Bhairav Chalisa
भैरव चालीसा
40-verse hymn to Kala Bhairava — the fierce form of Shiva, eternal kotwal (police-chief) of Kashi, guardian of time itself. Worshipped as the dispeller of fear, remover of debts, and lord of the eight Bhairavas (Asitanga, Ruru, Chanda, Krodha, Unmatta, Kapala, Bhishana, Samhara).
Significance
No pilgrim's Kashi yatra is complete without seeking Kala Bhairava's permission first — he holds the keys to Vishwanath's city. His chalisa removes obstacles caused by ancestral curses (pitra dosh), Shani affliction, accumulated debts, and lingering negative entities. Tantric sadhakas invoke him as the gatekeeper of siddhi.
When recited: Sundays, Tuesdays, Bhairav Ashtami, Kala Ashtami of every month, midnight tantric upasana
Benefits
- Removal of debts (rin-mochan) and chronic financial blockages
- Protection from accidents, sudden death, and untimely calamity
- Relief from Shani Dosha and Pitra Dosha
- Banishment of ghosts, negative entities, and tantric attacks
- Courage to walk the spiritual path without fear of worldly opposition
- Successful completion of Kashi yatra and tantric sadhana
Opening verses
First 6 verses of the Bhairav Chalisa — the most-recited opening section.
जय जय श्री काल भैरव देवा। करत सदा संतन की सेवा॥
अष्ट भैरव के तुम अधिनायक। काशी पुरी के परम सहायक॥
श्वान सवारी कर में डंडा। दुष्ट जनन को देत प्रचंडा॥
त्रिशूल खप्पर खड्ग सुहावे। कटि करधनी घुंघरू बजावे॥
भूत प्रेत पिशाच भगावे। रोग शोक संताप मिटावे॥
काशी के कोतवाल कहाओ। विश्वनाथ के द्वारपाल लाओ॥
Meaning
Victory, victory to revered Kala Bhairava Deva, who eternally serves the company of saints. You are the supreme lord of the eight Bhairavas and the foremost protector of the holy city of Kashi. Riding upon the dog, wielding the staff in your hand, you unleash fierce justice upon the wicked. The trident, skull-bowl, and sword grace you splendidly; the ankle-bells upon your waist-girdle resound. You banish ghosts, spirits, and demonic possessors, and dissolve disease, grief, and torment. You are hailed as the kotwal of Kashi, the gatekeeper guarding the very threshold of Lord Vishwanath. Devotees who recite these verses with a fearless heart at midnight find their debts dissolved, their enemies silenced, and the path to liberation cleared by the dread lord who guards time itself with his loyal hound and unsheathed blade.
For complete authoritative text
Refer to printed editions from these sources for the full 40-verse chalisa with traditional pronunciation guides: