Kala bhairava ashtakam

kala bhairava ashtakam et bhairava gayathri

Kala Bhairava is the fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva associated with annihilation. He is one of the most important deities of Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Nepal who originated in Hindu mythology and is sacred to Hindus, Buddhists and Jains alike.

He is depicted ornamented with a range of twisted serpents, which serve as earrings, bracelets, anklets, and sacred thread (yajnopavita). He wears a tiger skin and a ritual apron composed of human bones. Bhairava has a dog (Shvan) as his divine vahana (vehicle).

Kala Bhairava is an incarnation of Lord Shiva and the Devata of the Lord Rahu Navagraha Planet). Kala Bhairava is also regarded as the guardian of Lord Shiva temples. Kala Bhairava is the Rudra Avatar of Shiva who is the omnipresent time or Kala. Kala or time is the fearsome face of Shiva as time stops for none.

Kalabhairava Ashtakam is sung in praise of Lord Kalabhairav, the terrific form of Lord Shiva. Kalabhairava, the fearsome aspect of Lord Shiva, is the God who is the protector of Benares.

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.