Kalashtami 2022: Kalashtami fast is a very important day for the devotees of Lord Bhairav. This fast is observed on the Ashtami date of the Krishna Paksha of each month.
On this day, devotees of Lord Bhairav keep fast throughout the day and worship them on the day of Kalashtami in the year.
It should be noted that Kala Ashtami fast can be observed on Saptami Tith.
According to the religious text, the fast of fasting Kalashtami should be observed on the day when Ashtami Tithi remains at night.
Kalashtami 2022: Dates
Tuesday, 25 January 2022
Magha, Krishna Ashtami
25 January at 07:48 am – 26 January at 06:25 am
Wednesday, 23 February 2022
Phalguna, Krishna Ashtami
23 February at 04:56 pm – 24 February at 03:03 pm
Friday, 25 March 2022
Chaitra, Krishna Ashtami
25 March at 00:09 am – 25 March at 10:04 pm
Saturday, 23 April 2022
Vaishakha, Krishna Ashtami
23 April at 06:27 am – 24 April at 04:29 am
Sunday, 22 May 2022
Jyeshtha, Krishna Ashtami
22 May at 12:59 pm – 23 May at 11:34 am
Monday, 20 June 2022
Ashadha, Krishna Ashtami
20 June at 09:01 pm – 21 June at 08:30 pm
Wednesday, 20 July 2022
Shravana, Krishna Ashtami
20 July at 07:35 – 21 July at 08:11 am
Friday, 19 August 2022
Bhadrapada, Krishna Ashtami
18 August at 09:20 pm – , 19 August at 10:59 pm
Saturday, 17 September 2022
Ashwina, Krishna Ashtami
17 September at 02:14 pm – 18 September at 04:32 pm
Monday, 17 October 2022
Kartika, Krishna Ashtami
17 October at 09:29 am – 18 October at 11:57 am
Wednesday, 16 November 2022
Margashirsha, Krishna Ashtami (Kalabhairav Jayanti)
16 November at 05:49 am – 17 November at 07:57 am
Friday, 16 December 2022
Pausha, Krishna Ashtami
16 December at 01:39 am – 17 December at 03:02 am
Kalashtami 2022: History
According to mythology, Lord Kalabhairav emerged from the fingernail of Lord Shiva.
It is believed that once an argument between Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma took place regarding who is mightier and stronger.
During the argument, a huge Agni Linga appeared in front of Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma, both putting their efforts on an end to see the end of the linga but could not.
Lord Brahma lied about finding an end. This left Lord Shiva angry.
Lord Shiva, therefore, created Lord Kalabhairava, who, with his permission, chopped off Brahma’s fifth head.
Kalashtami 2022: Significance
Kalashtami is significant for Hindus as it is believed that worshipping Kalabhairav on this day leads to success and financial stability.
It is also said that Lord Bhairav prevents his devotees from negative emotions like anger, lust and greed.
Kalabhairav, the fearsome manifestation of Lord Shiva, is worshipped in many temples across the country.
Kalashtami 2022: Puja Vidhi
People who keep a fast on this day rise early, take bath and worship Lord Kalabhairav by offering rice, roses, coconut, sandalwood, milk and nuts to his idol.
Subsequently, they light incense sticks and a lamp containing mustard oil while chanting mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva.
During the night-time, the devotees offer water to the moon and break their fast.
Those fasting abstain from consuming alcohol, tobacco, non-vegetarian food among other things. Further, the devotees also maintain celibacy during the fasting period.
