काल भैरव अष्टक ( कालभैरवाष्टकम् )- Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam in Sanskrit

What is Kaal Bhairav Ashtak?

kaal bhairav ashtakThe term “Ashtak” comes from “Ashta” meaning eight – indicating this hymn consists of eight verses praising the might, grace, and attributes of Lord Kaal Bhairav. It is believed to be composed by Adi Shankaracharya, one of the greatest saints and philosophers of India.

Each verse highlights a unique aspect of Lord Bhairav — from his terrifying form that destroys evil to his role as the guardian of dharma and time. Reciting this stotra regularly invokes his blessings and removes deep-rooted fears, bad karma, and obstacles from life.

 

 

काल भैरव अष्टक (Kaal Bhairav Ashtak lyrics in Sanskrit/English)

देवराजसेव्यमानपावनांघ्रिपङ्कजं व्यालयज्ञसूत्रमिन्दुशेखरं कृपाकरम् ।नारदादियोगिवृन्दवन्दितं दिगंबरं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ १॥

Deva-Raaja-Sevyamaana-Paavana-Angghri-Pankajam
Vyaala-Yajnya-Suutram-Indu-Shekharam Krpaakaram |
Naarada-[A]adi-Yogi-Vrnda-Vanditam Digambaram
Kaashikaa-Pura-Adhinaatha-Kaalabhairavam Bhaje ||1||

भानुकोटिभास्वरं भवाब्धितारकं परं नीलकण्ठमीप्सितार्थदायकं त्रिलोचनम् ।
कालकालमंबुजाक्षमक्षशूलमक्षरं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ २॥

Bhaanu-Kotti-Bhaasvaram Bhavaabdhi-Taarakam Param
Niila-Kannttham-Iipsita-Artha-Daayakam Trilocanam |
Kaala-Kaalam-Ambuja-Akssam-Akssa-Shuulam-Akssaram
Kaashikaa-Pura-Adhinaatha-Kaalabhairavam Bhaje ||2||

शूलटंकपाशदण्डपाणिमादिकारणं श्यामकायमादिदेवमक्षरं निरामयम् ।
भीमविक्रमं प्रभुं विचित्रताण्डवप्रियं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ ३॥

Shuula-Tanka-Paasha-Danndda-Paannim-Aadi-Kaarannam
Shyaama-Kaayam-Aadi-Devam-Akssaram Nir-Aamayam |
Bhiimavikramam Prabhum Vichitra-Taannddava-Priyam
Kaashikaa-Pura-Adhinaatha-Kaalabhairavam Bhaje ||3||

भुक्तिमुक्तिदायकं प्रशस्तचारुविग्रहं भक्तवत्सलं स्थितं समस्तलोकविग्रहम् ।
विनिक्वणन्मनोज्ञहेमकिङ्किणीलसत्कटिं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे॥ ४॥

Bhukti-Mukti-Daayakam Prashasta-Caaru-Vigraham
Bhakta-Vatsalam Sthitam Samasta-Loka-Vigraham |
Vi-Nikvannan-Manojnya-Hema-Kinkinnii-Lasat-Kattim
Kaashikaa-Pura-Adhinaatha-Kaalabhairavam Bhaje ||4||

धर्मसेतुपालकं त्वधर्ममार्गनाशनं कर्मपाशमोचकं सुशर्मधायकं विभुम् ।
स्वर्णवर्णशेषपाशशोभितांगमण्डलं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ ५॥

Dharma-Setu-Paalakam Tva-Adharma-Maarga-Naashakam
Karma-Paasha-Mocakam Su-Sharma-Daayakam Vibhum |
Svarnna-Varnna-Shessa-Paasha-Shobhitaangga-Mannddalam
Kaashikaa-Pura-Adhinaatha-Kaalabhairavam Bhaje ||5||

रत्नपादुकाप्रभाभिरामपादयुग्मकं नित्यमद्वितीयमिष्टदैवतं निरंजनम् ।
मृत्युदर्पनाशनं करालदंष्ट्रमोक्षणं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ ६॥

Ratna-Paadukaa-Prabhaabhi-Raama-Paada-Yugmakam
Nityam-Advitiiyam-Isstta-Daivatam Niramjanam |
Mrtyu-Darpa-Naashanam Karaala-Damssttra-Mokssannam
Kaashikaa-Pura-Adhinaatha-Kaalabhairavam Bhaje ||6||

