What are the benefits of chanting the Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam?

The Phalashruti states it destroys grief, delusion, poverty, greed, anger and suffering, and leads to liberation. Additional benefits include fearlessness, protection, Saturn mitigation and dissolution of karma.

When should I chant the Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam?

Sunday and Bhairav Ashtami are most auspicious. Early morning or midnight are the ideal times. One complete recitation daily; 3, 7 or 11 on Sundays.

Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam — Complete Sanskrit Lyrics, Word-by-Word Meaning, Benefits & How to Chant

Q: What is the Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam?

An 8-verse Sanskrit hymn by Adi Shankaracharya praising Lord Kaal Bhairav, the fierce form of Shiva who protects Kashi and masters time. Each verse ends with Kashika Pura Adhinatha Kala Bhairavam Bhaje.

Introduction to Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam

The Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam is a masterpiece of Sanskrit devotional poetry composed by Adi Shankaracharya (788–820 CE). This hymn of eight verses praises Lord Kaal Bhairav — the most fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva as master of time (Kaal), ruler of Kashi (Varanasi), and ultimate liberator of the soul.

Lord Kaal Bhairav is depicted as dark, fanged, bearing weapons, wearing a skull garland, riding a dog. This terrifying form is itself a teaching — it destroys ego, fear and attachment on sight. Behind the fierce form is infinite compassion for sincere devotees. Each verse concludes with the refrain: Kaashikaa-Pura-Adhinaatha-Kaala-Bhairavam Bhaje — "I worship Kaal Bhairav, the lord of Kashi."

Complete Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam — All 8 Verses

Verse 1 — श्लोक १

देवराजसेव्यमानपावनाङ्घ्रिपङ्कजं
व्यालयज्ञसूत्रमिन्दुशेखरं कृपाकरम् ।
नारदादियोगिवृन्दवन्दितं दिगम्बरं
काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ १॥

Deva-Raaja-Sevyamaana-Paavana-Anghri-Pankajam
Vyaala-Yajnya-Suutram-Indu-Shekharam Kripaakaram
Naarada-Aadi-Yogi-Vrnda-Vanditam Digambaram
Kaashikaa-Pura-Adhinaatha-Kaala-Bhairavam Bhaje

Sanskrit	Transliteration	Meaning
देवराज	Deva-Raaja	King of the gods — Lord Indra
सेव्यमान	Sevyamaana	Being served and worshipped
पावन अङ्घ्रिपङ्कजम्	Paavana Anghri-Pankajam	Pure, sacred lotus feet (anghri = feet, pankaja = lotus)
व्याल यज्ञसूत्रम्	Vyaala Yajnya-Suutram	Serpent as sacred thread (worn at yajnopavita ceremony)
इन्दुशेखरम्	Indu-Shekharam	Moon-crested (indu = moon, shekhara = crown)
कृपाकरम्	Kripaakaram	Embodiment of compassion
नारदादि योगिवृन्द	Naarada-Aadi Yogi-Vrnda	Narada and other assembled great yogis
वन्दितम्	Vanditam	Saluted and worshipped by
दिगम्बरम्	Digambaram	Sky-clad — naked, symbolising complete freedom
काशिकापुराधिनाथ	Kaashikaa-Pura-Adhinaatha	Ruler of the city of Kashi (Varanasi)
कालभैरवम् भजे	Kaala-Bhairavam Bhaje	I worship Kaal Bhairav

Translation: "I worship Lord Kaal Bhairav, lord of Kashi, whose pure lotus feet are served by Indra the king of gods. He wears a serpent as sacred thread, bears the crescent moon as crown, and is the very embodiment of compassion. He is worshipped by Narada and vast assemblies of yogis and sages. He is the sky-clad one — completely free and unbound."

Verse 2 — श्लोक २

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

Bhaanu-Koti-Bhaasvaram Bhava-Abdhi-Taarakam Param
Niila-Kantha-Miipsitaartha-Daayakam Trilochanam
Kaala-Kaalam-Ambuja-Aksham-Aksha-Shuulam-Aksharam
Kaashikaa-Pura-Adhinaatha-Kaala-Bhairavam Bhaje

