Kalabhairava Jayanti (Bhairava Ashtami) 2026

Kalabhairava Jayanti (काल भैरव जयंती), also called Bhairava Ashtami, marks the appearance of Lord Kalabhairava, the fierce form of Shiva who is the lord of time and the guardian (kotwal) of Kashi.

Devotees fast, keep vigil and worship Kalabhairava, often at night, offering mustard oil lamps, black sesame and flowers. Feeding dogs, his vahana, is a cherished part of the day. The great Kalabhairava temple of Varanasi and Bhairava shrines across India hold special worship.