Bhairava Stotras + Sadhana

देवराजसेव्यमानपावनाङ्घ्रिपङ्कजं व्यालयज्ञसूत्रमिन्दुशेखरं कृपाकरम्। नारदादियोगिवृन्दवन्दितं दिगम्बरं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे॥

Devaraaja-sevyamaana-paavanaanghri-pankajam Vyaala-yajnya-sutram-indu-shekharam krpaakaaram Naaradaadi-yogi-vrinda-vanditam digambaram Kaashikaa-puraadhinaatha-kaalabhairavam bhaje

Meaning — I worship Kalabhairava, the Lord of Kashi, whose lotus feet are served by Indra and other gods, who wears a serpent as the sacred thread and the crescent moon on his forehead, who is compassionate, who is saluted by sages like Narada and other yogis, and who is clad in the directions (naked — digambara).

भानुकोटिभास्वरं भवाब्धितारकं परं nilakanthamipsitarthadayakam trilochanam कालकालमंबुजाक्षमक्षशूलमक्षरं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे॥

Bhaanu-koti-bhaasvaramm bhavaabdhi-taarakam param Nilakantham-ipsitaartha-daayakam trilochanam Kaala-kaalam ambujaksham-aksha-shuulam-aksharam Kaashikaa-puraadhinaatha-kaalabhairavam bhaje

Meaning — I worship Kalabhairava, the Lord of Kashi, who blazes like a million suns, who is the boat to cross the ocean of worldly existence, who is the highest, who has a blue throat, who grants wished-for boons, who has three eyes, who is the death of death (Kala of Kala), whose eyes are like lotus petals, who holds a trident, and who is the imperishable one.

शूलटंकपाशदण्डपाणिमादिकारणं श्यामकायमादिदेवमक्षरं निरामयम्। भीमविक्रमं प्रभुं विचित्रताण्डवप्रियं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे॥

Shuula-tanka-paasha-danda-paanim-aadikaараnam Shyaama-kaayam-aadidevamaaksharam niraamayam Bhiima-vikramam prabhum vichitra-taandava-priyam Kaashikaa-puraadhinaatha-kaalabhairavam bhaje

Meaning — I worship Kalabhairava, the Lord of Kashi, who holds trident, axe, noose, and staff in his hands, who is the primordial cause, whose body is dark-blue, who is the primal God, imperishable and without disease, who has terrible valor, who is the master, and who is fond of the marvelous Tandava dance.

भुक्तिमुक्तिदायकं प्रशस्तचारुविग्रहं भक्तवत्सलं स्थितं समस्तलोकविग्रहम्। विनिक्वणन्मनोज्ञहेमकिंकिणीलसत्कटिं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे॥

Bhukti-mukti-daayakam prasasta-chaaru-vigraham Bhakta-vatsalam sthitam samasta-loka-vigraham Viniki-vanamano-jnya-hema-kinkinii-lasat-katim Kaashikaa-puraadhinaatha-kaalabhairavam bhaje

Meaning — I worship Kalabhairava, the Lord of Kashi, who grants both worldly enjoyment (bhukti) and liberation (mukti), who has a beautiful, auspicious form, who is affectionate to devotees, who exists as the form of all worlds, and whose waist is adorned with melodiously tinkling golden bells.

धर्मसेतुपालकं त्वधर्ममार्गनाशकं कर्मपाशमोचकं सुशर्मदायकं विभुम्। स्वर्णवर्णशेषपाश-शोभितांगमण्डलं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे॥

Dharma-setu-paalakam tvadharma-maarga-naashaкam Karma-paasha-mochakam su-sharma-daayakam vibhum Swarna-varna-shesha-paasha-shobhitaanga-mandalam Kaashikaa-puraadhinaatha-kaalabhairavam bhaje

Meaning — I worship Kalabhairava, the Lord of Kashi, who is the guardian of the bridge of dharma, who destroys the path of adharma, who is the liberator from the bondage of karma, who grants auspicious comfort, who is omnipresent, and whose divine body is adorned with the brilliant golden noose of Shesha (the serpent).