Sanskrit	Transliteration	Meaning
भानुकोटि भास्वरम्	Bhaanu-Koti Bhaasvaram	Radiant as ten million suns
भवाब्धि तारकम्	Bhava-Abdhi Taarakam	Saviour who helps cross the ocean of worldly existence
परम्	Param	Supreme, transcendent
नीलकण्ठम्	Niila-Kantham	Blue-throated — Shiva who swallowed cosmic poison
ईप्सितार्थ दायकम्	Iipsita-Artha Daayakam	Bestower of desired objectives and goals
त्रिलोचनम्	Trilochanam	Three-eyed — Sun, Moon and Fire as his three eyes
कालकालम्	Kaala-Kaalam	Lord of time itself — the destroyer of death (kaal of kaal)
अम्बुजाक्षम्	Ambuja-Aksham	Lotus-eyed
अक्षशूलम्	Aksha-Shuulam	Bearing the trident
अक्षरम्	Aksharam	Imperishable, eternal, indestructible

Translation: "I worship Lord Kaal Bhairav, who shines with the radiance of ten million suns, the supreme saviour who helps devotees cross the ocean of worldly existence. Blue-throated, he grants the deepest desires, three-eyed and lotus-eyed. He is the lord of time itself — the destroyer of death — bearing the trident, imperishable and eternal."

Verse 3 — श्लोक ३

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

Shuula-Tanka-Paasha-Danda-Paanim-Aadi-Kaaranam
Shyaama-Kaayam-Aadi-Devam-Aksharam Niraamayam
Bhiima-Vikramam Prabhum Vichitra-Taandava-Priyam
Kaashikaa-Pura-Adhinaatha-Kaala-Bhairavam Bhaje

Sanskrit	Transliteration	Meaning
शूल	Shuula	Trident / spear — weapon of destruction
टङ्क	Tanka	Axe — weapon
पाश	Paasha	Noose — symbolising power to bind karmic bondage
दण्ड	Danda	Staff / rod of justice
पाणिम्	Paanim	Hands — holding these weapons
आदिकारणम्	Aadi-Kaaranam	The primordial cause — original source of all creation
श्यामकायम्	Shyaama-Kaayam	Dark-bodied
आदिदेवम्	Aadi-Devam	The first, primordial god
अक्षरम् निरामयम्	Aksharam Niraamayam	Eternal and free from all affliction
भीमविक्रमम्	Bhiima-Vikramam	Of terrifying prowess and power
विचित्र ताण्डव प्रियम्	Vichitra-Taandava-Priyam	Beloved of the wonderful cosmic Tandava dance

Translation: "I worship Lord Kaal Bhairav, who holds trident, axe, noose and staff — the instruments of cosmic justice and the primordial cause of all existence. His body is dark. He is the first god — eternal, imperishable, free from all affliction. His power is awe-inspiring and terrifying. He is the lord who delights in the extraordinary Tandava — the cosmic dance of creation and dissolution."

Verse 4 — श्लोक ४

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

Bhukti-Mukti-Daayakam Prashasta-Chaaru-Vigraham
Bhakta-Vatsalam Sthitam Samasta-Loka-Vigraham
Vinikwanan-Manogna-Hema-Kinkini-Lasat-Katim
Kaashikaa-Pura-Adhinaatha-Kaala-Bhairavam Bhaje

Sanskrit	Transliteration	Meaning
भुक्ति	Bhukti	Material enjoyment / worldly pleasure
मुक्ति	Mukti	Spiritual liberation — freedom from samsara
दायकम्	Daayakam	Bestower of both
प्रशस्त चारुविग्रहम्	Prashasta Chaaru-Vigraham	Admirable and beautiful divine form
भक्तवत्सलम्	Bhakta-Vatsalam	Tender loving toward devotees (vatsala = parental affection)
समस्तलोकविग्रहम्	Samasta-Loka-Vigraham	Embodiment of all the worlds and all existence
विनिक्वणत्	Vinikwanan	Tinkling, resonating sound of bells
हेमकिङ्किणी	Hema-Kinkini	Golden small bells (hema = gold, kinkini = bells)
लसत्कटिम्	Lasat-Katim	Adorning and shining at the waist

Translation: "I worship Lord Kaal Bhairav, the bestower of both material enjoyment (bhukti) and spiritual liberation (mukti). His form is admirable and beautiful. He is full of tender love for his devotees — like a parent overflowing with affection. He is the embodiment of all the worlds. Golden bells tinkle delightfully at his waist, their sound music to the heart."

