Kaal Bhairav

 

Kaal Bhairav is seen variously as a manifestation of Lord Shiva himself who manages the cycles of Time and destruction of things as per the cycles the same as Veerabhadra, one of the lieutenants of Shiva that killed Daksha, a protector of Banaras and a guardian to the temples of Lord Shiva.

Kalabhairava, the fearsome aspect of Lord Shiva, is the God who is the protector of Banaras. Once Brahma insulted Lord Shiva And his fifth head teasingly laughed at Lord Shiva. From Lord Shiva came out the Kalabhairava (Black Bhairava) who tore off the fifth head of Lord Brahma. On the entreaties of Lord Vishnu, Shiva pardoned Lord Brahma. But the sin of beheading Lord Brahma followed Kalabhairava everywhere.

Also the head of Brahma stuck to him. To keep away the sin and punishment which were chasing him, Kaal Bhairava entered the city of Banaras. The sin could not enter the city. Kaal Bhairava was made as the Kotwal of Banaras. Kaal Bhairava rides on a dog. A pilgrimage to Kashi is not supposed to be complete without visiting the temple of Shri Kaal Bhairava.

Another legend identifies Kaal Bhairava with Veerabhadra who cut off the head of Daksha the father of Sati Devi, when he insulted Lord Shiva. Sati’s body was cut into pieces and strewn all over India giving rise to Shakthi Peeths. Outside every Shakthi Peeth is the temple for Shri Kaal Bhairava.

In another story, Kaal Bhairava is the form of Shiva who controls the growth and management of time. Whoever wants to spend, manage or ration their time in a proper manner should pray to him.

He is also considered as the guardian of temples of Lord Shiva. After locking the doors of the temple of Lord Shiva, the keys are ceremonially offered to Shri Kaal Bhairava.!

Jai Shri Kaal Bhairavaya Namah