Kalashtami or Kala Ashtami is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Bhairav and is observed every Hindu lunar month on the ‘Krishna Paksha Ashtami Tithi’ (8th day during the waning phase of moon).
There are a total of 12 Kalashtami in a year and the Ashtami Tithi (8th day) after Purnima (full moon) is considered to be the best day to worship Lord Bhairava. Hindu devotees, who follow Lord Bhairava, worship and keep a fast on the days that are marked for him. Kalashtami is also considered to have more value if it falls on a Sunday or Tuesday, which are dedicated to Lord Bhairava.
Kalashtami Tithi Timing:
December 07, 6:47 pm – December 08, 5:17 pm
Significance of Kalashtami:
It is believed that Bhairava is a manifestation of Shiva’s wrath, who came into being when the Trimurti gods, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva were debating who among them was more superior. Legend says that when Brahma insulted Shiva, the latter became so angry that Bhairava appeared from his forehead and severed one of the former’s five heads. It is said that Brahma’s severed head stuck to Bhairava’s left palm due to the grave sin he had committed.
To pay for the sins he had committed, Bhairava had to take on the vow of a Kapali and wander the world as a naked beggar with the skull of Brahma as his begging bowl. His sins were finally forgiven when he reached the holy city of Varanasi.