Verse 5 — श्लोक ५

धर्मसेतुपालकं त्वधर्ममार्गनाशनं
कर्मपाशमोचकं सुशर्मदायकं विभुम् ।
स्वर्णवर्णशेषपाशशोभिताङ्गमण्डलं
काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ ५॥

Dharma-Setu-Paalakam Tvadharma-Maarga-Naashanam
Karma-Paasha-Mochakam Susharma-Daayakam Vibhum
Swarna-Varna-Shesha-Paasha-Shobhita-Anga-Mandalam
Kaashikaa-Pura-Adhinaatha-Kaala-Bhairavam Bhaje

Sanskrit	Transliteration	Meaning
धर्मसेतु पालकम्	Dharma-Setu Paalakam	Guardian and upholder of the bridge of Dharma
त्वधर्ममार्ग नाशनम्	Tvadharma-Maarga Naashanam	Destroyer of the path of adharma / unrighteousness
कर्मपाश मोचकम्	Karma-Paasha Mochakam	Liberator from the binding noose of karma
सुशर्म दायकम्	Susharma Daayakam	Bestower of supreme happiness and divine bliss
विभुम्	Vibhum	The all-pervading, omnipresent supreme lord
स्वर्णवर्ण	Swarna-Varna	Golden-hued and golden-coloured
शेषपाश शोभिताङ्गमण्डलम्	Shesha-Paasha Shobhita-Anga-Mandalam	Body adorned with the golden serpent Shesha, radiating splendour

Translation: "I worship Lord Kaal Bhairav, guardian of the bridge of Dharma and destroyer of the path of adharma. He liberates devotees from the binding noose of karma — the accumulated actions that trap the soul. He bestows supreme bliss and is the all-pervading Lord. His body is gloriously adorned with the golden-hued serpent Shesha, radiating divine splendour."

Verse 6 — श्लोक ६

रत्नपादुकाप्रभाभिरामपादयुग्मकं
नित्यमद्वितीयमिष्टदैवतं निरञ्जनम् ।
मृत्युदर्पनाशनं करालदंष्ट्रमोक्षणं
काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ ६॥

Ratna-Paadukaa-Prabhaabhi-Raama-Paada-Yugmakam
Nityam-Advitiyam-Ishta-Daivatam Niranjanam
Mrityu-Darpa-Naashanam Karaala-Damshtra-Mokshanam
Kaashikaa-Pura-Adhinaatha-Kaala-Bhairavam Bhaje

Sanskrit	Transliteration	Meaning
रत्नपादुका	Ratna-Paadukaa	Gem-studded jewelled sandals
प्रभाभिरामम्	Prabhaabhi-Raamam	Beautiful with shining radiance
पादयुग्मकम्	Paada-Yugmakam	Pair of feet
नित्यम् अद्वितीयम्	Nityam Advitiyam	Eternal and without equal anywhere
इष्टदैवतम्	Ishta-Daivatam	The beloved deity of all sincere devotees
निरञ्जनम्	Niranjanam	Pure, without any blemish or taint
मृत्युदर्प नाशनम्	Mrityu-Darpa Naashanam	Destroyer of the pride and arrogance of death
करालदंष्ट्र मोक्षणम्	Karaala-Damshtra Mokshanam	With fierce terrible fangs he grants liberation

Translation: "I worship Lord Kaal Bhairav, whose pair of feet are adorned with gem-studded sandals radiating divine light. He is eternal and without equal anywhere in existence. He is the beloved deity of devotees — pure and without blemish. With his terrifying fangs he destroys the very pride of death itself, granting ultimate liberation to those who come to him with sincere hearts."

Verse 7 — श्लोक ७

अट्टहासभिन्नपद्मजाण्डकोशसन्ततिं
दृष्टिपातनष्टपापजालमोघशासनम् ।
अष्टसिद्धिदायकं कपालमालिकाधरं
काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥ ७॥

Attahaasa-Bhinna-Padmaja-Anda-Kosha-Santatim
Drishti-Paata-Nashta-Paapa-Jaala-Mogha-Shaasanam
Ashta-Siddhi-Daayakam Kapaala-Maalikaa-Dharam
Kaashikaa-Pura-Adhinaatha-Kaala-Bhairavam Bhaje

Sanskrit	Transliteration	Meaning
अट्टहास	Attahaasa	Loud, thunderous laughter
भिन्न	Bhinna	Shattering, breaking apart
पद्मज अण्डकोश	Padmaja Anda-Kosha	The cosmic egg of Brahma — the shell of creation
सन्ततिम्	Santatim	The continuity and progression of creation
दृष्टिपात	Drishti-Paata	The falling of a single glance
नष्टपापजालम्	Nashta-Paapa-Jaalam	The entire net of accumulated sins is destroyed
उग्रशासनम्	Ugra-Shaasanam	Fierce governance and strict cosmic discipline
अष्टसिद्धि दायकम्	Ashta-Siddhi Daayakam	Bestower of the eight supernatural powers
कपालमालिका धरम्	Kapaala-Maalikaa Dharam	Wearing a garland of skulls

Translation: "I worship Lord Kaal Bhairav, whose thunderous laughter shatters the cosmic egg of Brahma — dissolving entire universes at the end of each cycle of creation. With a single glance he destroys the entire accumulated net of sins. He governs the cosmos with fierce discipline. He is the bestower of all eight supernatural powers (Ashtamahasiddhi) and wears a garland of skulls — symbolising his mastery over the cycle of life and death."