रत्नपादुकाप्रभाभिरामपादयुग्मकं नित्यमद्वितीयमिष्टदैवतं निरंजनम्। मृत्युदर्पनाशनं करालदंष्ट्रमोक्षणं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे॥

Ratna-paadukaа-prabhaa-bhiraama-paada-yugmakam Nityam-advitiyam-ishta-daivatam niranjаnam Mrityu-darpa-naashanam karaala-damshtra-mokshаnam Kaashikaa-puraadhinaatha-kaalabhairavam bhaje

Meaning — I worship Kalabhairava, the Lord of Kashi, whose beautiful pair of feet shine with the radiance of gem-studded sandals, who is eternal, without a second, the desired deity, spotless and pure, who destroys the pride of death (Yama), and who liberates with his fierce teeth.

अट्टहासभिन्नपद्मजाण्डकोशसन्ततिं दृष्टिपातनष्टपापजालमुग्रशासनम्। अष्टसिद्धिदायकं कपालमालिकाधरं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे॥

Atta-haasa-bhinna-padmajаanda-kosha-santatim Drishti-paata-nashta-paapa-jaalam-ugra-shaasаnam Ashta-siddhi-daayakam kapaala-maalikaa-dharam Kaashikaa-puraadhinaatha-kaalabhairavam bhaje

Meaning — I worship Kalabhairava, the Lord of Kashi, whose loud laughter splits open the cosmic egg of Brahma, whose very gaze destroys all accumulated sins, who rules with terrible authority, who grants the eight great siddhis (supernatural attainments), and who wears a garland of skulls.

भूतसंघनायकं विशालकीर्तिदायकं काशिवासलोकपुण्यपापशोधकं विभुम्। नीतिमार्गकोविदं पुरातनं जगत्पतिं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे॥

Bhuuta-sangha-naayakam vishaalа-kiirti-daayakam Kaashi-vaasa-loka-punya-paapa-shodhaкam vibhum Niiti-maarga-kovidam puraatanam jagat-patim Kaashikaa-puraadhinaatha-kaalabhairavam bhaje

Meaning — I worship Kalabhairava, the Lord of Kashi, who is the lord of all spirit-beings, who grants wide-spreading fame, who purifies the merit and sin of those dwelling in Kashi, who is omnipresent, who is supremely knowledgeable in the path of righteousness, who is the ancient one, and who is the lord of the universe.

जय काल भैरव देवा, दिगम्बर अविनाश। काशी के कोतवाल तुम, करो भक्तन पर प्रकाश॥

Meaning — Glory to Kalabhairava, the eternal sky-clad one. You are the kotwal (city-guardian) of Kashi — bestow your light on your devotees.

काशी के कोतवाल तुम देवा, सदा करो भक्तन की सेवा। डमरू बाजे डुगडुग सोई, तुम्हरी महिमा जगत में होई॥

Meaning — You are the guardian of Kashi, O Lord — always serve your devotees. The sound of your damaru fills the cosmos with your glory.

त्रिशूल कटारी हाथ विराजे, डमरू बाजे घण्टा साजे। रुद्राक्ष माला कण्ठ सुहाई, श्मशान में तुम शोभा पाई॥

Meaning — Trident and dagger grace your hands, damaru plays, bells ring. A garland of rudraksha beautifies your throat — you shine resplendent in the cremation ground.

भूत प्रेत पिशाच नसावो, भक्तन के सब कष्ट मिटावो। काल के काल तुम्ही अविनाशी, सबके रक्षक बन जग-वासी॥

Meaning — You destroy ghosts, spirits and evil forces, you erase all suffering of your devotees. You are the death of death, imperishable — the protector of all who dwell in this world.

महाकाल से भी बड़े भैरव, सब जग पाले यह नरनारी भव। तुम बिन नाथ और कौन हमारो, तुमसे मिले जन्म-मृत्यु पारो॥

Meaning — Greater than Mahakala is Bhairava — sustaining all men and women in this world. Without you, O Lord, who is ours? Through you one transcends birth and death.

