What is the Kalabhairava Ashtakam?
The Kalabhairava Ashtakam is a highly powerful Sanskrit hymn composed in praise of Lord Kalabhairava. Tradition attributes its composition to Adi Shankaracharya. This hymn describes the divine form and glory of Lord Kalabhairava, his role as the protector of devotees, and his power to destroy sins and dispel fear.
Lord Kalabhairava is a fierce yet protective manifestation of Lord Shiva. He is also worshipped as the Kotwal (Guardian) of Kashi. It is believed that reciting the Kalabhairava Ashtakam with faith and devotion helps eliminate fear, negative forces, planetary afflictions, and various life difficulties.
Who is Lord Kalabhairava?
Lord Kalabhairava is a radiant and fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. According to the Puranas, Lord Shiva manifested Kalabhairava to uphold righteousness (Dharma), destroy unrighteousness (Adharma), and protect his devotees.
He is worshipped as—
The Guardian Deity (Kshetrapala) of Kashi
The Lord of Time (Kala)
The Lord of Justice
The Protector of Tantra and Yoga
The Deity who destroys fear
Complete Text of the Kalabhairava Ashtakam
1
Devraj Sevyaman Pavananghripankajan Vyalayajnasutramindushekharam kripakaram. Naradadiyogivrndavanditam digambaram Kashikapuradhinath Kalbhairavam Bhaje॥1॥
देवराजसेव्यमानपावनाङ्घ्रिपङ्कजं
व्यालयज्ञसूत्रमिन्दुशेखरं कृपाकरम्।
नारदादियोगिवृन्दवन्दितं दिगम्बरं
काशिकापुराधिनाथ कालभैरवं भजे॥१॥
2
Bhanukotibhasvaram Bhavabdhitarakam Param
Neelkanthmipsitarthadayakam trilochanam.
Kaalkaalmambujakshamakshashoolamaksharam
Kashikapuradhinath Kalbhairavam Bhaje॥2॥भानुकोटिभास्वरं भवाब्धितारकं परं
नीलकण्ठमीप्सितार्थदायकं त्रिलोचनम्।
कालकालमम्बुजाक्षमक्षशूलमक्षरं
काशिकापुराधिनाथ कालभैरवं भजे॥२॥
3
Shool Tankpaash Danda Panima Dikaranam
Shyamkayamadidevamaksharam niramayam.
Bhimavikraman Prabhu Vichitarandavpriya
Kashikapuradhinath Kalbhairavam Bhaje॥3॥शूलटङ्कपाशदण्डपाणिमादिकारणं
श्यामकायमादिदेवमक्षरं निरामयम्।
भीमविक्रमं प्रभुं विचित्रताण्डवप्रियं
काशिकापुराधिनाथ कालभैरवं भजे॥३॥
4
Bhuktimuktidayakam Prashatcharuvigraham
Bhaktavatsalam situated in all the worlds.
vinikvannamnogyahemkinkinilasatkattin
Kashikapuradhinath Kalbhairavam Bhaje॥4॥भुक्तिमुक्तिदायकं प्रशस्तचारुविग्रहं
भक्तवत्सलं स्थितं समस्तलोकविग्रहम्।
विनिक्वणन्मनोज्ञहेमकिङ्किणीलसत्कटिं
काशिकापुराधिनाथ कालभैरवं भजे॥४॥
5
Dharmasetupalakam Tvadharmamargnashakam
Karmapashmochakam susharmadayakam vibhum.
Swarnavarnasheshapaashhobhitangamandalam
Kashikapuradhinath Kalbhairavam Bhaje॥5॥धर्मसेतुपालकं त्वधर्ममार्गनाशकं
कर्मपाशमोचकं सुशर्मदायकं विभुम्।
स्वर्णवर्णशेषपाशशोभिताङ्गमण्डलं
काशिकापुराधिनाथ कालभैरवं भजे॥५॥
6
ratnapadukaprabhabhirampadayugamkam
Nityamdwitiyamishtadaivatam niranjanam.
death mirror karaldanshtramokshanam
Kashikapuradhinath Kalbhairavam Bhaje॥6॥रत्नपादुकाप्रभाभिरामपादयुग्मकं
नित्यमद्वितीयमिष्टदैवतं निरञ्जनम्।
मृत्युदर्पनाशनं करालदंष्ट्रमोक्षणं
काशिकापुराधिनाथ कालभैरवं भजे॥६॥
7
Eighteen different types
Drishti Patan Shatpa Pajaal Mugrashasanam.
