Bhairav Aarti (Jai Bhairav Deva)
जय भैरव देवा
The principal aarti to Kala Bhairava — the fierce guardian form of Lord Shiva who serves as the Kotwal (chief constable) of Kashi. Sung at Kal Bhairav Mandir in Varanasi where pilgrims receive the sacred black-thread kada. Bhairav is the dispeller of fear, remover of obstacles in tantric sadhana, and the giver of swift justice.
Lyrics (Devanagari)
जय भैरव देवा, प्रभु जय भैरव देवा।
जय कालिकाधिपति, दिगम्बर भेषा॥
तुम संकट के मोचन, तुम भय भञ्जन हारी।
कोटि-कोटि भक्तन के, संकट टारी॥
श्वान सवारी साजे, कर त्रिशूल विशाला।
मुण्ड माल गल सोहे, डमरू कर माला॥
काशी कोतवाल कहावे, न्यायाधीश तुम्हीं।
जो जन शरण में आवे, उसको तारो तुम्हीं॥
भूत प्रेत सब काँपे, नाम सुनत तेरा।
दीन-दुखी के बन्धु, हरो तिमिर अँधेरा॥
English Transliteration
Jai Bhairav Deva, Prabhu Jai Bhairav Deva
Jai Kalikaadhipati, Digambara bhesha
Tum sankat ke mochan, tum bhaya bhanjan haari
Koti-koti bhaktan ke, sankat taari
Shvaan savaari saaje, kar trishool vishaala
Mund mala gala sohe, damaru kar mala
Kashi Kotwal kahaave, nyaayaadhish tumheen
Jo jan sharan mein aave, usko taaro tumheen
Bhoot pret sab kaanpe, naam sunat tera
Deen-dukhi ke bandhu, haro timir andhera
Meaning
Victory to Lord Bhairava, master of Kalika, sky-clad ascetic. Remover of calamities and destroyer of fear, you lift the troubles of crores of devotees. You ride the dog and wield the great trident; a garland of skulls adorns your neck and the damaru sounds in your hand. Known as the Kotwal of Kashi, you are the supreme judge — whoever takes refuge in you is ferried across. Ghosts and spirits tremble at your name; friend of the wretched, you dispel the darkness.
Book a related puja
Pujas where this aarti is traditionally sung.