Kalashtami 2021 Dates, कालाष्टमी कब है 2021

Kalashtami is dedicated to God Bhairav, who is regarded as the fearsome and wrathful manifestation of God Shiva. Kalashtami, also known as Kala Ashtami, occurs every month during Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha. Bhairav devotees keep fast and worship him on all Kalashtami days of the year.

Kalashtami, which falls in the month of Margashirsha as per North Indian, Purnima to Purnima calendar and Kalashtami coming up in the month of Kartik as per South Indian, Amavasya to Amavasya calendar is known as Kalabhairav Jayanti, the most important kalashtami. However Kalabhairav Jayanti occurs on the same day as per both calendars. It is believed that God Shiva appeared in form of Bhairav on this day of Kalbhairav jayanti. If Kalashtami occurs on a Sunday or Tuesday, which are dedicated to God Bhairava, then it's considered as highly fruitful and important. As per religious text Vratraj Kalashtami fasting should be observed on the day when Ashtami Tithi prevails during night. That is why Kalashtami fasting might be observed on Saptami Tithi. Ashtami should prevail at least for one Ghati after Pradosh while selecting fasting day for Kalashtami else Kalashtami fasting day is moved to previous day when Ashtami Tithi is there during night time. Kalabhairav Jayanti is also known as Bhairav Ashtami.

Legend Behind Kalashtami

It is believed that Bhairava is a manifestation of Shiva’s wrath, who came into existence when Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva were debating who among them was more superior. When Brahma insulted Shiva, he became so angry that Bhairava appeared from his forehead and severed one of the Brahma's five heads. After that Brahma’s severed head stuck to Bhairava’s left palm due to the big misdeed he had committed.

In order to pay for the sins he had committed, Bhairava had to take on the vow of a Kapali and wander the world as a naked beggar with the skull of Brahma as his begging bowl. Bhairava sins were finally forgiven when he reached the holy city of Varanasi.

How God Bhirava is worshipped

People worship Bhairava for success, wealth, health and obstacle removal, and it's often believed that by observing Bhairava Ashtami or Kalbhairava Jayanti, their sins and misdeeds will be washed away and they will be free from the fear of death. On the day of Kalashtami, get up before sunrise, bathe and then perform a special puja for Kaal Bhairava, asking for his blessings and forgiveness.

Visit Kaal Bhairav’s temple in the evening and offer special prayers there too, and keep a strict fast the whole day. Staunch Bhairav devotees keep an all-night vigil with prayers, worship and reading tales of Bhairava, Shiva and Parvati.

We Must Do Feed Dogs

Keep feeding dogs as it is believed that Bhirav rides on a black dog and feeding to dogs whether black or not will result in the blessings of the deity.