Skip to main content
Lunar vrat (tithi-based)

Kalashtami Vratकालाष्टमी व्रत

Devoted to Lord Kala Bhairav (Shiva fierce form) · Monthly (Krishna Paksha Ashtami)

Deity
Lord Kala Bhairav (Shiva fierce form)
Duration
24+ hours sunrise to next-day sunrise
Best time
Monthly Krishna Paksha Ashtami
Prasad
Sweet kheer + fruits + panchamrit broken at sunrise next day

Significance

Monthly Bhairav-vrata for protection + obstacle removal + Sade Sati relief. Particularly observed by serious Tantric sadhakas. Bhairav is the wrathful form of Shiva — the foremost protective deity per Tantric tradition.

Who Observes

Serious Shaiva + Tantric sadhakas; those facing severe obstacles or enemy attacks; Sade Sati-affected individuals

Fasting Rules (Upvas Niyam)

  • Phalahari from sunrise to next-day sunrise
  • No grains, salt, sweets, sour foods
  • Strict celibacy
  • No reading + TV
  • Black + saffron clothes (Bhairav colors)

Rituals (Puja Vidhi)

  1. Snan + saffron/black clothes
  2. Bhairav puja at home altar OR Kal Bhairav temple
  3. Light black sesame oil lamp
  4. Offer black sesame + red flowers + black urad dal
  5. Read Bhairav Ashtakam by Adi Shankaracharya
  6. Night vigil w/ Bhairav mantras

Prasad

Sweet kheer + fruits + panchamrit broken at sunrise next day

Benefits (Phal)

Per Shiva Mahapurana — Kalashtami vrata grants Bhairav protection from enemies + black magic + accidents + premature death. Particularly potent for those undergoing Sade Sati. Recommended for serious spiritual practitioners + those facing inexplicable persistent obstacles.

Primary Mantra

ॐ ह्रीं भैरवाय नमः। ॐ काल भैरवाय नमः।

Vrat Katha (Story Origin)

Per Shiva Mahapurana, Brahma once boasted about being the supreme creator. Lord Shiva, in his wrath, manifested as Kala Bhairav (Time-Bhairav) and severed Brahma fifth head with his fingernail. To purify himself of the Brahma-hatya (killing of Brahmin) sin, Bhairav wandered as a beggar with the severed head stuck to his hand. The sin was finally absolved at Kashi when the head fell at Brahmakapal Tirth. Kalashtami commemorates this cosmic event.

Book a pandit for Kalashtami Vrat udyapan or katha

Concluding ceremony, havan, or full katha recitation at your home or remotely with video proof.

Related vrats