Shri Kalabhairava Ashtakam Stotram

Q: What offerings please Lord Kalabhairava?

Sesame oil lamps (*Tila Taila Deepam*), black sesame seeds, red flowers, and vada/curd offerings.

Verse 1

Devarāja-Sevyamāna-Pāvanāṅghri-Paṅkajaṃ
Vyālayajña-Sūtram-Indu-Śekharaṃ Kṛpākaram ।
Nāradādi-Yogivṛnda-Vanditaṃ Digambaraṃ
Kāśikā-Purādhinātha-Kālabhairavaṃ Bhaje ॥ 1 ॥

Verse 2

Bhāskarāntakaṃ Mahāgambhīra-Tāraka-Tārakaṃ
Neśṭa-Dāyakaṃ Viśāla-Lekha-Tāra-Bhāsuram ।
Pratyakṣa-Kāribhāva-Bodhakaṃ Viśāla-Lekhanaṃ
Kāśikā-Purādhinātha-Kālabhairavaṃ Bhaje ॥ 2 ॥

Verse 3

Śūla-Pāśa-Daṇḍa-Pāṇim-Ādikāraṇaṃ Śyāma-Kāyam-
Ādidevam-Akṣaraṃ Nirāmayaṃ Trivikramam ।
Bhīmavikramaṃ Prabhuṃ Vichitra-Tāṇḍava-Priyaṃ
Kāśikā-Purādhinātha-Kālabhairavaṃ Bhaje ॥ 3 ॥

Shri Kalabhairava Ashtakam Stotram is an 8-verse hymn composed by Sri Adi Shankaracharya in praise of Lord Kalabhairava, the fierce form of Lord Shiva who reigns as the supreme guardian deity (Kshetrapala) of the holy city of Varanasi (Kashi).

The name Kalabhairava signifies "The One who is terrifying to Time (Kala)" and who frees devotees from the fear of death, karma, and time. Scriptural tradition states that anyone seeking liberation in Kashi must first receive the grace of Kalabhairava.

Each verse of this stotram concludes with the iconic refrain: "Kāśikā-Purādhinātha-Kālabhairavaṃ Bhaje" ("I worship Lord Kalabhairava, the supreme ruler of the holy city of Kashi!").

According to scriptural tradition and verse 9 of this stotram, daily recitation of Shri Kalabhairava Ashtakam grants the following blessings:

Eradication of Sins and Karma (Papa Nashana): Destroys acute sins and past karmic burdens.
Freedom from Fear of Death and Time (Kala Bhaya Nashana): Shields against untimely death, nightmares, and fear.
Protection from Enemies and Negative Energies: Guards against black magic, evil spirits, and adversaries.
Attainment of Righteous Wealth and Liberation: Bestows prosperity, wisdom, and liberation ().

Rahu Kala on Sundays, Kalashtami, Tuesdays, and during night worship.

Yes! Reciting it at home removes fear, negative energy, and protects against black magic.

Sesame oil lamps (Tila Taila Deepam), black sesame seeds, red flowers, and vada/curd offerings.

Sri Adi Shankaracharya composed this stotram during his stay in Varanasi (Kashi).

Kalabhairava is worshipped as the supreme dispenser of justice in Kashi:

Bhairava Yatna: In Kashi, Kalabhairava cleanses all residual karmas of departing souls (Bhairava Yatna), ensuring immediate Moksha.
Kashika Puradhinatha: He is the commander and king of Kashi city.
Eight Siddhis: Verse 7 praises Kalabhairava as the bestower of the eight supernatural powers (Ashta Siddhi).

Kālabhairavāṣṭakaṃ Paṭhanti Ye Manoharaṃ
Jñānamuktisādhakaṃ Vicitrapuṇyavardhanam ।
Śokamohadainyalobhakropatāpanāśanaṃ
Te Prayānti Kālabhairavāṅghrisannidhiṃ Dhuvaṃ ॥ 9 ॥

Meaning of Phalashruti

Whoever recites this beautiful Kalabhairava Ashtakam will gain self-knowledge, liberation, and immense spiritual merit. It destroys grief, delusion, poverty, greed, and anger—leading the devotee directly to the sacred lotus feet of Lord Kalabhairava.

Om Kalabhairavaya Namah!
Devaraja Sevyamana Pavanghri Pankajam Vyalayajna Sutram Indu Sekharam Krupakaram |
Naradadi Yogivrinda Vanditam Digambaram Kashika Puradhinatha Kalabhairavam Bhaje ||

O Lord Kalabhairava, ruler of Kashi, whose lotus feet are served by Indra, wearing snakes as sacred thread, crowned with the moon! We bow to You.

Om Shanti! Shanti! Shanti!

Verse 1: I worship Kalabhairava of Kashi, served by Indra, wearing snakes and crescent moon, worshipped by Narada.
Verse 2: I worship Kalabhairava, radiant like the sun, bestower of desired boons, destroyer of delusion.
Verse 3: I worship Kalabhairava holding trident, noose, and staff, dark-complexioned, fond of cosmic dance.
Verse 4: I worship Kalabhairava, grantor of enjoyment and liberation, wearing gold bells on His waist.
Verse 5: I worship Kalabhairava, protector of Dharma, destroyer of evil paths, freeing devotees from karmic bonds.
Verse 6: I worship Kalabhairava with jewel sandals, crushing the pride of death with fierce fangs.
Verse 7: I worship Kalabhairava whose laughter shatters cosmos, whose glance destroys sins, granting 8 Siddhis.
Verse 8: I worship Kalabhairava, ruler of spirits, evaluator of good and bad karmas in Kashi.
Verse 9 (Phalashruti): Reciting Kalabhairava Ashtakam destroys grief, greed, and anger, granting eternal refuge.

Stotram Name	Shri Kalabhairava Ashtakam Stotram
Primary Deity	Lord Kalabhairava (Shiva / Kshetrapala)
Composer	Sri Adi Shankaracharya
Language	IAST English Transliteration
Tradition	Shaiva / Advaita
Verse Count	8 Core Verses + 1 Phalashruti Sloka