Kalashtami 2023: Kalashtami or Kala Ashtami is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Bhairav and celebrated on the ‘Krishna Paksha Ashtami Tithi’ (eighth day during the declining phase of the moon) of every Hindu lunar month.
Kalashtami 2023: History
The ‘Ashtami Tithi’ (eighth day) following ‘Purnima’ (full moon) is regarded as the best day to appease Lord Kaal Bhairav. On this day, devotees of the Hindu religion worship Lord Bhairav and fast to appease Him. There are twelve Kalashtami celebrations per year.
The one occurring in the month of ‘Margashirsha’ is the most significant and is known as ‘Kalabhairav Jayanti’. As these days are devoted to Lord Bhairav, Kalashtami is also considered more sacred when it occurs on a Sunday or Tuesday.
On Kalashtami, the festival honouring Lord Bhairav is celebrated with great fervour and devotion throughout the nation.
Goga Navami 2023: Date, History, Significance, Rituals (newsd.in)
Kalashtami 2023 is on September 06 Wednesday
4 days to go for the event
Ashtami Tithi Timing : September 06, 3:38 pm – September 07, 4:14 pm
Rituals observed on Kalashtami:
Kalashtami is a significant day for devotees of Lord Shiva. On this day, devotees rise prior to sunrise and take a bath. They perform a special puja to Kaal Bhairav in order to seek His divine blessings and atone for their transgressions.
Evening worshippers also visit the temple of Lord Kaal Bhairav to offer special devotion. It is believed that Kalashtami is an aggressive manifestation of Lord Shiva. He was born to put an end to Lord Brahma’s raging wrath and temper.
On Kalashtami, morning puja and rituals are also performed for deceased ancestors.
In addition, devotees observe a strict all-day fast. Some devoted devotees spend the entire night keeping vigil and listening to tales of Mahakaleshwar. The observant of the Kalashtami Vrat is bestowed with prosperity and contentment, as well as lifelong success.
It is considered fortunate to recite the Kaal Bhairav Katha and Lord Shiva-dedicated mantras.
It is also customary to feed canines on Kalashtami, as a black dog is believed to be Lord Bhairav’s vehicle. The dogs are provided with milk, yoghurt, and treats.
Offering sustenance to Brahmins in Hindu pilgrimage sites such as Kashi is regarded as extremely rewarding.
Important Timings On Kalashtami 2023
| Ashtami Tithi Timing | September 06, 03:38 PM – September 07, 04:14 PM |
Significance of Kalashtami:
The ‘Aditya Purana’ describes the grandeur of Kalashtami. On Kalashtami, the primary deity venerated is Lord Kaal Bhairav, who is recognised as a manifestation of Lord Shiva.
The Hindi word ‘kaal’ means ‘time,’ while ‘Bhairav’ alludes to ‘Shiva’s manifestation. Therefore, Kaal Bhairav is also known as the “God of Time,” and devotees of Lord Shiva worship him with total devotion.
Lord Shiva was enraged by a remark made by Brahma during an argument between Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh, according to Hindu mythology. He then assumed the guise of ‘Mahakaleshwar’ and severed Lord Brahma’s fifth head.
Devas and Humans venerate this form of Lord Shiva as “Kaal Bhairav” from then on. It is believed that on Kalashtami, those who worship Lord Shiva desire his abundant blessings.
It is also widely believed that worshipping Lord Bhairav on this day will remove all of one’s suffering, anguish, and negative influences from their lives.
All Kalashtami dates in 2023
| January 15th Sunday |
Ashtami Tithi Timing : Jan 14, 7:23 PM – Jan 15, 7:45 PM |
| February 13th Monday |
Ashtami Tithi Timing : Feb 13, 9:46 AM – Feb 14, 9:04 AM |
| March 15th Wednesday |
Ashtami Tithi Timing : Mar 14, 8:22 PM – Mar 15, 6:46 PM |
| April 13th Thursday |
Ashtami Tithi Timing : Apr 13, 3:44 AM – Apr 14, 1:34 AM |
| May 12th Friday |
Ashtami Tithi Timing : May 12, 9:07 AM – May 13, 6:51 AM |
| June 10th Saturday |
Ashtami Tithi Timing : Jun 10, 2:02 PM – Jun 11, 12:06 PM |
| July 9th Sunday |
Ashtami Tithi Timing : Jul 09, 8:00 PM – Jul 10, 6:44 PM |
| August 8th Tuesday |
Ashtami Tithi Timing : Aug 08, 4:14 AM – Aug 09, 3:52 AM |
| September 6th Wednesday |
Ashtami Tithi Timing : Sep 06, 3:38 PM – Sep 07, 4:14 PM |
| October 6th Friday |
Ashtami Tithi Timing : Oct 06, 6:35 AM – Oct 07, 8:08 AM |
| November 5th Sunday |
Ashtami Tithi Timing : Nov 05, 1:00 AM – Nov 06, 3:18 AM |
| December 5th Tuesday |
Ashtami Tithi Timing : Dec 04, 10:00 PM – Dec 06, 12:37 AM |
