What is the Kala Bhairava Ashtakam and who composed it?

The Kala Bhairava Ashtakam is a powerful devotional hymn dedicated to Lord Kala Bhairava, a fierce and protective form of Lord Shiva who is revered as the guardian deity of Kashi (Varanasi). The stotra is composed by Adi Shankaracharya, the great 8th-century philosopher and spiritual master of Advaita Vedanta. In this eight-verse hymn, Bhairava is praised as the ruler of Kashi, the destroyer of fear, karma, and ignorance, and the protector of devotees. The stotram describes his divine attributes such as holding the trident, noose, and drum, wearing serpents as ornaments, and granting both worldly prosperity (bhukti) and liberation (moksha).

What is the spiritual meaning of the Kala Bhairava Ashtakam?

The Kala Bhairava Ashtakam portrays Lord Kala Bhairava as the ultimate protector of dharma, the destroyer of ego, and the master of time (Kala). The verses describe him as the lord of Kashi whose radiant power removes fear, sins, and karmic bondage. Symbolically, Bhairava represents the fierce aspect of divine consciousness that destroys ignorance and protects spiritual seekers on the path to liberation. By praising Bhairava as the one who grants knowledge, freedom from death, and mastery over worldly attachments, the stotra teaches that devotion to Bhairava leads to inner strength, courage, and spiritual awakening.

What are the benefits of chanting the Kala Bhairava Ashtakam?

Chanting the Kala Bhairava Ashtakam with devotion is believed to bring protection, courage, and spiritual progress. According to the phala-shruti, reciting this stotra removes sorrow, confusion, fear, poverty, anger, and negative karmic influences. Devotees believe that regular recitation grants divine blessings such as wisdom (jnana), spiritual merit (punya), and ultimately liberation (moksha). Many worshippers also chant this Bhairava stotram to overcome obstacles, protect themselves from negative energies, and develop fearlessness and clarity in life.

When is the best time to chant the Kala Bhairava Ashtakam?

The Kala Bhairava Ashtakam is traditionally chanted on Sundays, Mondays, or especially on Kalashtami (Bhairava Ashtami), the sacred day dedicated to Lord Bhairava. Devotees also recite it during early morning meditation, at midnight worship of Bhairava, or while visiting temples of Kala Bhairava in places such as Kashi (Varanasi). Chanting this stotra with focus and devotion is believed to strengthen spiritual discipline, invoke protection, and bring blessings from Lord Bhairava.

Why is Kala Bhairava called the guardian of Kashi (Varanasi)?

In Hindu tradition, Lord Kala Bhairava is revered as the Kshetrapala (divine guardian) of Kashi, the sacred city of Varanasi. Scriptures describe him as the protector who governs time, karma, and the spiritual discipline of those living in or visiting the holy city. It is believed that pilgrims visiting Kashi should first seek the blessings of Kala Bhairava before worshipping Lord Vishwanath (Shiva). Because of this role, the Kala Bhairava Ashtakam repeatedly praises him as 'Kashika Puradhinatha'—the supreme lord and protector of the holy city.

Why is Lord Kala Bhairava associated with time, death, and liberation?

Kala Bhairava represents the aspect of Lord Shiva that governs time (Kala), transformation, and the dissolution of ego and ignorance. His fierce appearance symbolizes the destruction of illusion, karmic bondage, and fear of death. Devotees believe that worshipping Bhairava helps them transcend worldly limitations and realize spiritual truth. The Kala Bhairava Ashtakam therefore praises him as the destroyer of death’s pride, the giver of liberation, and the divine protector who guides seekers toward enlightenment.

What does the phala-shruti of Kala Bhairava Ashtakam promise to devotees?

The phala-shruti of the Kala Bhairava Ashtakam states that those who recite this sacred hymn regularly gain spiritual wisdom, increased merit, and liberation from sorrow and suffering. It specifically mentions that chanting the stotra removes grief, delusion, poverty, greed, anger, and mental distress. Devotees who recite it with devotion are believed to ultimately attain the divine presence and blessings of Lord Kala Bhairava.

काल भैरव अष्टकम अर्थ सहित - Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam Sanskrit Lyrics with Meaning

देवराजसेव्यमानपावनांघ्रिपङ्कजं
व्यालयज्ञसूत्रमिन्दुशेखरं कृपाकरम् ।
नारदादियोगिवृन्दवन्दितं दिगंबरं
काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ १॥

I worship Kala Bhairava, the lord of Kashi, whose lotus feet are revered even by the king of the gods Indra, whose wears a snake as a sacred thread, who bears the crescent moon on His matted hair, and whose very nature is overflowing with compassion. He is praised by Narada and the hosts of yogis, and He roams the universe clad in space itself — the fearless, all-pervading lord.

