Kaal Bhairav Jayanti 2025 is observed annually on the eighth day (Ashtami Tithi) of the Krishna Paksha in the Margashirsha month. This sacred day marks the appearance of Lord Kaal Bhairav, the fierce and powerful form of Lord Shiva, who manifested to destroy Adharma and ego. Due to this significance, the festival is also known as Kaal Bhairav Ashtami or Kala Ashtami. Worshipping Lord Kaal Bhairav is believed to dispel fear, diseases, premature death, misfortune, and all forms of negativity, granting the devotees immense courage, inner strength, and divine protection.
Official Date and Auspicious Timings for 2025
Based on the Vedic calendar, the Ashtami Tithi of Margashirsha month begins on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 11:08 PM and ends on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 10:58 PM. Following the Udayatithi tradition (the time of sunrise), the major observance of Kaal Bhairav Jayanti Vrat will take place on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
The auspicious timings (Muhurtas) for performing worship rituals are:
Brahma Muhurta: 4:56 AM to 5:49 AM
Vijaya Muhurta: 1:53 PM to 2:36 PM
Godhuli Muhurta: 5:29 PM to 5:55 PM
Key Rituals and Offerings
On this day, devotees should observe a fast (vrat) and perform the worship of Lord Kaal Bhairav with purity and devotion. Specific rituals are considered highly potent:
Light a Mustard Oil Lamp: Lighting a Sarson Oil Deepak is considered essential, often with black sesame seeds (til) or Urad dal grains placed inside.
Offerings: Offerings typically include black sesame seeds, Urad dal, jaggery (gud), and coconut.
Chanting: Reciting the Bhairav Chalisa or powerful mantras like “Om Kaalbhairavaya Namah” is highly recommended to ward off negative energies and evil spirits.
Worship the Vahana: Since the dog (Shwan) is the vehicle of Lord Kaal Bhairav, feeding a dog, especially a black one, is considered extremely sacred and pleasing to the deity.
Kaal Bhairav The Guardian of Kashi
The lore of Kaal Bhairav Jayanti stems from the time when Lord Shiva took this fierce form in a rage, severing one of Brahma’s heads to put an end to his ego. To atone for the sin of Brahmahatya (killing a Brahmin), Bhairav wandered the earth until his sin was absolved in Kashi (Varanasi). Consequently, Lord Kaal Bhairav settled there and is revered as the Kotwal of Kashi (City Guardian), protecting all inhabitants and visitors of the holy city.
The Power of Kaal Bhairav Worship
Devotees believe that sincere worship of Lord Kaal Bhairav on this day brings significant spiritual benefits. It helps in removing major obstacles, alleviating the malefic effects of planetary defects (Doshas) like Rahu-Ketu and Shani, and granting relief in legal matters. Observing a fast, especially the strict Ekbhukta fast (eating only one meal after sunset), and performing Jagran (all-night vigil) are potent practices to gain the Lord’s blessings for a life free from fear, illness, and misfortune.