जो नित्य भैरव नाम पुकारे, उसके दुःख सब दूर हो जावें। श्वान वाहन पर सवार आयें, भक्तन के मन मनवांछित पायें॥

Meaning — Whoever calls on the name of Bhairava daily — all their sorrows vanish. You come riding your dog-vehicle, fulfilling the heart's desires of your devotees.

अष्टमी को व्रत जो करते हैं, नाम भैरव का जो जपते हैं। शत्रु नाशक सदा हो जाते, विजय-मंगल सब दिन पाते॥

Meaning — Those who observe the fast on Ashtami (8th lunar day) and chant the name of Bhairava — enemies are destroyed for them, and they obtain victory and auspiciousness every day.

भैरव भक्त निर्भय हो जाते, भूत पिशाच न उनके पास आते। काल का काल तुम हो महादेव, करते हैं सब देव जिनकी सेव॥

Meaning — Devotees of Bhairava become fearless — ghosts and evil spirits never approach them. You are the death of death, O Mahadeva — all divine beings serve you.

शिव के रूप तुम भव-भयनाशक, तंत्र-मंत्र के महा-प्रकाशक। योगिनी औ वीर तुम्हें ध्यावें, सिद्धि-बुद्धि-निधि मन में पावें॥

Meaning — You are the form of Shiva who destroys the fear of worldly existence, the great illuminator of tantra and mantra. Yoginis and viras meditate on you, attaining siddhi, wisdom, and spiritual treasure.

काशी में वास करो महाराजा, भैरव कुण्ड में करते राजा। जो काशी में प्राण तजत हैं, भैरव मंत्र उन्हें मिलत हैं॥

Meaning — You reside as the king in Kashi, presiding over Bhairava Kunda. Those who depart this life in Kashi receive the Bhairava Taraka Mantra from Bhairava himself — the mantra that grants liberation.

बटुक रूप में बाल भैरव, तुम्हरी लीला अति मनोहर। रक्षा करो नित तुम बालकन की, जगत-जन्नी-तात की छाँव धनी॥

Meaning — As Batuk Bhairava you are the child-form — your divine play is most enchanting. You always protect children, with the shade of the great cosmic parents (Shiva-Shakti).

सर्प भुजंग तन पर लिपटें, नीलकण्ठ महेश विराजें। करते हैं जो नाम ध्यान तेरा, दूर हो जाता सब अंधेरा॥

Meaning — Serpents coil around your body, O blue-throated Lord of all. Those who meditate on your name — all darkness departs from their lives.

कष्ट में जो तेरा ध्यान धरते, भैरव मंत्र जो रात दिन करते। शत्रु तजें भयभीत हो जाते, आपद-बाधा सब दूर हो जाते॥

Meaning — Those who meditate on you in times of suffering, who chant the Bhairava mantra day and night — enemies flee in terror, all obstacles and afflictions dissolve completely.

कालाग्नि रुद्र से तुम अवतरे, जगत रचना के मूल निखरे। सोमवार और अष्टमी पावन, तुम्हरे दिन हैं अत्यन्त सुहावन॥

Meaning — You descended from Kalaagni-Rudra, the very root and origin of cosmic creation. Monday and Ashtami are sacred — the most auspicious days dedicated to you.

भैरव-यंत्र जो घर में राखें, भूत-प्रेत की पीड़ा न आखें। सिद्धि-बुद्धि और धन को पावें, जन्म-जन्म भव-बंधन मेटावें॥

Meaning — Those who keep the Bhairava Yantra in their home — no ghost or spirit can cause affliction there. They attain siddhi, wisdom, and prosperity, and destroy the bonds of birth across many lives.

जो तेरा सुमिरन नित करते, पाप और ताप सब दूर टरते। भस्म-विभूषित तन तुम्हारा, भक्तन के हृदय में घर तुम्हारा॥

Meaning — Those who remember you daily — all sins and afflictions flee far away. Your body is adorned with sacred ash — your true home is in the hearts of your devotees.