मैं काशी के अधिपति कालभैरव की वंदना करता हूँ, जिनके पावन चरणकमल देवताओं के राजा इंद्र द्वारा भी पूजित हैं, जिनकी यज्ञोपवीत नागों की माला है, जिनके जटाजूट में चंद्रमा शोभायमान है, और जिनका स्वभाव करुणा से परिपूर्ण है। नारद और योगियों का समूह जिनकी स्तुति करता है, और जो दिगंबर रूप में (दुनिया के पार) विचरण करते हैं, उन परम प्रभु को मैं प्रणाम करता हूँ।

भानुकोटिभास्वरं भवाब्धितारकं परं
नीलकण्ठमीप्सितार्थदायकं त्रिलोचनम् ।
कालकालमंबुजाक्षमक्षशूलमक्षरं
काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ २॥

I adore Kala Bhairava, the lord of Kashi, shining like a million suns, the supreme one who helps beings cross the ocean of worldly existence. His throat is dark blue, His three eyes blaze with divine light, He fulfills all desires. He is the death of death itself, the lotus-eyed immortal, holding a noose, trident, and drum. Eternal and imperishable, He is the master of Kashi.

मैं कालभैरव की आराधना करता हूँ, जो करोड़ों सूर्य के समान तेजस्वी हैं, जो संसार सागर से पार लगाने वाले सर्वोच्च परमात्मा हैं। उनके गले में नील वर्ण है, तीन नेत्रों से दिव्य प्रकाश प्रकट होता है, वे सब इच्छाओं को पूर्ण करते हैं। वे मृत्यु के भी काल हैं, कमल जैसे नेत्रों वाले, पाश, त्रिशूल और डमरु धारण करते हैं। वे शाश्वत और अविनाशी हैं, काशी के स्वामी हैं।

शूलटंकपाशदण्डपाणिमादिकारणं
श्यामकायमादिदेवमक्षरं निरामयम् ।
भीमविक्रमं प्रभुं विचित्रताण्डवप्रियं
काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ ३॥

I bow to Kala Bhairava, the lord of Kashi, holding trident, drum, noose, and club in His hands, who is the primordial cause of creation. Whose body is dark like a storm cloud, radiating fierce, divine energy. Eternal and free from decay, He is the mighty, fearsome Lord, delighting in the wondrous dance of creation and destruction.

मैं कालभैरव को नमन करता हूँ, जिनके हाथों में त्रिशूल, डमरु, पाश और दंड सुशोभित हैं, जो सृष्टि के आदि कारण हैं। उनका श्यामवर्णी शरीर दिव्य शक्ति से दमकता है। वे शाश्वत, रोगरहित, प्रचंड पराक्रमी और अद्भुत तांडव नृत्य के प्रिय प्रभु हैं।

भुक्तिमुक्तिदायकं प्रशस्तचारुविग्रहं
भक्तवत्सलं स्थितं समस्तलोकविग्रहम् ।
विनिक्वणन्मनोज्ञहेमकिङ्किणीलसत्कटिं
काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ ४॥

I sing praise to Kala Bhairava, the lord of Kashi, the beautiful, radiant Lord who grants both worldly enjoyment and ultimate liberation. Ever kind to His devotees, He embodies the entire cosmos. Adorned with a golden girdle jingling with charming little bells, He enchants every heart.

मैं कालभैरव की स्तुति करता हूँ, जो सुंदर, तेजस्वी रूप में विराजमान हैं, जो भोग और मोक्ष दोनों देने वाले हैं। वे अपने भक्तों पर अत्यंत प्रेम रखते हैं और स्वयं संपूर्ण सृष्टि का स्वरूप हैं। उनकी कमर पर सुनहरी किंकिणियों वाली करधनी बंधी है, जिसकी मधुर झंकार हृदय को मोहित कर देती है।

धर्मसेतुपालकं त्वधर्ममार्गनाशकं
कर्मपाशमोचकं सुशर्मदायकं विभुम् ।
स्वर्णवर्णशेषपाशशोभितांगमण्डलं
काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ ५॥

I worship the mighty Kala Bhairava, the lord of Kashi,the upholder of dharma, the destroyer of unrighteousness, the liberator from the bondage of karma, and the giver of supreme happiness. His body shines like molten gold, adorned with glistening serpent ornaments.

