Kalabhairava Ashtakam
Kalabhairava Ashtakam is a famous hymn composed in praise of the Kalabhairava form of Lord Shiva. It was composed by Adiguru Shankaracharya. This stotra describes the glorious form of Lord Kalabhairava, His divine qualities and His power. Kalabhairava, the fierce and protective form of Shiva, is considered the lord of time (Kaal).
Who is Kalbhairav?
Kalabhairava is worshiped as “Lord of Time” and “Protector of Shiva”. His form is very fierce, divine and fear-free. The meaning of the word Bhairava is – “the destroyer of fear”. He is considered the patron deity of Kashi and is said to be the ruler of all the works there.
Composition and purpose of Kalabhairavashtakam
The main purpose of Kalabhairavashtakam is to make the devotees realize the glory of the form of Lord Kalabhairava and show them the path of salvation. By reading it with faith and devotion, one’s fears, sins and bonds are removed. This stotra frees a person from worldly bonds and makes him experience the grace of Lord Shiva.
Kalabhairava Ashtakam Importance
- Bhay Nasha: By reciting this stotra, all kinds of fears of a person are eliminated.
- Liberation from sins: This hymn destroys sins and purifies the soul.
- Spiritual Upliftment: Its recitation helps a person to gain self-knowledge and faith in God.
- Victory over death and death: Kalabhairava is considered the lord of time. Fear of death ends by worshiping him.
Kalabhairava Ashtakam In English
dēvarāja-sēvyamāna-pāvanāṅghri-paṅkajaṃ
vyāḻayajña-sūtramindu-śēkharaṃ kṛpākaram ।
nāradādi-yōgibṛnda-vanditaṃ digambaraṃ
kāśikāpurādhinātha kālabhairavaṃ bhajē ॥ 1 ॥
bhānukōṭi-bhāsvaraṃ bhavabdhitārakaṃ paraṃ
nīlakaṇṭha-mīpsitārdha-dāyakaṃ trilōchanam ।
kālakāla-mambujākṣa-makṣaśūla-makṣaraṃ
kāśikāpurādhinātha kālabhairavaṃ bhajē ॥ 2 ॥
śūlaṭaṅka-pāśadaṇḍa-pāṇimādi-kāraṇaṃ
śyāmakāya-mādidēva-makṣaraṃ nirāmayam ।
bhīmavikramaṃ prabhuṃ vichitra tāṇḍava priyaṃ
kāśikāpurādhinātha kālabhairavaṃ bhajē ॥ 3 ॥
bhukti-mukti-dāyakaṃ praśastachāru-vigrahaṃ
bhaktavatsalaṃ sthiraṃ samastalōka-vigraham ।
nikvaṇan-manōjña-hēma-kiṅkiṇī-lasatkaṭiṃ
kāśikāpurādhinātha kālabhairavaṃ bhajē ॥ 4 ॥
dharmasētu-pālakaṃ tvadharmamārga nāśakaṃ
karmapāśa-mōchakaṃ suśarma-dāyakaṃ vibhum ।
svarṇavarṇa-kēśapāśa-śōbhitāṅga-maṇḍalaṃ
kāśikāpurādhinātha kālabhairavaṃ bhajē ॥ 5 ॥
ratna-pādukā-prabhābhirāma-pādayugmakaṃ
nitya-madvitīya-miṣṭa-daivataṃ nirañjanam ।
mṛtyudarpa-nāśanaṃ karāḻadaṃṣṭra-mōkṣaṇaṃ
kāśikāpurādhinātha kālabhairavaṃ bhajē ॥ 6 ॥
aṭṭahāsa-bhinna-padmajāṇḍakōśa-santatiṃ
dṛṣṭipāta-naṣṭapāpa-jālamugra-śāsanam ।
aṣṭasiddhi-dāyakaṃ kapālamālikā-dharaṃ
kāśikāpurādhinātha kālabhairavaṃ bhajē ॥ 7 ॥
bhūtasaṅgha-nāyakaṃ viśālakīrti-dāyakaṃ
kāśivāsi-lōka-puṇyapāpa-śōdhakaṃ vibhum ।
nītimārga-kōvidaṃ purātanaṃ jagatpatiṃ
kāśikāpurādhinātha kālabhairavaṃ bhajē ॥ 8 ॥
kālabhairavāṣṭakaṃ paṭhanti yē manōharaṃ
jñānamukti-sādhakaṃ vichitra-puṇya-vardhanam ।
śōkamōha-lōbhadainya-kōpatāpa-nāśanaṃ
tē prayānti kālabhairavāṅghri-sannidhiṃ dhruvam ॥
iti śrīmachchaṅkarāchārya virachitaṃ kālabhairavāṣṭakaṃ sampūrṇam ।
Effect of Kalabhairavashtakam
- There is a sense of confidence and peace within the person.
- Protection from negative energy and evil forces.
- The path to salvation is paved.
- Obstacles and troubles in life are removed.
