Kalabhairav Jayanti 2025, also known as Bhairav Ashtami, is the divine appearance day of Lord Kalabhairav, a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. It symbolizes the victory of righteousness over evil and teaches the importance of time (Kaal) and discipline in human life.
This festival is deeply revered by Shaivites, Tantriks, and spiritual seekers, especially in Ujjain, Kashi (Varanasi), and Kathmandu, where special rituals and processions take place in Lord Bhairav’s temples.
📅 Date and Muhurat
- Festival: Kalabhairav Jayanti / Bhairav Ashtami
- Date: Wednesday, 12 November 2025
- Ashtami Tithi Begins: 06:22 PM on 11 November 2025
- Ashtami Tithi Ends: 04:10 PM on 12 November 2025
- Puja Muhurat: 11:45 PM (11 November) to 12:45 AM (12 November) – Midnight Bhairav Puja Time
🌺 Significance of Kalabhairav Jayanti
According to the Shiva Purana, Lord Kalabhairav was born from the wrath of Lord Shiva to destroy Brahma’s ego. Known as the Guardian of Kashi (Kotwal of Kashi), he protects devotees from negative energies, accidents, and untimely death.
Observing this day brings spiritual strength, protection from evil forces, and blessings for discipline, time management, and fearlessness.
🔱 Kalabhairav Jayanti 2025 Rituals
- Morning Rituals: Take an early bath before sunrise and offer prayers to Lord Shiva and Bhairav.
- Temple Visit: Visit a Kalabhairav temple, especially in Varanasi, and offer black sesame (til), oil lamps, flowers, and fruits.
- Midnight Puja: Perform Kalabhairav Stotra recitation during midnight.
- Fasting: Many devotees observe a full-day or partial fast to honor Lord Bhairav.
- Feeding Dogs: Feeding black dogs is an important ritual symbolizing Lord Bhairav’s favorite vehicle.
🕯️ Spiritual Benefits
- Removes negativity, evil eyes, and bad planetary effects.
- Helps overcome fear and achieve inner stability.
- Improves time discipline and focus in life.
- Protects travelers and those engaged in spiritual or mystical practices.
🙏 FAQ – Kalabhairav Jayanti 2025
Q1. When is Kalabhairav Jayanti in 2025?
A1. Kalabhairav Jayanti will be observed on Wednesday, 12 November 2025.
Q2. What is the significance of Kalabhairav Jayanti?
A2. It marks the incarnation of Lord Shiva as Kalabhairav, who destroyed ego and negativity and protects devotees from harm.
Q3. What should be done on Kalabhairav Jayanti?
A3. Perform Kalabhairav Puja, chant Bhairav mantras, fast, and feed dogs to receive blessings.
Q4. Which mantra is chanted on this day?
A4. “ॐ कालभैरवाय नमः” (Om Kalabhairavaya Namah) is the most powerful mantra for this occasion.
Q5. What are the benefits of observing Kalabhairav Jayanti?
A5. It removes obstacles, grants protection, and brings peace and spiritual progress.
Kalabhairav Jayanti 2025 will be celebrated on 12 November. Know its puja time, significance, and rituals. Worship Lord Kalabhairav for protection, peace, and divine blessings.
Date in 2026: Tuesday, 1 December 2026.
- The Ashtami tithi (eighth lunar day of Krishna paksha in the month of Margashirsha) begins at 00:11 hrs and ends at 23:13 hrs on 1 December 2026.
- Some sources list the beginning at 12:11 am (00:11) on 1 Dec.
Significance
- Kalabhairav Jayanti commemorates the manifestation of Kala Bhairava (a fierce form of Shiva) on the Krishna paksha Ashtami of Margashirsha month.
- “Ashtami” means the 8th lunar day, and this particular Ashtami is considered powerful for propitiating Bhairava for protection, removal of fear, and control of time/death.
Rituals & Observances
- Devotees observe a vrat (fast) and perform puja to Kala Bhairava.
- Many visit temples dedicated to Bhairava, offer oil lamps, incense, flowers, sweets & prasad.
- Since it falls on a lunar tithi, the exact muhurat (auspicious timing) may vary region to region—so checking a local panchang is wise.
- It is especially popular in North India (Margashirsha calendar) and in some South Indian states as well under the name “Masik Kalashtami”.
Key Points for 2026
- Since the entire Ashtami tithi lies on 1 December, the day is fully dedicated to the festival—so observances should be planned any time that day.
- If you’re in Delhi/North India, mark the day for special puja or temple visit.
- If you follow regional calendar differences (for example, in South India where the month calculation may differ), always verify local panchang charts.
Panchang Official