मैं महाप्रभु कालभैरव की उपासना करता हूँ, जो धर्म के रक्षक हैं, अधर्म का नाश करने वाले हैं, कर्म के बंधनों को काटने वाले हैं, और परम आनंद देने वाले हैं। उनका शरीर स्वर्णमयी आभा से दमकता है, और उनके अंगों पर चमकदार नागों के आभूषण शोभायमान हैं।

रत्नपादुकाप्रभाभिरामपादयुग्मकं
नित्यमद्वितीयमिष्टदैवतं निरंजनम् ।
मृत्युदर्पनाशनं करालदंष्ट्रमोक्षदं
काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ ६॥

I adore Kala Bhairava, the lord of Kashi, whose two lotus feet, adorned with jewel-studded sandals, radiate divine beauty. The unique, matchless deity, ever pure, He destroys the pride of death itself. His fearsome teeth grant liberation to His devotees.

मैं कालभैरव का पूजन करता हूँ, जिनके रत्नजड़ित पादुकाओं से उनके दिव्य चरणों की शोभा बढ़ती है। वे नित्य अद्वितीय, परम पवित्र, और मेरे प्रिय आराध्य देवता हैं। वे मृत्यु के अहंकार का विनाश करते हैं, और अपनी भयानक दंतपंक्ति से भक्तों को मोक्ष प्रदान करते हैं।

अट्टहासभिन्नपद्मजाण्डकोशसंततिं
दृष्टिपातनष्टपापजालमुग्रशासनम् ।
अष्टसिद्धिदायकं कपालमालिकाधरं
काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ ७॥

I salute Kala Bhairava, the lord of Kashi, whose fierce laughter shattered Brahma’s cosmic egg. His mere glance destroys all sins, and He rules with awe-inspiring authority. Bestower of the eight mystical perfections (siddhis), He wears a garland of skulls, symbolizing His mastery over life and death.

मैं कालभैरव को प्रणाम करता हूँ, जिनकी अट्टहास (भयंकर हँसी) ने ब्रह्माजी के अंडकोश को विदीर्ण कर दिया। उनकी दृष्टि से पापों का नाश हो जाता है, और वे शासन करने वाले महान अधिपति हैं। वे अष्टसिद्धियों के दाता हैं, और उनके गले में मुण्डमाल सजी है, जो जीवन और मृत्यु पर उनके अधिकार को दर्शाती है।

भूतसंघनायकं विशालकीर्तिदायकं
काशिवासलोकपुण्यपापशोधकं विभुम् ।
नीतिमार्गकोविदं पुरातनं जगत्पतिं
काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ ८॥

I bow to Kala Bhairava, the lord of Kashi,leader of the ghostly hosts, who bestows vast fame and purifies the sins and merits of those dwelling in Kashi. He is the master of dharma, the knower of all righteous paths, the eternal Lord, the ruler of the universe.

मैं कालभैरव को नमन करता हूँ, जो भूतगणों के नायक हैं, जो विशाल कीर्ति देने वाले हैं, और काशीवासियों के पुण्य-पापों को शुद्ध करने वाले प्रभु हैं। वे नीति के मार्ग में दक्ष हैं, सनातन हैं, और जगत के अधिपति हैं।

॥ फलश्रुतिः ॥
कालभैरवाष्टकं पठंति ये मनोहरं
ज्ञानमुक्तिसाधनं विचित्रपुण्यवर्धनम् ।
शोकमोहदैन्यलोभकोपतापनाशनं
प्रयान्ति कालभैरवांघ्रिसन्निधिं नरा ध्रुवम् ॥

Those who recite this beautiful Kala Bhairava Ashtakam, which grants knowledge, liberation, and great merit, have all their sorrow, confusion, poverty, greed, anger, and suffering destroyed. They will surely attain the holy presence at the feet of Kala Bhairava.

जो व्यक्ति इस मनोहर कालभैरवाष्टक का पाठ करते हैं, वह ज्ञान, मोक्ष और अद्भुत पुण्य की प्राप्ति करते हैं। उनके शोक, मोह, दरिद्रता, लोभ, क्रोध और कष्ट सब नष्ट हो जाते हैं। वे निश्चित ही कालभैरव के चरणों की दिव्य सन्निधि को प्राप्त करते हैं।

॥ इति श्रीमत्परमहंसपरिव्राजकाचर्यस्य श्रीगोविन्दभगवत्पूज्यपादशिष्यस्य
श्रीमच्छङ्करभगवतः कृतौ श्री कालभैरवाष्टकं सम्पूर्णम् ॥

This concludes the Kala Bhairava Ashtakam, a divine hymn created by the great Adi Shankaracharya, the disciple of Govinda Bhagavatpada, and the supreme Paramahamsa monk and wandering master.

इस प्रकार श्री कालभैरवाष्टक संपूर्ण हुआ, जो परमहंस परिव्राजकाचार्य (परम तपस्वी और संन्यासी आचार्य), श्री गोविन्दभगवत्पूज्यपाद के शिष्य, श्रीमच्छङ्करभगवत्पाद (आदि शंकराचार्य) द्वारा रचित है।