Kaal Bhairav temple is a mythical shrine of God Shiva located in Bharonath, Vishweshwarga, a place in Varanasi. The temple has various religious, historical, and cultural significance that attracts a lot of people. The temple is totally devoted to Bhairava (a ferocious form of Lord Shiva). The Kaal Bhairav Mandir derived its name from the ferocious form of Lord Shiva, and when combined with “Kaal” it basically signifies that someone’s time is not going well, and he is about to face death. This form of Shiva wears a garland containing skulls and peacock feathers with them. It is a belief that if somebody’s time is not going in favor, things go in the right direction, after visiting the temple. There is a saying that Kashi is one of Lord Shiva's favorite places, and he appointed Kaal Bhairav as the Kotwal of that place and gave him the authority to punish those who committed sins. In the interior of the temple, there is a silver idol of Kaal Bhairav form of Lord Shiva, that is sitting on a vehicle, with a dog and his three-pronged spear is the main center of attraction for the visitors, but the visitors only see the decorated face of the idol, other parts are totally covered with a piece of cloth.
Previously, God Brahma and Vishnu were competing among themselves to see who is superior. Then Lord Shiva appeared as a ray of hope to sort out the fight between the two Gods. An angry Brahma looked at the pillar of light with its 5th head, which began to burn in anger. Shiva immediately created the being Kaal Bhairava, who decapitated the 5th head of Brahma and got stuck on the hand of Kaal Bhairava. Brahma Hatya or cutting the head of Lord Brahma is a sin done by him, and a gory woman is created in the form of sin. Then in remorse for the crime of Kaal Bhairava, Lord Shiva ordered him to go to certain places, and the gory lady followed him till he reached Varanasi, the head fell down from his hand and the place is called "Kapal Mochan Teerth" and the lady had disappeared. He was liberated from all the sins of Brahma Hatya when he entered Varanasi and after that Lord Shiva declared that Kaal Bhairav will stay in Varanasi forever to wash away the sins of his followers.
History
The construction of Kal Bhairav Temple is not accurate, but it was one of
the oldest temples, destroyed at the time of the Mughal Empire and rebuilt
around the 17th century and till now it is under the same infrastructure.
Ways to reach Kaal Bhairav Temple
- The exact location of the temple is Pandeypur Rd, Naibasti, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221002 which is around 3.9 kilometers from Varanasi Railway Station.
- If you prefer to come by airplane, at around 23.7 km away from Kaal Bhairav Temple, there is Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport.
- At around 3.4 kilometers from the Kaal Bhairav Temple, there is Varanasi Bus Stand in case you reach Varanasi by bus.
- You can take an auto-rickshaw, taxi, or a cab to reach the Kaal Bhairav Temple, according to your convenience.
Conclusion
In case you are visiting Varanasi, for religious significance, Kaal Bhairav
temple is a must-visit place for you, and you will be able to get rid of all
the sins and curses. Visiting Kaal Bhairava in the month of October to March is
the best time. Lord Shiva holds an
important place in Hindu mythology, and it is a form of Lord Shiva that will
bring all the good deeds into your life.