उज्जैन में महाकाल तुम्हारे, त्रिम्बक-उज्जैन में नाम तुम्हारे। काशी-उज्जैन-त्र्यम्बकेश्वर, आठ क्षेत्रों में शोभे हो शंकर॥

Meaning — In Ujjain you are Mahakala, in Trimbakeshwar you are worshipped — in Kashi, Ujjain, Trimbakeshwar and the eight kshetras you shine, O Shankara.

तंत्र-साधक तुमसे शक्ति पावें, पर गुरु-दीक्षा बिना न पावें। निर्भय होकर तुम्हें भजते हैं, जो सच्चे भक्त पूजा करते हैं॥

Meaning — Tantric sadhakas receive power from you — but not without the initiation of a qualified guru. Those who are true devotees worship you fearlessly and with pure heart.

श्वान को भोजन जो नित देते, भैरव-पूजन का फल वे लेते। श्वान भैरव का वाहन प्यारा, रहता है सेवक बन द्वार तुम्हारा॥

Meaning — Those who daily feed dogs receive the fruit of worshipping Bhairava himself. The dog is Bhairava's beloved vehicle — your devoted servant who stands guard at your door.

दक्षिण दिशा के देव तुम स्वामी, तुम ही काल-रात्रि के अभिरामी। भैरवी तंत्र के परम प्रेरक, जगत को दो मोक्ष मुक्ति-नायक॥

Meaning — You are the lord of the southern direction, the beloved of Kalaratri. Supreme inspirer of the Bhairavi Tantra — O liberator, grant this world moksha and freedom.

शिव शक्ति का मिलन प्रकाशक, भैरव-भैरवी दोनों सुखदाशक। शक्ति-पीठों के क्षेत्रपाल तुम, सदा रक्षा करो हम सबका बल॥

Meaning — You illuminate the union of Shiva and Shakti — Bhairava and Bhairavi together bestow joy. You are the Kshetrapala (field guardian) of the Shakti Peethas — forever be our strength and protector.

जय जय काल भैरव देवा, काशी के कोतवाल। भक्त-जन तव सेवक हैं, रखो सदा निहाल॥

Meaning — Glory, glory to Kalabhairava — guardian of Kashi. Your devotees are your servants — keep them always in your grace and happiness.

ॐ श्रीकालभैरवः पातु शिरो मे सर्वतः सदा। ललाटं पातु भैरवी, भ्रुवौ वागीश्वरः शिवः॥

Meaning — Om — may Shri Kalabhairava protect my head from all sides always. May Bhairavi protect my forehead, may Vagishvara Shiva protect my eyebrows.

नेत्रे पातु महादेवो, नासां मे वृषभध्वजः। कर्णौ पातु जगन्नाथः, मुखं पातु कपालभृत्॥

Meaning — May Mahadeva protect my eyes, may he of the bull-banner protect my nose, may the Lord of the universe protect my ears, may the skull-bearer (Bhairava) protect my mouth.

गलं त्रिशूलधारी मे, स्कन्धौ पातु महेश्वरः। भुजौ भुजंगभूषाढ्यः पातु नित्यं कृपाकरः॥

Meaning — May the trident-bearer protect my throat, may Maheshvara protect my shoulders, may the one adorned with serpents protect my arms with perpetual compassion.

हृदयं पातु भैरवः, उदरं वामदेव-युक्तः। पृष्ठं पातु पशुपतिः, पायुं पातु शिवः स्वयम्॥

Meaning — May Bhairava protect my heart, may the god associated with Vamadeva protect my stomach, may Pashupati protect my back, may Shiva himself protect my generative faculty.

पादौ पातु भवानीशः, सर्वांगं सर्वदा विभुः। इति ते कवचं प्रोक्तं भैरवस्य महात्मनः॥

Meaning — May the lord of Bhavani (Shiva) protect my feet, may the omnipresent one protect all my limbs always. Thus has been proclaimed the kavacham of the great-souled Bhairava.