अट्टहासभिन्नपद्मजाण्डकोशसंततिं दृष्टिपात्तनष्टपापजालमुग्रशासनम् ।
अष्टसिद्धिदायकं कपालमालिकाधरं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ ७॥

Atttta-Haasa-Bhinna-Padmaja-Anndda-Kosha-Samtatim
Drsstti-Paata-Nasstta-Paapa-Jaalam-Ugra-Shaasanam |
Asstta-Siddhi-Daayakam Kapaala-Maalikaa-Dharam
Kaashikaa-Pura-Adhinaatha-Kaalabhairavam Bhaje ||7||

भूतसंघनायकं विशालकीर्तिदायकं काशिवासलोकपुण्यपापशोधकं विभुम् ।
नीतिमार्गकोविदं पुरातनं जगत्पतिं काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ ८॥

Bhuuta-Samgha-Naayakam Vishaala-Kiirti-Daayakam
Kaashi-Vaasa-Loka-Punnya-Paapa-Shodhakam Vibhum |
Niiti-Maarga-Kovidam Puraatanam Jagatpatim
Kaashikaapuraadhinaathakaalabhairavam Bhaje ||8||

॥ फल श्रुति॥

कालभैरवाष्टकं पठंति ये मनोहरं ज्ञानमुक्तिसाधनं विचित्रपुण्यवर्धनम् ।
शोकमोहदैन्यलोभकोपतापनाशनं प्रयान्ति कालभैरवांघ्रिसन्निधिं नरा ध्रुवम् ॥

Kaalabhairavaassttakam Patthamti Ye Manoharam
Jnyaana-Mukti-Saadhanam Vicitra-Punnya-Vardhanam |
Shoka-Moha-Dainya-Lobha-Kopa-Taapa-Naashanam
Prayaanti Kaalabhairava-Amghri-Sannidhim Naraa Dhruvam ||9||

॥इति कालभैरवाष्टकम् संपूर्णम् ॥

Ithi Kalabhairava Ashtakam Sampoornam ||

Who is Kaal Bhairav?

Meaning and Symbolism of the Ashtak

Here is a brief meaning of what each verse typically conveys:

  1. Praise of Bhairav’s Form: Describes his fierce form adorned with skulls, serpents, and trident — symbolizing the destruction of ego and illusion.

  2. Role as Time Keeper: Worships him as the lord of time (Kaal), who governs life and death and liberates the soul.

  3. Destroyer of Evil: Invokes Bhairav’s role in protecting devotees from black magic, negativity, and enemies.

  4. Fearless Guardian: Describes how chanting his name can remove inner fears and grant unshakable courage.

  5. Protector of Dharma: Recognizes Bhairav as the cosmic guardian who upholds truth and justice.

  6. Bestower of Wisdom: Seeks Bhairav’s grace for spiritual knowledge and detachment from material illusions.

  7. Grantor of Liberation: Praises his role in freeing the soul from cycles of birth and death.

  8. Universal Lord: Affirms that devotion to Bhairav leads to moksha (liberation) and eternal protection.

Benefits of Reciting Kaal Bhairav Ashtak

  • Removes Fear and Anxiety: Helps overcome fear of death, insecurity, and emotional instability.

  • Protection from Negativity: Shields from black magic, evil spirits, and toxic energies.

  • Enhances Discipline and Focus: Especially helpful for spiritual seekers and sadhaks.

  • Karma Cleansing: Believed to burn past sins and unresolved karmas.

  • Quick Justice: Worshippers often report immediate resolution in legal or unfair matters.

  • Boosts Inner Strength: Strengthens willpower and builds courage in difficult times.

  • Improves Energy & Aura: Helps balance root chakra and creates a protective spiritual aura.

When & How to Chant

  • Best Day: Kalashtami – the 8th day of the waning moon (Krishna Paksha) each month is most auspicious.

  • Best Time: During early morning hours (Brahma Muhurta) or midnight, both being spiritually powerful.

  • Where: In front of a Bhairav idol or picture, preferably with incense, mustard oil lamp, and black sesame offerings.

About Kaal Bhairav Temples in India

Why Devotees Embrace the Ashtak Today

In today’s uncertain world, the Kaal Bhairav Ashtak offers emotional resilience, spiritual power, and a way to reconnect with the divine protector. Its verses serve as affirmations of inner strength, allowing devotees to overcome personal, professional, and spiritual obstacles.

Whether you’re a sadhak walking the tantric path or a household devotee seeking peace and justice, chanting the Kaal Bhairav Ashtak with devotion and discipline can bring transformative results.

Watch Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam Video

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