Kalabhairava Ashtakam
Kalabhairava Ashtakam is a highly revered Sanskrit hymn dedicated to Lord Kalabhairava, a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. This eight-verse composition (Ashtakam) was authored by the great Advaita philosopher Adi Shankaracharya. It praises the divine qualities of Kalabhairava and describes his attributes, power, and role in the universe.
Who is Kalabhairava?
Kalabhairava is considered the supreme ruler of time (Kāla) and the guardian of the eight directions. He is often depicted as a fierce deity with a garland of skulls, carrying a trident, drum, and a noose. He rides a dog and symbolizes the transcendence of time and fear. Worshiping Kalabhairava is believed to remove fear, negative karma, and grant spiritual progress.
Benefits of Chanting Kalabhairava Ashtakam
- Protection from Fear and Negativity – Worshiping Kalabhairava removes fear, evil energies, and negativity.
- Time Management and Discipline – As the Lord of Time, Kalabhairava blesses devotees with better time management and efficiency.
- Liberation from Sins and Karma – Devotees believe that chanting this hymn helps in eradicating past sins and attaining spiritual growth.
- Blessings for Wealth and Success – Regular recitation brings prosperity, stability, and wisdom in life.
- Guidance on the Spiritual Path – It enhances devotion, mental clarity, and aids in self-realization.
When and How to Chant?
- Best chanted on Ashtami Tithi (eighth lunar day), especially Kalabhairava Jayanti.
- Can be recited in the early morning or during Rahu Kaal for maximum benefits.
- Chanting 108 times with devotion enhances spiritual progress.
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 ।
Kalabhairava Ashtakam is a powerful hymn that instills fearlessness, discipline, and devotion while guiding devotees towards liberation.