यः पठेत् प्रातरुत्थाय कवचं भैरवस्य हि। स भूतप्रेतरहितो जीवेत् वर्षशतं सुखी॥

Meaning — Whoever reads this kavacham of Bhairava after rising in the morning — that person, freed from ghosts and spirits, lives happily for a hundred years.

न तस्य भयमस्ति वै न शत्रुर्जायते क्वचित्। सर्वत्र विजयी स स्याद् भैरव-प्रसादतः॥

Meaning — He has no fear whatsoever, no enemy arises anywhere for him. By the grace of Bhairava he is victorious everywhere.

वन्दे बटुकभैरवं त्रिभुवनैकनाथम् ब्रह्माण्डनायकं विश्वकारणम् शिवम्। डमरुकं त्रिशूलं च खट्वांगं कमण्डलुम् धत्ते स शश्वद्भक्तेभ्यो वरदं बटुकः॥

Vande batuka-bhairavam tribhuvanaika-naatham Brahmaanda-naayakam vishva-kaaranam shivam Damarukam trishuulam cha khatvangam kamandalam Dhatte sa shashvad-bhaktebhyo varadam batukah

Meaning — I bow to Batuk Bhairava, the sole lord of the three worlds, the ruler of the universe, the cause of all creation, the auspicious one. He forever holds the damaru, trident, khatvanga staff, and water-pot, and he is the boon-giver to his devotees.

बालमूर्तिं महादेवं बटुकं भैरवं भजे। ज्ञानमुद्रां ददाति स त्रिनेत्रो दिगम्बरः॥

Baala-muurtim mahaadevam batukam bhairavam bhaje Jnyaana-mudraam dadaati sa tri-netro digambarah

Meaning — I worship Batuk Bhairava, the child-form of Mahadeva. The three-eyed one clad in directions bestows the gesture of supreme knowledge (jnana mudra) on his devotees.

बटुकाय आपदुद्धारणाय कुरु कुरु स्वाहा। श्रीकालभैरवाय नमः सिद्धिं देहि प्रसीद॥

Batukaya aapad-uddharanaaya kuru kuru svaahaa Shrii-kaalabhairavaaya namah siddhim dehi praseeda

Meaning — To Batuka — for the removal of calamities — kuru kuru svaha! Salutations to Shri Kalabhairava — bestow siddhi (attainment), be gracious.

नित्यानन्दं बटुकं भैरवं जगत्पतिम्। पार्वतीपतिं देवं भजाम्यहं मनोजवम्॥

Nitya-aanandam batukam bhairavam jagat-patim Paarvatii-patim devam bhajaamy-aham manojavam

Meaning — I worship the eternally blissful Batuka Bhairava, the lord of the universe, the consort of Parvati, the swift-as-mind divine one.

भयहारी भवभयनाशाय भैरवो देव जयति। बटुकं स्मरन्तं भक्तं रक्षतीति ख्यातिः॥

Bhaya-haarii bhava-bhaya-naashaaya bhairavo deva jayati Batukam smarantam bhaktam rakshatiiti khyaatih

Meaning — Bhairava the fearlessness-giver, destroyer of the fear of worldly existence — glory to this Lord. It is well known that Batuka protects the devotee who remembers him.

शिशुरूपी शिवः साक्षाद् बटुको भैरवोत्तमः। रक्षणाय जगद् व्याप्य तिष्ठति सर्वदा सुखम्॥

Shishu-ruupii shivah saakshhaad batuko bhairavottamah Rakshanaaуa jagad vyaapya tishthati sarvadaa sukham

Meaning — The child-formed Batuka is Shiva himself directly — the supreme Bhairava. He pervades the entire universe and always rests in happiness, for the purpose of protecting it.

काशीं सेवति यो भक्त्या बटुकं सम्पूजयेत्। आपत्-सागरतारणे नान्यो मार्गः सनातनः॥

Kaashiim sevati yo bhaktyaa batukam sampuujayet Aapat-saagara-taarane naanyo maargah sanaatanah

Meaning — Whoever devotedly serves in Kashi and worships Batuka Bhairava — for crossing the ocean of calamities, there is no other eternal way.