Ashtasiddhidayakam Kapalamalikadharam
Kashikapuradhinath Kalbhairavam Bhaje॥7॥अट्टहासभिन्नपद्मजाण्डकोशसन्ततिं
दृष्टिपातनष्टपापजालमुग्रशासनम्।
अष्टसिद्धिदायकं कपालमालिकाधरं
काशिकापुराधिनाथ कालभैरवं भजे॥७॥
8
Bhootasanghanayak Vishalkirtidayakam
Kashivasilokapunyapashodhakam vibhum.
Nitimargakovidam Puranam Jagatpatiam
Kashikapuradhinath Kalbhairavam Bhaje॥8॥भूतसङ्घनायकं विशालकीर्तिदायकं
काशिवासिलोकपुण्यपापशोधकं विभुम्।
नीतिमार्गकोविदं पुरातनं जगत्पतिं
काशिकापुराधिनाथ कालभैरवं भजे॥८॥
Result
Kalabhairavashtakam Pathanti Ye Manoharan
Gyanmuktisadhanam vichitrapunyavardhanam.
grief, attachment, greed, anger
Prayanti Kaalbhairavanghrisannidhim Naraah Dhruvam.कालभैरवाष्टकं पठन्ति ये मनोहरं
ज्ञानमुक्तिसाधनं विचित्रपुण्यवर्धनम्।
शोकमोहदैन्यलोभकोपतापनाशनं
Simple Hindi Meaning of Kalabhairava Ashtakam
This hymn describes the divine form of Lord Kalabhairava. He is a manifestation of Lord Shiva who destroys the fears, sins, sorrows, and worldly bonds of devotees. He protects righteousness, puts an end to unrighteousness, dispels the fear of death, and guides the seeker on the path to wisdom, detachment, and liberation. For the devotee who recites this stotra with faith, grief, delusion, anger, greed, and fear are dispelled from their life, leading to spiritual progress.
Benefits of Reciting Kalabhairava Ashtakam
According to religious beliefs, regular recitation of this stotra—
Bestows the special grace of Lord Kalabhairava.
Eliminates fear and negative energy.
Provides protection against enemies and obstacles.
Reduces the fear of untimely death.
Boosts mental courage and self-confidence.
Dissolves sins and increases merit (punya).
Brings stability to Tantra, spiritual disciplines, and practices.
Inspires one to walk the path of righteousness (Dharma), justice, and truth.
When to Recite Kalabhairava Ashtakam?
Reciting this stotra is considered especially auspicious on the following occasions—
Kalabhairava Ashtami
Every Sunday
Every Tuesday
Every Saturday
Ashtami of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon)
Mahashivaratri
Daily, in the morning or evening
Method of Recitation
Bathe and wear clean clothes.
Light a lamp before the image or idol of Lord Kalabhairava or Lord Shiva.
Offering a mustard oil lamp is considered auspicious.
Offer flowers, unbroken rice grains (akshat), incense, and sacred food offerings (naivedya).
Chant the mantra "Om Kalabhairavaya Namah"
...perform *Japa* (chanting).Recite the *Kalabhairava Ashtakam* with devotion and concentration.
Finally, offer prayers seeking forgiveness and perform *Aarti* to the Lord.
Spiritual Message of *Kalabhairava Ashtakam*
The Kalabhairava Ashtakam teaches us that Time (Kaal) is the most powerful force and that Dharma (righteousness), Truth, and virtuous conduct are the true paths of life. Lord Kalabhairava inspires devotees to walk the path of righteousness fearlessly, purify their actions, and ultimately seek refuge in the Divine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who composed the Kalabhairava Ashtakam ?
Traditionally, it is believed to have been composed by Adi Shankaracharya.
2. When should the Kalabhairava Ashtakam be recited?
It can be recited on Kalabhairava Ashtami, Saturdays, Tuesdays, Maha Shivaratri, and daily during the morning or evening hours.
3. Can women recite the Kalabhairava Ashtakam?
Yes. Both men and women can recite it with devotion and a pure heart.
4. Does reciting the Kalabhairava Ashtakam dispel fear?
Religious belief holds that reciting it with devotion alleviates mental fear, negativity, and feelings of insecurity, while also invoking the protection of Lord Kalabhairava.
5. Can the Kalabhairava Ashtakam be recited daily?
Yes, regular recitation is considered auspicious and is believed to help cultivate spiritual discipline.
The Kalabhairava Ashtakam is a magnificent hymn glorifying Lord Kalabhairava. It highlights His nature as a protector, a dispenser of justice, and a compassionate being...