ਕਾਲਭੈਰਵਾष੍ਟਕਮ੍

Overview

The Kala Bhairava Ashtakam is a nine-verse Sanskrit hymn dedicated to Kala Bhairava, the fierce form of Lord Shiva who presides over time, dissolution, and the sacred city of Kashi (Varanasi). The text describes Bhairava's appearance, his role as guardian of Kashi, and his power to grant liberation. It is attributed to Adi Shankaracharya and belongs to the Shaiva devotional tradition.

What are the benefits of chanting Kala Bhairava Ashtakam?

• Protection from negative forces and calamities
• Removal of fear, including the fear of death
• Grants courage and inner strength
• Supports spiritual liberation

When is the best time to recite this?

The Kala Bhairava Ashtakam is recited during morning and evening prayers. It is especially recommended on Bhairava Ashtami (Kalashtami), on Ashtami tithis of each lunar fortnight, and on Maha Shivaratri.

What is the historical and traditional background?

The text is attributed to Adi Shankaracharya (c. 788–820 CE), the Advaita Vedanta philosopher and saint who composed numerous devotional hymns across major deities during his travels across India. Kala Bhairava holds a particularly important place in the religious geography of Varanasi, where he is considered the city's presiding deity and guardian. The stotram draws on established Shaiva iconography and Bhairava worship that was prevalent in the Kapalika and Pashupata sects, integrating it within Shankaracharya's broader devotional approach.

Available scripts

This text is available in 14 scripts: devanagari, tamil, telugu, kannada, malayalam, gujarati, bengali, iast, gurmukhi, oriya, assamese, sinhala, itrans, hk. Use the script selector above to switch between them.

Related Texts

• Kalabhairava Ashtakam — a related eight-verse hymn to the same deity, attributed to an unknown composer
• Kasi Vishwanathashtakam — another ashtakam centered on Kashi's presiding deity, also attributed to Adi Shankaracharya