Kaal Bhairav Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Kaal Bhairav Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Bhairava, a form of Lord Shiva located in Varanasi (Kasi) City in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. The temple is dedicated to Bhairava (Kaal Bhairav), a fierce form of Shiva and wears a garland of skulls and carries a club of peacock feathers. It is one of the oldest Shiva temples in Varanasi. Kaal Bhairav is widely known as the Kotwal, the police chief, of Kashi, and the section of the city in which his temple stands is known as Kotwalpuri. There are nine other Bhairav temples in the city. The Temple is located at K-32/22 Bhaironath, Vishweshwarganj, Varanasi.
Legends
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History
The Shrine was present here from time immemorial and got destroyed by Muslim invaders. The current structure was built in 17th Century AD.
The Temple
The temple entrance is narrow, and one can see the deity from the entrance. Presiding Deity is called as Kal Bhairav. He is housed in the sanctum. He is a silver faced idol, seated on his vahana (vehicle), a dog and is holding a trident. Only, the face of the icon decorated (with garlands) is visible to the visitors through the doorway. Rest of the icon is covered with a piece of cloth.
There is an icon of Kshetrapal Bhairav, another aspect of Bhairava on the rear door of the temple. The entry to the inner sanctum of the temple is on the backside of the temple and only priests can enter. It is a famous activity to buy sesame oil and flowers for the deity but, not mandatory. There are shops outside the temple to buy the flowers and other items. Unlike many other temples, alcohol is offered to the God.
Temple Opening Time
The temple remains open from 05.00 am to 01.30 pm and from 4.30 pm to 9.30 pm. There will be heavy rush of devotees on Sundays and Tuesdays.
Festivals
Ashtami day (eighth day after Poornima) in the month of Margashirsha is an important day for worshipping Kaal Bhairav. Besides Sundays, Tuesdays, Ashtami and Chaturdasi days are very important for worshipping Kaal Bhairav. Annakut (fourth day from Diwali) and Shringar are the other important festivals celebrated in this temple.
Religious Significance
Kaal Bhairav is believed to be the Kotwal (Chief police officer) of Varanasi. It is said that Kal Bhairav decides who has to stay in Varanasi and who should not. People of Varanasi get permission from the deity before leaving the town for any reason. Anyone visiting Varanasi should visit the temple first and get permission to enter into Varanasi, according to folklore. Kaal Bhairav is also believed to be the Kotwal of Sati Pind and without his permission, no one can touch the Sati Pind. Kaal Bhairav protects the devotees from all the problems.
This temple was a spiritual center in Kashi for the most severe of Shiva ascetics, the Kapalis or Skull-Bearers, and their later descendants, the Gorakhnathis. Today, however, the temple is no longer the exclusive domain of such extremist yogis and is, rather patronized by ordinary householders for his protective blessings. This temple is popular and beloved among those who live under its influence in the surrounding Kotwalpuri section of the city.
Prayers
A person who circumambulates Lord Kaal Bhairav 8 times will be absolved of all the sins committed by him. It is also believed that a devotee who worships Kaal Bhairav for 6 months will attain all types of Siddhi (as mentioned in Kashi Khand Chapter 31). Old timers in Kashi believe whenever residents of Kashi leave the city for short journeys, they worship Kaal Bhairav (taking his permission) and on return back to Kashi, they again worship Kaal Bhairav. It is said that those living in or visiting Kashi, must worship Kaal Bhairav and he in turn, grants protection/shelter to all his devotees. This is the temple where Kasi thread (Black) is available. Kala (Black) Bhairavar (Form of Lord Shiva) is the significance of the name.
Connectivity
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