बटुकभैरव-स्तोत्रं यः पठेद् भक्तिमान् नरः। आयुरारोग्यमैश्वर्यं लभते नात्र संशयः॥

Batuka-bhairava-stotram yah pathed bhaktimaan narah Aayur-aarogya-maishvaryam labhate naatra samshayah

Meaning — Any devoted person who recites this Batuka Bhairava Stotram obtains long life, health, and prosperity — there is no doubt about this.

The most important Bhairava shrine in India. Bhairava is the eternal guardian and city-administrator (kotwal) of Kashi — the oldest continuously inhabited city on earth. No pilgrimage to Kashi is complete without seeking his permission and blessings. It is believed that at the moment of death in Kashi, Kalabhairava whispers the Taraka Mantra into the dying person's ear, granting them moksha regardless of their karma.

Best time to visit — Kalabhairava Ashtami (Margashirsha Krishna Ashtami), every Sunday, every Ashtami tithi

Ujjain is one of the seven sacred cities and the site of the Mahakala (Mahakaleshvara) Jyotirlinga. The Bhairava here is the guardian of the Mahakala kshetra. The Simhastha Kumbha Mela is held at Ujjain every 12 years. The Bhairava shrine here is associated with the Shipra river and tantric worship traditions of western India.

Best time to visit — Mahashivaratri, Kumbha Mela, Ashtami

Trimbakeshwar is the Jyotirlinga where the Godavari river originates from the Brahmagiri mountain. The Bhairava at Trimbakeshwar is among the most important in Maharashtra. The Nasik-Trimbak Kumbha Mela is held here. Trimbakeshwar is also one of the main centers for the Narayan Nagbali and Tripindi Shraddha rites.

Best time to visit — Simhastha Kumbha Mela, Mahashivaratri, Shravan month

Srisailam is both a Jyotirlinga (Mallikarjuna) and a Shakti Peetha (Bhramaramba Devi). The Bhairava here is the kshetrapala of this major Shaiva-Shakta center in Telangana-Andhra. This is one of the most important Shaiva pilgrimage sites in south India and is associated with the Siddha-tradition.

Best time to visit — Maha Shivaratri, Ugadi, Shravan Purnima

The Bhairava at Kedarnath is specifically named Bhukund Bhairava (also called Kedar Bhairava) and serves as the official guardian-deity of the Kedarnath kshetra. Pilgrims worship Bhukund Bhairava before ascending to Kedarnath and after descending, as a mark of seeking the guardian's permission. During the winter months when Kedarnath is closed, the deity's procession halts at the Bhairava shrine.

Best time to visit — During the Char Dham Yatra season (May-November)

The massive stone image of Kala Bhairava in Kathmandu's Durbar Square is one of the most famous Bhairava sculptures in the world. The image is so fearsome that it was traditionally believed lying in its presence would cause death. Nepal's Indra Jatra festival (Kumari Jatra) is the most important festival centered on Bhairava worship in the Kathmandu valley. The Akash Bhairava temple is the main venue for the festival.

Best time to visit — Indra Jatra festival (Bhadra Shukla Dwadashi), Dashain

Vaitheesvaran Koil is a major Navagraha and Shiva kshetra in Tamil Nadu. The Bhairava here is called Selvamuthu Kumaran and is associated with healing diseases, especially those connected to Chevvai (Mars). The kshetra is associated with the Raahu-Ketu transit worship. Many pilgrims come here for remedies related to astrological afflictions.

Best time to visit — Sashti (6th lunar day), Ashtami, Margashirsha month

Girnar is one of the most sacred pilgrimage hills in western India, associated with Dattatreya, Gorakshanath, and Bhairava. The Bhairavnath temple on Girnar is associated with the Nath-tradition and Siddha-yoga. The Bhavnath Mahadev temple at the foot of Girnar hosts one of the most important Mahashivaratri fairs in Gujarat, attended by Naga sadhus from across India.

Best time to visit — Mahashivaratri (the Bhavnath Mela), Girnar Parikrama