Om Kalabhairavaya Namah (Bhairav Mantra)

What it means

This is a nama mantra, a mantra made of the deity's name in the form of a salutation. Om is the primordial sound; Kalabhairavaya means "to Kalabhairava"; namah means "I bow". Together: "Om, I bow to Kalabhairava." "Kala" means both time and death, and "Bhairava" means the terrifying one, so the name itself is a prayer to the power that stands above time and fear. Like Om Namah Shivaya, it needs no initiation.

Name mantra and bija mantra

Bhairav also has mantras with bija (seed) syllables, such as Om hraam hreem hraum Kalabhairavaya namah, and tantric mantras of Batuk Bhairav used in formal sadhana. Those are traditionally learned from a guru, with rules about time, count and conduct. The plain name mantra is the one meant for everyone, and it is a complete practice on its own.

How to chant it

• When: Kalashtami (every Krishna Paksha Ashtami), Kaal Bhairav Jayanti, Sundays and Tuesdays. Evening and night suit Bhairav, but any time is fine.
• Where and how: sit facing his picture or a lamp, preferably a mustard-oil lamp. A rudraksha mala is customary.
• Count: 108 times (one mala) is standard; some do 11 malas on Kalashtami.
• Afterwards: recite the Kalabhairava Ashtakam or Bhairav Chalisa, sing the aarti, and feed a dog if you can.

What people chant it for

Devotees chant it for courage and protection: from fear, nightmares, enemies, accidents and harmful influences, and for steadiness in legal or official trouble, which fits Bhairav's role as the Kotwal, the magistrate, of Kashi. Above all it is a prayer to lose the fear of death and of time running out.

Frequently asked questions

Can anyone chant Om Kalabhairavaya Namah?

Yes. It is a name mantra and needs no diksha. Men, women and children can all chant it.

Is it dangerous to chant Bhairav mantras at home?

The name mantra is not. Caution applies to tantric bija mantras taken up without guidance, not to a simple salutation like this.

How many times should it be chanted?

One mala of 108 is standard. On Kalashtami or Bhairav Jayanti some chant 11 malas or more.

Which day is best for Bhairav mantra japa?

Kalashtami, the Ashtami of the waning moon, and Kaal Bhairav Jayanti in Margashirsha. Sunday and Tuesday are also traditional.

Which mala should be used?

A rudraksha mala is most common, since Bhairav is a form of Shiva. A black hakik mala is also used by some.

Should I fast when chanting it?

It is not required. Many people chant it as part of the Kalashtami vrat, but japa on its own is complete.