Verse 8 — श्लोक ८

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

Bhoota-Sangha-Naayakam Vishaala-Kiirti-Daayakam
Kaashi-Vaasa-Loka-Punya-Paapa-Shodhakam Vibhum
Niiti-Maarga-Kovidam Puraatanam Jagat-Patim
Kaashikaa-Pura-Adhinaatha-Kaala-Bhairavam Bhaje

Sanskrit	Transliteration	Meaning
भूतसङ्घ नायकम्	Bhoota-Sangha Naayakam	Leader of all assembled cosmic forces and spirit-beings
विशालकीर्ति दायकम्	Vishaala-Kiirti Daayakam	Bestower of immense fame and glory to devotees
काशिवास लोक	Kaashi-Vaasa Loka	Residents and people of Kashi
पुण्यपाप शोधकम्	Punya-Paapa Shodhakam	Purifier of both merits and sins — clearing the slate completely
विभुम्	Vibhum	The all-pervading, omnipresent supreme lord
नीतिमार्ग कोविदम्	Niiti-Maarga Kovidam	Deeply expert and learned in paths of morality and ethics
पुरातनम्	Puraatanam	Ancient and primordial — existing before time began
जगत्पतिम्	Jagat-Patim	Lord of the universe (jagat = universe, pati = master)

Translation: "I worship Lord Kaal Bhairav, the mighty leader of all cosmic forces and spirit-beings. He bestows immense fame upon his devotees. He purifies the residents of Kashi — clearing both their accumulated sins and their attachment to virtue, freeing them for liberation. He is the all-pervading lord, the ancient one who existed before time, the master of the entire universe, deeply wise in all paths of righteous conduct."

Phalashruti — Verse 9 — फलश्रुति (The Fruits of Recitation)

कालभैरवाष्टकं पठन्ति ये मनोहरं
ज्ञानमुक्तिसाधनं विचित्रपुण्यवर्धनम् ।
शोकमोहदैन्यलोभकोपतापनाशनं
प्रयान्ति कालभैरवाङ्घ्रिसन्निधिं नरा ध्रुवम् ॥

Kaala-Bhairava-Ashtakam Pathanti Ye Manoharam
Jnaana-Mukti-Saadhanam Vichitra-Punya-Vardhanam
Shoka-Moha-Dainya-Lobha-Kopa-Taapa-Naashanam
Prayaanti Kaala-Bhairava-Anghri-Sannidhim Naraa Dhruvam

Sanskrit	Transliteration	Meaning
पठन्ति ये	Pathanti Ye	Those who recite
मनोहरम्	Manoharam	This beautiful, heart-captivating hymn
ज्ञानमुक्तिसाधनम्	Jnaana-Mukti-Saadhanam	The means to knowledge (jnaana) and liberation (mukti)
विचित्रपुण्यवर्धनम्	Vichitra-Punya-Vardhanam	Wonderfully increases virtue and merit
शोक	Shoka	Grief, sorrow
मोह	Moha	Delusion, attachment
दैन्य	Dainya	Poverty, misery
लोभ	Lobha	Greed, avarice
कोप	Kopa	Anger, wrath
ताप	Taapa	Suffering, heat, distress
नाशनम्	Naashanam	Destroyer of all six
प्रयान्ति	Prayaanti	They reach / attain
अङ्घ्रिसन्निधिम्	Anghri-Sannidhim	The sacred proximity of the divine feet
नरा ध्रुवम्	Naraa Dhruvam	Such people — certainly, without any doubt

Phalashruti: "Those who recite this beautiful Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam — the very means to knowledge and liberation, which marvellously increases virtue — will have completely destroyed within them: grief (shoka), delusion (moha), poverty (dainya), greed (lobha), anger (kopa) and suffering (taapa). Such persons will certainly and without any doubt attain the sacred divine presence at the lotus feet of Lord Kaal Bhairav himself."

॥ इति कालभैरवाष्टकम् सम्पूर्णम् ॥ Thus concludes the Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam by Sri Adi Shankaracharya.

Listen & Chant Along

Hearing the correct pronunciation, rhythm and energy of the Ashtakam before chanting independently deepens the practice considerably.

