ சம்பூர்ண தேஜம்!
மம் மம் மம் மம் மஹாந்தம், குல மகுல குலம் மந்திர குப்தம் சுனித்யம்!
யம் யம் யம் பூதநாதம், கிளி கிளி கலிதம் பாலகேளி பிராதனம்,
ஆம் ஆம் ஆம் அன்டரிக்ஷம், பிராண மதம் சதம், பைரவம் க்ஷேத்திர பாலம்!!!
He holds conch in his hand, shines like the moonlight and brilliantly shines offering moksha (liberation) to devotees. He is great and endless, with known and unknown lineage. He is the custodian of secret mantras. He is the lord of all beings and is playful, making all kinds of sounds. He pervades the entire space. He is the guardian of the sacred city of Kashi. I bow to him.
Verse 6
खं खं खं खड्गभेदं, विषममृतमयं कालकालं करालं
क्षं क्षं क्षं क्षिप्रवेगं, दहदहदहनं, तप्तसन्दीप्यमानम् ।
हौं हौं हौंकारनादं, प्रकटितगहनं गर्जितैर्भूमिकम्पं
बं बं बं बाललीलं, प्रणमत सततं, भैरवं क्षेत्रपालम् ॥ ६॥
Kham Kham Kham Khadga Bhedam, Visha Mamruta Mayam Kaala Kaalam Karalam!
Ksham Ksham Ksham Kshepra Vegam, Daha Daha Dhanam, Tapta Sandeepya Maanam,
Houm Houm HoumKaara Nadam, Prakatita Gahanam Garjitai Bhoomi Kampam,
Vam Vam Vam Vaala Leelam, PraNA MATAM satatam, BHAIRAVAM KSHETRA PAALAM!!!
கம் கம் கம் கட்க பேதம், விஷ மம்ருத மயம் கால காலம் கராலம்!
க்ஷம் க்ஷம் க்ஷம் க்ஷேப்ர வேகம், தஹ தஹ தனம், தப்த சந்தீப்ய மானம்,
ஹௌம் ஹௌம் ஹௌம்கார நாதம், பிரகதீத கஹனம் கர்ஜிதை பூமி கம்பம்,
வம் வம் வம் வால லீலம், பிராண மதம் சதம், பைரவம் க்ஷேத்திர பாலம்!!!
He is destroyer of enemies and cuts them into pieces. He is poisonous to enemies and offers Amritam (Nectar) to devotees. He is fierce and destroyer of time. He is swift like lightning, burns sinners with intense raging fire. He emits terrible sounds which roar shakes the entire earth. Yet he likes playing like a child. He is the guardian of the sacred city of Kashi. I bow to him.
Verse 7
वं वं वं वाललीलं
सं सं सं सिद्धियोगं, सकलगुणमखं, देवदेवं प्रसन्नं
पं पं पं पद्मनाभं, हरिहरमयनं चन्द्रसूर्याग्नि नेत्रम् ।
ऐं ऐं ऐं ऐश्वर्यनाथं, सततभयहरं, पूर्वदेवस्वरूपं
रौं रौं रौं रौद्ररूपं, प्रणमत सततं, भैरवं क्षेत्रपालम् ॥ ७॥
Sam Sam Sam Siddhi Yogam, Sakala guna makham, Deva Devam Prasannam,
Pam Pam Pam Padmanabham, HariHara Mayam,Chandra SuryaAgni Netram,
Aim Aim AIshwarya nadham, Sata ta bhaya haram,Poorvadeva Swaroopam,
Roum Roum Roum Roudra Roopam, PraNA MATAM satatam, BHAIRAVAM KSHETRA PAALAM!!!
சம் சம் சம் சித்தி யோகம், சகல குண மகம், தேவ தேவம் பிரசன்னம்,
பம் பம் பம் பத்மநாபம், ஹரிஹர மயம், சந்திர சூர்ய அக்னி நேத்ரம்,
ஐம் ஐம் ஐஸ்வர்ய நாதம், சத தா பய ஹரம், பூர்வதேவ ஸ்வரூபம்,
ரூம் ரூம் ரூம் ரௌத்ர ரூபம், பிராண மதம் சதம் பைரவம் க்ஷேத்திர பாலம் !!!
He is the lord of lords, having yogic powers, filled with all virtues, and always joyful. With a lotus-like naval, he is the embodiment of both Vishnu and Shiva, having Moon, Sun and Agni (fire) as his eyes. He is the lord of all wealth and with his ancient form he extends his protective arms around his devotees. He has a fearful form yet. He is the guardian of the sacred city of Kashi. I bow to him.
Verse 8
हं हं हं हंसयानं, हसितकलहकं, मुक्तयोगाट्टहासं, ?
धं धं धं नेत्ररूपं, शिरमुकुटजटाबन्ध बन्धाग्रहस्तम् ।
तं तं तंकानादं, त्रिदशलटलटं, कामगर्वापहारं,
भ्रुं भ्रुं भ्रुं भूतनाथं, प्रणमत सततं, भैरवं क्षेत्रपालम् ॥ ८॥
Ham Ham Ham Hamsayaanam, Hasitakala Hakam, MuktaYogaatta haasam,
Dham Dham Dham Netra roopam, Seramukuta Jatabandha BandhAagra Hastam!
Tam Tam Taankaa nadham, Trida salata la tam, Kaama Garvaapa Haram,
Bhrum Bhrum Bhrum BHootanadham, PraNA MATAM satatam, BHAIRAVAM KSHETRA PAALAM!!!
ஹம் ஹம் ஹம் ஹம்ஸயானம், ஹபிதகல ஹகம், முக்தயோகத்த ஹாசம்,
தம் தம் தம் நேத்ர ரூபம், ஶிரமுகுட ஜடாபந்த பந்தஆக்ர ஹஸ்தம்!
தம் தம் தங்க நாதம், த்ரித சலதலதம், காம கர்வாப ஹரம்,
ப்ரும் ப்ரும் ப்ரும் பூதநாதம், பிரண மதம் சதம், பைரவம் க்ஷேத்ர பாலம்!!!
He rides on a Swan as his vehicle, ever smiling and joyful with yogic bliss in his eyes, holding in his hand a head crowned with a lock of hair, making divine sounds, dazzling the gods and removing the ego (pride) and desires. He is the lord of all beings. He is the guardian of the sacred city of Kashi. I bow to him.
Kaala Bhairava Ashtakam
(By Sri Adi Sankara)
The Kala Bhairav Ashtakam was composed by the great philosopher saint of the 8th century AD, Sri Adi Shankara. It has a selection of 8 Slokams hence called a Ashtakam. It is considered highly auspicious to chant Kala Bhairava Ashtakam during Kalashtami day. Kalabhairava is the destructive form of Lord Shiva. Kalabhairava is also regarded as the guardian of Lord Shiva and Devi Temples.
You can hear this Ashtakam in the following link:
Let us pray to Lord Shiva to protect us from enemies and allay all our fears.
Let me end this blog with the following song:
Ohm, Nama Sivaya
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