Kalabhairava Ashtakam

Overview

The Kalabhairava Ashtakam is an eight-verse Sanskrit hymn dedicated to Kala Bhairava, the fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva associated with time, death, and the guardianship of Kashi (Varanasi). The verses praise Bhairava's divine attributes and invoke his protection and blessings. The text belongs to the Shaiva tradition and author is unknown; it is widely recited in Varanasi and among Bhairava devotees across India.

What are the benefits of chanting Kalabhairava Ashtakam?

• Removes fear of death and dissolution
• Grants protection from negative energies and obstacles
• Bestows courage and inner fortitude
• Leads toward spiritual liberation (moksha)

When is the best time to recite this?

Morning and evening are the standard times for recitation. The Ashtami and Chaturdashi tithis of each lunar fortnight are considered especially auspicious, as is Maha Shivaratri. Recitation is also recommended during times of distress or when seeking protection.

What is the historical and traditional background?

The specific author and composition date of the Kalabhairava Ashtakam are not known. It belongs to the broader tradition of devotional poetry dedicated to Bhairava, a form of Shiva that has been worshipped particularly in Varanasi since at least the medieval period. Bhairava worship is prominent in the Kapalika and Agamic Shaiva traditions. The hymn's language and style are consistent with classical Sanskrit devotional literature, and it has circulated widely through oral tradition before being codified in written form.

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

• Kala Bhairava Ashtakam — a related nine-verse hymn to the same deity, attributed to Adi Shankaracharya
• Kasi Vishwanathashtakam — an ashtakam honoring Kashi's presiding deity, Vishwanatha (Shiva)