🎵 Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam — Complete Traditional Chanting

▶ Loading audio player…

🙏 Follow along verse by verse. After 7 days of daily practice the verses flow naturally from memory.

Benefits of Chanting the Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam

The Phalashruti explicitly names six things this Ashtakam destroys: grief, delusion, poverty, greed, anger and suffering. Traditional sources also describe:

Fearlessness

Lord Kaal Bhairav is the destroyer of fear itself — his very form obliterates fear on sight. Regular chanting cultivates unshakeable courage and inner fearlessness.

Powerful Protection

The most powerful protective stotra in the Shaiva tradition — guarding against negative energies, malefic influences, psychic disturbances and all forms of harm.

Mitigates Saturn's Effects

Kaal Bhairav governs Saturn (Shani). His worship directly softens the difficult effects of Shani Sade Sati and all Saturn-related hardships.

Grants the 8 Siddhis

Verse 7 explicitly states Kaal Bhairav is the bestower of Ashtamahasiddhi — all eight supernatural powers for sincere advanced practitioners.

Destroys Accumulated Karma

A single glance from Kaal Bhairav destroys the entire net of accumulated sins (Verse 7). His worship provides the fastest karmic purification in the tradition.

Liberation

As the destroyer of time itself, consistent devotion to Kaal Bhairav guides the soul toward liberation from the cycle of birth and death — the ultimate purpose.

How to Chant — Step by Step

Best day: Sunday and Bhairav Ashtami

Sunday is Kaal Bhairav's sacred day. Bhairav Ashtami — the 8th day of the dark fortnight of Margashirsha — is the grandest annual occasion for his worship.

Best time: Early morning or midnight

Before sunrise is ideal for daily practice. Midnight is supreme for intensive Kaal Bhairav sadhana — he governs the night hours.

Offering: Black sesame and mustard oil lamp

Black sesame seeds (kala til) and a mustard oil diya are traditional Bhairav offerings. A dark-coloured cloth, fresh flowers and incense complete the setting.

Sit facing north or east

In a clean, quiet space with a clear image or idol of Lord Kaal Bhairav. Spine straight, mind fully present.

Chant all 8 verses plus the Phalashruti

Always chant the complete Ashtakam — all eight verses in sequence, concluding with the Phalashruti. Never stop midway. The cumulative energy of all nine together is far greater than any individual verses.

Daily: 1 recitation. Special occasions: 3, 7 or 11

One complete recitation daily is deeply powerful. On Sundays or Bhairav Ashtami: 3, 7 or 11 recitations. For intensive practice with fasting: up to 108 over multiple days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam?

An eight-verse Sanskrit hymn composed by Adi Shankaracharya praising Lord Kaal Bhairav — the fierce manifestation of Shiva as master of time and guardian of Kashi. Each verse concludes with the refrain "Kashika Pura Adhinatha Kala Bhairavam Bhaje" — I worship Kaal Bhairav, the lord of Kashi. The ninth verse (Phalashruti) declares the benefits of recitation.

Who composed the Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam?

Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya (788–820 CE), the great philosopher-saint who revived Advaita Vedanta. The Ashtakam is said to have been composed during his visit to Kashi, where Lord Kaal Bhairav appeared before him disguised as an outcaste — testing his philosophical understanding before revealing himself.

What are the benefits?

The Phalashruti explicitly states recitation destroys: grief (shoka), delusion (moha), poverty (dainya), greed (lobha), anger (kopa) and suffering (taapa) — and leads to the divine presence of Kaal Bhairav. Additional benefits: fearlessness, protection from negative energies, mitigation of Saturn's effects, dissolution of accumulated karma, and for advanced practitioners, the possibility of attaining the eight supernatural powers.

Who is Lord Kaal Bhairav?

The most fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva as the master of time (Kaal) and guardian deity of Kashi. According to the Shiva Purana, he manifested when Brahma developed ego claiming supremacy — Shiva appeared as Bhairav, severed Brahma's fifth head of arrogance, and was freed from this karma only upon reaching Kashi. He became the eternal guardian of the city from that moment. Despite his terrifying form, he is infinitely compassionate to sincere devotees and removes fear, karma and suffering with great speed.

What are the 8 Siddhis mentioned in Verse 7?

The eight supernatural powers (Ashtamahasiddhi): Anima (become as small as an atom), Mahima (expand infinitely), Garima (become infinitely heavy), Laghima (become weightless), Prapti (reach anywhere), Prakamya (fulfil any desire), Ishitva (mastery over all nature), Vashitva (bring anything under control). These are attained through advanced sustained practice, not casual chanting.