Kalabhairava Ashtakamकालभैरवाष्टकम्
Devoted to Kalabhairava
Source: Adi Shankaracharya
Transliteration
devarajasevyamana-pavananghripankajam vyalayajnasutram-indushekharam kripakaram naradadiyogivrindavanditam digambaram kashikapuradhinatha-kalabhairavam bhaje
Meaning (English)
I worship Kalabhairava, the sovereign lord of Kashi city, whose pure lotus-feet are served by the king of gods Indra himself, who wears the serpent as sacred thread and the crescent moon upon his matted hair, the compassionate one. He is the sky-clad ascetic worshipped by Narada and the hosts of yogis. Composed by Adi Shankaracharya, the eight verses hail Kalabhairava — the wrathful aspect of Shiva guarding Kashi, master of Time itself, whose mere remembrance dissolves the karma of countless births and grants protection to those treading the spiritual path.
Benefits (Phal)
Supreme protection stotra against black magic, evil spirits, premature death, accidents on the road and theft; standard recitation at all 12 Bhairava kshetras including Kashi, Ujjain and Brahmakapal Badrinath; daily chanting confers fearlessness, recovery of lost articles and clearing of stubborn obstacles in spiritual sadhana; held to be the moksha-dvara for those who die in Kashi as Bhairava himself whispers the tarak-mantra at the moment of death.
When to Chant
Every Tuesday, every Kalashtami (Krishna Paksha Ashtami), Bhairava Jayanti (Margashirsha Krishna Ashtami), during pilgrimage to Kashi or any Shiva kshetra, and as protection sandhi at midnight when undertaking long travel or facing legal trouble.
How to Chant
Sit facing south or south-east after evening bath, light a black-or-red wicked sesame-oil lamp before Bhairava image. Offer kala-til (black sesame), red flowers, jaggery and a cup of rum or madya substituted with milk for satvik practice. Chant all eight verses in proper bhujangaprayata chhanda with measured intensity. Conclude with Om Hram Hreem Hroum Sah Kalabhairavaya Namah twenty-one times.
Book a pandit for Kalabhairava Ashtakam jaap
Major sankalp (1.25 lakh count or more) traditionally requires a trained pandit. Verified pandits perform on your behalf with full video proof + sankalpa with your gotra/nakshatra.