Tantra Temple in India - Kaal Bhairav Temple, Varanasi

Kaal Bhairav, Varanasi

Kaal Bhairav Temple today is one of the most intresting in Varanasi. Entering from the street , through a door guarded by Bhairava's mount, the dog, one finds a fine courtyard, in the center of which is the main shrine of Bhairava. Only the silver face of kaala bhairava, garlanded with flowers, is visible through the doorway of inner sanctum. The rest of Bhairava's image-said to be pot-bellied, seated upon a dog, holding a trident-is hidden behind a cloth drapery. 


I am very proud and happy to say here that I was very fortunate to have darshan of Kaal Bhairav during my religious visit to Prayag/Varanasi/Gaya ,in the month of September/October,2009.  For more info on Kashi, you may visit my website:  http://punithayatra.blogspot.com

Kaal Bhairav Temple is situated in Varanasi. Varanasi, the "City of Temples" is picturesquely situated on the crescent shaped left bank of the holy Ganga, Varanasi, one of the ancient seats of learning in India, is said to be a compound of the names of two streams, the Varuna and the Assi, which still flow in the north and south of the city respectively. This name seems to have been corrupted, in medieval times to Banaras, which was in use till May 24, 1956 when it was changed to Varanasi, by an order of the Government of India. Varanasi is probably one of the most ancient living cities in India. From time immemorial it has been a great religious center for Hindus and one of their most sacred places of pilgrimage, being visited by millions of people every year.

Situated in Visheswarganj, Kaal Bhairav, is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are nine other Bhairav temples in the city. Kaal Bhairav, the "Black Terror," is widely known as the Kotwal, the "police chief," of Kashi, and the section of the city in which his temple stands is known as Kotwalpuri. Bhairav is considered a fearsome manifestation of Shiva. He wears a garland of skulls and carries a club of peacock feathers. Kaal Bhairav, whose name, Kaal means both Death and Fate, in addition to meaning Black. He is the black one who has also assumed the duties of the God of Death in Kashi. Even Death, it is said, is afraid of Kaal Bhairava.

Devotees at Kaal Bhairav Temple,Varanasi

For many centuries, this temple was a spiritual center in Kashi for the most severe of Shiva ascetics, the "Kapalis" or "Skull-Bearers," and their later descendants, the Gorakhnathis. Today, however, the temple is no longer the exclusive domain of such extremist yogis and is, rather patronized by ordinary householders for his protective blessings.This temple is popular and beloved among those who live under its influence in the surrounding Kotwalpuri section of the city.  

The Inspector of Kashi - Kaal Bhairav

The Kaal Bhairav is said to be the Inspector of Kashi. It is believed if he gets angry on someone, the person cannot leave Varanasi for his entire life. The legends says that even death is scared of Kaal Bhairav. People who go on pilgrim visit to Varanasi, do not forget to visit Kaal Bhairava Temple.  


Important Days for Worship:


Ashtami day [eighth day after Poornima] in the month of Margashirsha is an important day for worshipping Kaal Bhairav.  Besides sundays, tuesdays, Ashtami and Chaturdasi days are very important for worshipping Kaal Bhairav.  A person who circumabulates Lord Kaal Bhairav 8 times will be absolved of all the sins committed by him.  It is also believed that a devotee who worships Kaal Bhairav for 6 months will attain all types of Siddhi [ as mentioned in Kashi Khand Chapter 31].  

Old timers in Kashi believe whenever residents of Kashi leave the city for short journeys, they worship Kaal Bhairav[taking his permission] and on return back to Kashi, they again worship Kaal Bhairav.  It is said that those living in or visiting Kashi, must worship Kaal Bhairav and he in turn, grants protection/shelter to all his devotees.  

Selling of Kasi Thread to Devotees

This is the temple where Kasi thread [Black] is available. Kala [Black] Bhairavar [Form of Lord Shiva] is the significance of the name.

The temple remains open from 5.00 am to 1.30 pm and from 4.30 pm to 9.30pm.  There is heavy rush of devotees on sundays and tuesdays.  

Inner Sanctum of the Temple

How to get to the Temple:


Kaal Bhairav temple is located at K-32/22, Bhaironath.  People can approach this place by rickshaw either through Bisheshwarganj cross roads or through Golghar. This is a very famous temple and all the devotees wishing to have darshan of Kaal Bhairav will be guided well  by the local residents.  
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Local Transport- Hand Rickshws of Varanasi

Local Transport of Varanasi include the Auto-rickshaws, hand-rickshaws and taxis. Its best to walk down or get a Rickshaw to move in the Old Varanasi. For other parts of city, Auto-rickshaws are a good option.

Varanasi

How to Reach Varanasi

By Air : 
Varanasi is well connected and accessible by flights. It is well connected to major Indian cities and tourist spots like Delhi, Agra, Khajuraho, Jaipur, etc.

By Rail :
Varanasi is well connected by rail to all the major cities of India.

By Road :
Varanasi is well connected to all the major cities of Uttar Pradesh and India like Patna, Agra, Allahabad, Bodhgaya, Kanpur, Bhopal, Lucknow, Khajuraho, Sarnath, Lumbini (now in Nepal), Kushi Nagar, Gorakhpur, etc.