Kalashtami or Kala Ashtami is observed in every Hindu lunar month on the Krishna Paksha Ashtami Tithi. He is a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva associated with annihilation. Kalashtami is dedicated to Lord Bhairav. These Days are considered most suitable for worshiping Lord Kalabhairava. There are a total of 12 Kalashtami celebrations per year. Margashirsha is the most important and is known as Kalabhairav Jayanti.
Devotees worship Lord Shiva and Bhairav on the day to ask forgiveness for their sins. Worshiping him brings good health, prosperity, happiness and success, according to belief. It is also believed that by worshiping Lord Kala Bhairav, all ‘Rahu’ and ‘Shani’ doshas can be nullified.
Kalashtami Rituals:
Kalashtami is an important day for devotees of Lord Shiva. Lord Bhairav is known to be the fearsome manifestation of Lord Shiva. Devotees worship Lord Kala Bhairav along with Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati. After the puja, they also recite the Kalabhairav story. They bath early in the morning to perform special pujas and rituals for their ancestors.
Devotees stay awake at night and tell stories of Lord Kala Bhairav and Lord Shiva along with chanted mantras dedicated to Bhairav. Arti is also played at midnight with traditional musical instruments such as drums, bells and conches. Some devotees also observe fasting during the day on Kalabhairav Jayanti. Dogs are also fed milk and sweets on this day when Lord Kala Bhairav rides a dog.
Kalashtami 2022 Dates:
- 25th January
- 23rd February
- 25th March
- 23rd April
- 22nd May
- 20th June
- 20th July
- 19th August
- 17th September
- 17th October
- 16th November
- 16th December
