Table of Contents
Kalabhairava Ashtakam Highlights
In this blog article we shall cover the following topics related to the Kalabhairava Ashtakam.
- Meaning of Kalabhairava
- A brief description of the deity
- Connection of Sri Adi Shankara with Kalabhairava
- Benefits of reciting the Ashtakam
- Brief Methodology of reciting the Kalabhairava Ashtakam
The Kalabhairava Ashtakam is a holy hymn dedicated to Sri Kalabhairava. Before we learn the benefits of reciting the Kalabhairava Ashtakam, let us first discuss the glory of this divine deity. This form of Mahadeva is the head of the Ashtanga Bhairavas or the sub forms of Mahadeva. Bhairava literally means fearsome.
Interpretation of Kalabhairava
Hence, this form of Mahadeva is the one who is beyond fear and the one who destroys fear.
There is another interpretation, Bha means creation, Ra means maintenance, and Va means Destruction. Therefore, this form of Mahadeva is the one who Creates, Maintains, and Destroys. Our Shastras often depict this form of Mahadeva with an angry expression similar to a blooming lotus. His hair resembles the sacred fire, and he wears a garland made of Skulls.
Looking like a majestic Lion, this form of Mahadeva holds a drum, Trident, and one severed head of Brahma Deva. His throat is blue due to the consumption of the Halahal Vish. Some sections of Shaivism regard Kalabhairava as the conqueror of death, and the third eye on his forehead resembles Truth and Wisdom.
Sri Adi Shankaracharya witnesses Sri Kalabhairava
Once, Adi Shankaracharya thought of visiting Sri Kashi Dham. So without delay, Sri Adi Shankara set off for Shiva’s Dham.
When he reached the outskirts of Kashi, he had a divine vision. He saw Sri Kalabhairava protecting the entire city with his grace. Looking like an effulgent gatekeeper, this form of Mahadeva kept Papa or Sin away from the Sacred Kashi. Adi Shankara could not resist and sang verses in the glory of the divine Lord.
These verses came to be known as Kalabhairava Ashtakam. Know that visions that appear in the minds of purified souls represent Absolute reality and should not be confused with psychological hallucinations that mentally disturbed beings have.
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Immediate Results of Kalabhairava Ashtakam
The Kalabhairava Ashtakam consists of 8 holy verses.
The daily recitation of this divine hymn fills the reciter with wisdom and knowledge. The Stotra is apt for Students. The last verse of the Ashtakam guarantees the removal of the five evils from the Sadhaka’s life. They are Shoka or Sadness, Moha or Attachment, Dainya or Poverty, Lobha or Greed, and Kopa or Anger. To excel in Spirituality, one must gain control over these vices.
This form of Mahadeva and his Ashtakam are non-different. If one recites the Ashtakam with faith, that devotee will be under the direct grace of Sri Bhairava. Kalabhairava is the Lord of the Panch Bhootas, namely Earth, Fire, Air, Water, and Ether. Hence, the recitation of this Ashtakam will provide one with all kinds of comforts.
The mantra will ensure food, clothing, shelter, money, and employment in the life of the Sadhaka. Kala means time, and this form of Mahadeva is the Master of Time. His devotee will never be disturbed by the passage of time, whether good or bad. Many Shastric portrayals depict Sri Kalabhairava with an Eternal Smile. Kalabhairava’s devotees will also experience the same joy if one remains steadfast in the recitation of Kalabhairava Ashtakam.
Kalabhairava Ashtakam is good for Meditation
If a person reads the Kalabhairava Ashtakam with faith one will automatically detach oneself from Tamasik and highly Rajasik activities. One shall then improve in meditational practices. No matter where the person is, the Sadhaka will feel Eternal happiness and Joy. In other words, the environment will not disturb the person. The Kalabhairava Ashtakam allows one to progress both materially and spiritually. After a constant recitation of the Ashtakam, one will even experience ecstasies of Joy.
And this is quite natural. this form of Mahadeva is the Lord of all Sciences, and Spiritual Scholars highly respect such an individual. Chanting the Ashtakam provides its reciter with material and spiritual gifts. Ego, enemies, black magic, and diseases get eradicated through the recitation of this Ashtakam. We had discussed earlier, the scene when Adi Shankara saw Kalabhairava as the Gatekeeper of Kashi.
There is another interpretation to this.
Sri Kalabhairava is the Protector of our Hearts
Just as a Watchman guards the house against thieves and danger, this form of Mahadeva guards his devotees’ hearts and minds from the malice of this world. Remember, the Sadhaka should not approach Sri Bhairava with a mood to conquer him. This attitude may create multiple problems in one’s relationships, money, work, etc.,
But on the other hand, if the practitioner approaches the deity with love and affection, Sri Bhairava will assume the form of a father. Devotion is the only and highest way to bind the Lord to oneself. This form of Mahadeva is more benevolent towards children and timid women and will protect them always.
Process of Chanting Kalabhairava Ashtakam
Let us now discuss the Vidhi of the recitation of this Ashtakam. It may be hard to follow the traditional method of reciting this Stotram daily. The reciter will have to visit a Shiva temple, consisting of a Kalabhairava shrine, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm with offerings like coconut, flowers, sindoor, mustard oil, etc.
Now, this sounds hard to do daily. For daily reciters, there is another method. To recite Kalabhairava Ashtakam, Rahu Kaal, or evening time is apt. But according to some accounts, chanting the Stotram during the night is more fruitful. Chanting the Ashtakam on Sundays and Tuesdays is highly beneficial. If you want certain benefits from the Stotram, you can take a Sankalpa and recite the Ashtakam for 40 days.
Fundamentals of Personal Discipline
However, I will recommend you chant the mantra daily. this form of Mahadeva is immensely pleased with selfless devotees. First, have a bath and clean your puja place. Cleanliness, Brahmacharya, and food restraints are essential for reciting the Shoka for any tangible benefits. Then, sit on an Asana in the east, facing a Shiva idol or Photo.
At home, keeping Vigrahas of the calmer aspects of the Lord is more advisable. Sri Bhairava is the Ugra form of Lord Shiva, and any dosha or offense towards him may create problems in one’s house. So According, to some scholars, keeping a Kalabhairava idol or Photo one should avoid. Next, take a Sankalpa, or vow, to remain steadfast in this form of Mahadeva Sadhana.
Feeding Black Dogs is ideal
Such kind of an oath will greatly please this form of Mahadeva. Lord Bhairava is extremely benevolent towards people who keep up their promises. After the Sankalpa, you can start the recitation of the Ashtakam. Feeding stray dogs especially black ones, while you observe this form of Mahadeva sadhana is highly beneficial.
Black dogs are very dear to Sri Bhairava. These dogs are the Vahana or Vehicle of Sri Bhairava. Gradually, as you proceed in this sadhana, you will realize a supernatural force present with you. All your decisions will be clear and correct. Personally, this form of Mahadeva is one of my loved deities in my earlier sadhana years. I used to recite this Shloka daily, a few years back and derived immense benefits and grace. But currently I am totally committed to the Bhakti of Sri Rama.
It is my experience, and I guarantee that if one recites the mantra with utmost devotion, this mantra will bestow its infinite blessings.
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