Kaal Bhairav Jayanti, also called Bhairav Ashtami , is a day observed by Hindus all over the world, and is dedicated to Baba Kaal Bhairav , who is also the ‘Kotwal of Kashi’.
Baba Kaal Bhairav is a manifestation of Lord Shiva, fierce and unforgiving, and maintains law and order in Kashi and the world. He wears a garland of skulls, has weapons in his hand, and makes sure that no evil is spared.

When is it celebrated?

Kaal Bhairav Jayanti is celebrated on the Ashtami (eighth day) of Krishna Paksha, in the month of Margashirsha, which is basically between November and December according to the Gregorian calender.
It is a day of great devotion, and the devotees of Baba Kaal Bhairav sit together chanting the Bhairava ashtakam and other mantras remembering him, his powers, his energy, and the protection that fills the air around.

When is Kaal Bhairav Jayanti 2024

According to Drik Panchang , Kaal Bhairav Jayanti will be observed on November 22, 2024.
As mentioned on the Drik Panchang website “Kalbhairav Jayanti - Friday, November 22, 2024
Ashtami Tithi starts - November 22, 2024 at 06:07 PM
Ashtami date ends - November 23, 2024 at 07:56 PM.”

But, as the Ashtami tithi starts at 6:07 PM, many people speculate that the right day to keep a fast would be November 23, 2024.

Legends of Baba Kaal Bhairav

One of the most famous stories and legend about Baba Kaal Bhairav is one that involves Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva too.
According to legends and beliefs, one day Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu had an argument about who is the better and more powerful God, and who shall have more respect from the humans and devotees. While this went on, Lord Shiva quietly meditated, not taking part in their discussion. But soon, Lord Brahma, in his arrogance, began to think of himself superior to both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, took nothing into account, and said some demeaning things about them both. This led to cosmic trouble. In anger and fury emerged Lord Kaal Bhairav, a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva, who cut off one of Lord Brahma’s 5 heads.
And soon, Baba Kaal Bhairav was responsible for Brahma Hatya, a ‘Mahapaap’ in Indian beliefs, and it was time for him to seek penance.
It is believed that Lord Kaal Bhairav roamed all across the world with the head of Lord Brahma in his hands, asking for forgiveness, and as soon as he landed in Kashi, a wave of freedom washed over him as if the land told him that he was now free from the Brahma Hatya.

The title of ‘Kashi ke Kotwal’

Baba Kaal Bhairav is also the ‘Kotwal of Kashi’, which is the city Varanasi. A kotwal is basically a police officer, and Lord Kaal Bhairav has similar jobs and responsibilities towards Kashi vaasis (people who live in Kashi).
Legends say that Lord Shiva assigned Kaal Bhairav the responsibility of protecting the holy city, ensuring that no evil forces could disturb its purity. Many devotees also believe that Kaal Bhairav grants moksha to those who breathe their last in Kashi.

A trip to Kaal Bhairav temple

Another important thing to remember about Lord Kaal Bhairav is that as he is the Kotwal of Kashi, he is also the supreme protector of the land, making sure that no evil gets past him, and into the holy city.
And so, whenever someone visits Kashi, they first have to pay a visit to Baba Kaal Bhairav, take his permission and blessing, and then visit other temples in Kashi. Without his permission, a trip to Kashi is incomplete.

The importance of Kaal Bhairav Jayanti

To put in the simplest words, observing Kaal Bhairav Jayanti helps people get closer to an untapped, and extremely powerful energy that is all around us, the energy of Baba Kaal Bhairav. By engaging in Bhairav Sadhna on this day, devotees experience power, clarity, courage, and so much more.
Devotees also ask for Lord Kaal Bhairav’s blessings to overcome fear, adversities, and negative energies. His link to ‘Kaal’ (time), death, and cosmic law makes him a powerful deity to ask for courage, discipline, and growth.

Rituals for Kaal Bhairav Jayanti
The rituals for Kaal Bhairav Jayanti are simple, and it is the meditation that many do at night that is truly powerful and enlightening.
Devotees begin the day by offering an Abhishekam to the idol of Lord Kaal Bhairav, or simply offer water, milk, and more to his picture. Abhishekam is also done with honey, curd, ghee, and more, and some also offer black sesame seeds, mustard oil, and flowers to Baba Kaal Bhairav.
Many people also keep a fast on the day, not consuming any grains and foods. Then in the evening worship rituals include lighting mustard oil lamps and chanting sacred mantras like the Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam.

The Kaal Bhairav sadhna

Another ritual that is gaining popularity among Kaal Bhairav devotees in Kaal Bhairav sadhna. And the most simple sadhna includes meditating on the name and form of Baba Kaal Bhairav, chanting the mantras dedicated to him and Lord Shiva, and feeling the power and energy he offers.
It is said that meditating on this day invokes the power and energy of Baba Bhairav and it creates a protective shield around the devotees, keeping them away from evil and harm. People also face their fears in the Sadhna, learn about the reality of life, the impermanence that comes along, and much more.