Kaal Bhairav Mandir, Varanasi - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Kaal Bhairav Mandir

At a distance of 1 Km from Kashi Vishwanath Mandir and 5 Km from Varanasi Junction, Kaal Bhairav Temple is a Hindu Temple situated at Vishweshwarganj area of Varanasi. It is one of the oldest temples in Varanasi and also one of the best places to visit in Varanasi. Dedicated to Lord Bhairav Naath, the temple has great historical and cultural importance in Hinduism. Kaal Bhairav is considered to as the fearsome manifestation of Lord Shiva who wears a garland of skulls and carries a club of peacock feathers. The word 'Kaal' means both 'death' and 'time'. Kaal Bhairav also means the one who removes the fear of both death and time. It is believed that even death is afraid of Kaal Bhairav.

History & Mythology of Kaal Bhairav Mandir

The exact date of the construction of the Kaal Bhairav temple remains unknown; however, it is estimated that the existing structure was erected in the mid-17th century AD. Regarded as a fierce embodiment of Lord Shiva, Lord Kaal Bhairav is thought to be the guardian deity of Varanasi, and it is believed that anyone wishing to reside in Varanasi must seek his permission. Additionally, he is considered the Kotwal of the 'Sati pind', and without his consent, no one is permitted to touch the 'Sati pind'.

According to mythology, Lord Shiva created Kaal Bhairav to eliminate Brahma's ego. Shiva became enraged by Brahma's boastful claim of being the ultimate creator. In response, Shiva swiftly fashioned a new entity, Bhairava or Kaal Bhairav, who severed Brahma's fifth head. However, the head became affixed to Kaal Bhairav's hand. Subsequently, Shiva commanded Kaal Bhairav to travel to various locations, but Brahmanahatya, the sin associated with the beheading of Brahma, manifested as a gruesome woman and pursued him until he arrived in Varanasi, where Brahma's head fell to the ground. This location is referred to as 'Kapal Mochan Teerth'. Upon entering Varanasi, he was absolved of the sin of Brahmanahatya. Shiva then declared that 'Kaal Bhairav' would eternally reside in Varanasi to absolve the sins of his followers.

Architecture of Kaal Bhairav Mandir

The Kaal Bhairav Temple located in Varanasi showcases Nagara style architecture. Within the sanctum of the Kaal Bhairav Temple, there is a silver-faced idol of Kaal Bhairav, who is depicted seated on a dog and holding a trident. Visitors can only see the face of the idol through the doorway, as the rest of the idol is draped with a cloth. On the rear door of the temple, an icon of Kshetrapal Bhairav, another manifestation of Bhairava, can be found. The outer walls of the temple are adorned with intricate carvings that illustrate scenes from Hindu mythology, including narratives associated with Kaal Bhairav and other deities.

Festivals of Kaal Bhairav Mandir

The Kaal Bhairav Temple located in Varanasi observes Bhairava Ashtami and Mahashivratri as prominent festivals. Bhairava Ashtami, referred to as Kaal Bhairav Jayanti, is an important celebration honoring Lord Kaal Bhairav, occurring on the eighth day of the waning moon in the Hindu month of Margashirsha, typically in December. Mahashivratri is another important festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is celebrated at the temple with considerable grandeur and enthusiasm.

Kaal Bhairav Mandir Dress Code & Other Restrictions

Visitors to the Kaal Bhairav Mandir are expected to adhere to a conservative dress code, ensuring that their legs and shoulders are adequately covered. Men may opt for dhotis or long trousers paired with shirts, while women are encouraged to wear Sarees, Salwar Kameez, or other traditional attire that adequately covers their shoulders and legs. Western attire such as shorts, skirts, and sleeveless tops should be avoided.

While non-Hindus may be allowed in the outer areas of the temple, they are typically not permitted to enter the sanctum sanctorum where the main deity is worshipped. This is a common practice in many Hindu temples to maintain the sanctity of the space.

Kaal Bhairav Mandir Timings

Monday: 5 AM - 1:30 PM & 4:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Tuesday: 5 AM - 1:30 PM & 4:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Wednesday: 5 AM - 1:30 PM & 4:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Thursday: 5 AM - 1:30 PM & 4:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Friday: 5 AM - 1:30 PM & 4:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Saturday: 5 AM - 1:30 PM & 4:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Sunday: 5 AM - 1:30 PM & 4:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Kaal Bhairav Mandir Entry Fee

Entry is Free

Best Time to Visit Kaal Bhairav Mandir

The optimal period to explore the Kaal Bhairav Mandir is from October to March, with peak visitor numbers generally seen between November and February. This season provides cool and agreeable temperatures, enhancing the overall experience, as the summer months can become excessively warm and the monsoon season may introduce considerable rainfall, potentially hindering outdoor activities and temple visits. Besides, participating in major Hindu festivals like Bhairava Ashtami and Mahashivratri can be particularly rewarding, as the temple is exquisitely decorated and hosts special poojas and events.

How to Reach Kaal Bhairav Mandir

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Babatpur is the nearest airport which is about 23 Km from Varanasi Junction. Also known as Varanasi Airport, it is well connected with flights from New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Gaya. Varanasi Junction railway station is well connected by trains with Chhapra, Kanpur, Amritsar, Muzzafarpur, Jammu, Ahmedabad, New Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ranchi, Indore, Tatanagar, Chandigarh, Guwahati, Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Patna, Kochi, Jaisalmer, Mumbai, Bangalore, Dehradun, Haridwar, Pune and Chennai. Varanasi is well connected with buses from Agra, Delhi, Allahabad, Kanpur, Gorakhpur and Lucknow. One can reach Kaal Bhairav Mandir by hiring a cab, or an auto-rickshaw from all parts of the city of Varanasi.