Kala Bhairava Ashtakam

|| Shri Kalabhairavashtakam || Devarajasevyamanapavananghripankajam Vyalayajnasutramindushekaram kripakaram | Naradadi yogivrindavanditam digambaram Kashikapuradhinathakaalabhairavam bhaje || 1 || Bhanukotibhasvaram bhavabdhitarakam param Nilakanthamipsitarthadayakam trilochanam | Kalakalamambhujakshama kshashulamaksharam Kashikapuradhinathakaalabhairavam bhaje || 2 || Shulatankapashadandapanimadikaaranam Shyamakayamadidevamaaksharam niramayam | Bhimavikramam prabhum vichitratandavapriyam Kashikapuradhinathakaalabhairavam bhaje || 3 || Bhuktimuktidayakam prashastachaaruvigraham Bhaktavatsalam sthitam samastalokvigraham | Vinikwananmanojnahemakinkinilasat katim Kashikapuradhinathakaalabhairavam bhaje || 4 || Dharmasetupaalakam tvadharmamarganaashakam Karmapashamochakam susharmadayakam vibhum | Swarnavarnasheshapashashobhitangamandalam Kashikapuradhinathakaalabhairavam bhaje || 5 || Ratnapadukaprabhabhi ramapadadyugmakam Nityamadvitiyamaishtadaivatam niranjanam | Mrutyubhitamrityadam cha lokavigraham param Kashikapuradhinathakaalabhairavam bhaje || 6 || Attahasabhinnapadmajaandakoshasantatim Drushtipataanashtapapajaalamugrashaasakam | Ashtasiddhidayakam kapalamalikaadharam Kashikapuradhinathakaalabhairavam bhaje || 7 || Bhutasanghanayakam vishalakirti dayakam Kashivasalokapunyapaapashodhakam vibhum | Nitimargakovidam puratanaam jagatpatim Kashikapuradhinathakaalabhairavam bhaje || 8 || || Phala Shruti || Kalabhairavashtakam pathanti ye manoharam Jnanamuktisadhanam vichitrapunyavardhanam | Shokmohadainyalobhakopatapaanashanam Te prayanti kaalabhairavaanghrisannidhim dhruvam || || Iti Shrimacchhankaracharyavirachitam Kalabhairavashtakam Sampoornam ||

Verse 1: I worship Kalabhairava, the lord of Kashi, whose lotus feet are revered by Devendra (king of gods), who has a serpent as his sacred thread and the moon on his forehead, who is the embodiment of compassion, who is worshipped by sages like Narada and other yogis, and who is digambara (clothed by the sky/directions). Verse 2: I worship Kalabhairava, the lord of Kashi, who is resplendent like a billion suns, who helps us cross the ocean of worldly existence, who is supreme, who has a blue throat and three eyes, who grants all desires, who is the death of death itself (Yama), who has lotus-like eyes, who holds a trident, and who is imperishable. Verse 3: I worship Kalabhairava, the lord of Kashi, who holds a trident, axe, noose, and staff in his hands, who is the primordial cause, who has a dark body, who is the first god, who is eternal and free from disease, who is terrifyingly powerful, who is the lord, and who loves the wonderful cosmic dance. Verse 4: I worship Kalabhairava, the lord of Kashi, who bestows both worldly enjoyment and liberation, who has a beautiful and praiseworthy form, who is compassionate to devotees, who is established as the form of all worlds, and whose waist is adorned with melodiously tinkling golden bells. Verse 5: I worship Kalabhairava, the lord of Kashi, who protects dharma (righteousness), who destroys the path of adharma (unrighteousness), who releases us from the bondage of karma, who bestows happiness, who is all-pervading, and whose body is adorned by the golden serpent Shesha. Verse 6: I worship Kalabhairava, the lord of Kashi, whose pair of feet are beautiful with the radiance of gem-studded sandals, who is eternal, without a second, the beloved deity of devotees, who is pure, who removes the fear of death by giving death to death itself, and who is the supreme form of the universe. Verse 7: I worship Kalabhairava, the lord of Kashi, whose thunderous laughter shatters the cosmic eggs of Brahma, whose mere glance destroys the web of sins, who is a fierce ruler, who bestows the eight supernatural powers (ashta siddhis), and who wears a garland of skulls. Verse 8: I worship Kalabhairava, the lord of Kashi, who is the leader of the host of bhutas (spirits), who bestows great fame, who purifies the sins and merits of those dwelling in Kashi, who is all-pervading, who is well-versed in the path of ethics, who is ancient, and who is the lord of the universe. Phala Shruti (Fruit of Recitation): Those who recite this enchanting Kalabhairava Ashtakam, which is a means to attain knowledge and liberation, which increases one's merit in wonderful ways, and which destroys grief, delusion, poverty, greed, anger, and suffering - they will certainly attain the presence of the lotus feet of Kalabhairava. Thus ends the Kalabhairava Ashtakam composed by Sri Shankaracharya.

The Kala Bhairava Ashtakam is a powerful hymn composed by Adi Shankaracharya in praise of Lord Kala Bhairava, the fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva who is the guardian deity of the sacred city of Kashi (Varanasi). Kala Bhairava is considered the Kotwal (police chief) of Kashi. According to tradition, no one can enter or leave Kashi without his permission. He is the destroyer of fear and the embodiment of time (Kala) itself. Each verse of this ashtakam describes different attributes of Kala Bhairava: - His divine form adorned with serpents, moon, and skulls - His role as the destroyer of sins and bestower of liberation - His fierce yet compassionate nature - His connection to Kashi and its spiritual significance - His power over death and time The refrain "Kashikapuradhinathakaalabhairavam bhaje" (I worship Kalabhairava, the lord of Kashi) appears at the end of each verse, emphasizing devotion to this powerful deity.

Reciting the Kala Bhairava Ashtakam bestows numerous spiritual and worldly benefits: 1. **Removal of Sins**: The hymn destroys accumulated sins and purifies the devotee. 2. **Protection from Enemies**: Kala Bhairava protects devotees from enemies, evil spirits, and negative energies. 3. **Overcoming Fear of Death**: Regular recitation removes the fear of death and grants fearlessness. 4. **Attainment of Ashta Siddhis**: The eight supernatural powers can be attained through devoted recitation. 5. **Liberation from Karmic Bondage**: Helps release the soul from the cycle of birth and death. 6. **Removal of Obstacles**: Clears obstacles in spiritual progress and worldly endeavors. 7. **Mental Peace**: Destroys grief (shoka), delusion (moha), poverty (dainya), greed (lobha), and anger (kopa). 8. **Divine Grace**: Attracts the blessings of Lord Shiva in his Bhairava form. 9. **Spiritual Progress**: Aids in attaining knowledge (jnana) and liberation (mukti). 10. **Protection During Travel**: Kala Bhairava is the protector of travelers, especially those visiting Kashi. **Best Time to Recite**: Saturday evenings, during Kala Bhairava Ashtami, or during Shiva-related festivals. **Recommended Repetitions**: 1, 3, 8, or 11 times daily for maximum benefit.