Bhairav's monthly day
Kalashtami is the Ashtami, the eighth day, of every Krishna Paksha (waning fortnight). It is the monthly day of Kaal Bhairav, Shiva's fierce form and the guardian of Kashi, just as Ekadashi belongs to Vishnu and Chaturthi to Ganesh. The darkening half of the month suits a deity who is worshipped at night and who stands guard against fear and darkness. Twelve Kalashtamis come round in a year, and devotees who keep the vrat regularly keep all of them.
Bhairav Jayanti
One Kalashtami is greater than the rest: the Kalashtami of Margashirsha, called Kaal Bhairav Jayanti or Bhairav Ashtami. The Shiva Purana says this is the day Bhairav appeared from Shiva's anger to humble Brahma. (In the purnimanta calendar of North India it falls in Margashirsha; in the amanta calendar the same day falls in Kartik, but it is the same date.) It is celebrated with special force in Varanasi and Ujjain, where the Kaal Bhairav temples are crowded through the night.
Why keep it
People keep the Kalashtami vrat for protection: from fear, enemies, accidents, bad dreams, harmful influences and legal trouble. It is also kept to calm the effects of Rahu and Shani, and simply as devotion to Shiva in his protective form. Its deeper purpose is the one Bhairav's name holds: overcoming the fear of kaal, time and death.
The vidhi
- Morning. Bathe, take the sankalp, and worship Shiva briefly, offering water to a Shivling if you can.
- Fast through the day. Most keep a phalahar fast with fruit, milk and water. Some keep a full fast. Grains, onion and garlic are avoided.
- Night puja. After sunset, preferably at night (Bhairav's worship is traditionally in nishita kaal, around midnight, but the evening is fine for home worship), set up his picture. Follow the Kaal Bhairav puja vidhi.
- Chaumukh lamp. Light a four-wicked lamp of mustard oil, and offer sindoor, black sesame, urad, flowers and incense.
- Path. Chant Om Kalabhairavaya Namah 108 times, and recite the Kalabhairava Ashtakam and the Bhairav Chalisa.
- Aarti. Sing the Bhairav Aarti.
- Feed a dog. Offer a roti with mustard oil or ghee, or part of the prasad, to a dog, ideally a black one. This is considered essential on Kalashtami.
- Jagran (optional). On Bhairav Jayanti many stay awake through the night with bhajans and the story of Bhairav's appearance.
- Parana. Break the fast the next morning after sunrise, with a simple sattvik meal. Some families break it the same night after feeding the dog; follow your custom.
Things to keep in mind
- Household Kalashtami worship is sattvik. Liquor offerings and tantric rites belong to particular temples and initiated sadhana.
- Never harm or chase away a dog on Kalashtami. Many devotees make a point of feeding street dogs on this day every month.
- Kalashtami and Krishna Janmashtami can both fall on Ashtami; Janmashtami is the Krishna Paksha Ashtami of Bhadrapada (purnimanta). On that day most families keep the Janmashtami fast.
Frequently asked questions
When is Kalashtami?
Every month on the Ashtami (eighth tithi) of the Krishna Paksha, the waning moon. Check the Panchang, since the tithi may begin on the previous evening.
What is the difference between Kalashtami and Kaal Bhairav Jayanti?
Kalashtami comes every month. Kaal Bhairav Jayanti is the Kalashtami of Margashirsha, the day Bhairav appeared, and is the biggest of the year.
What can be eaten on the Kalashtami fast?
Fruit, milk, curd and water during the day. Grains, onion and garlic are avoided. The fast is broken the next morning with sattvik food.
Why is a dog fed on Kalashtami?
The dog is Bhairav's vahana. Feeding a dog is considered a direct offering to him, and many think the vrat is incomplete without it.
Can the Kalashtami puja be done in the evening instead of midnight?
Yes. Nishita kaal (midnight) is traditional for temples and strict observers, but an evening puja after sunset is accepted for home worship.
Can women keep the Kalashtami vrat?
Yes. There is no restriction; many women keep it for the protection of the family.
Is Kalashtami connected to Shani or Rahu?
Bhairav is widely worshipped to calm the troubles of Shani and Rahu, so the vrat is often recommended during difficult planetary periods.
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