Kalabhairav Jayanti 2026: Date, Puja Vidhi and the Story of Shiva’s Fierce Form

Kalabhairav Jayanti 2026 is on Tuesday, 1 December. It falls on the Ashtami of Margashirsha Krishna paksha, which begins at 12:13 AM and ends at 11:15 PM the same day, so it covers the evening pradosh (5:24 PM to 7:48 PM in Delhi), when much of the worship is done.

संक्षेप में: कालभैरव जयंती 2026 मंगलवार, 1 दिसम्बर को है, मार्गशीर्ष कृष्ण अष्टमी। अष्टमी रात 12:13 से रात 11:15 तक है, इसलिए संध्या का प्रदोष काल अष्टमी में ही है। काल भैरव शिव का उग्र रूप और काशी के कोतवाल हैं; उनकी पूजा सरसों के तेल के दीपक, काले तिल और चालीसा पाठ से होती है, और कुत्ते को भोजन कराया जाता है। पूरा लेख हिंदी में पढ़ें →

Kalabhairav Jayanti 2026: date and tithi

• Kalabhairav Jayanti (Bhairav Ashtami): Tuesday, 1 December 2026
• Ashtami begins: 1 December, 12:13 AM
• Ashtami ends: 1 December, 11:15 PM
• Pradosh, Delhi: 5:24 PM to 7:48 PM

The story of Kala Bhairava

The Shiva Purana tells of a dispute between Brahma and Vishnu over who was supreme. When Brahma spoke with arrogance, Shiva manifested as Kala Bhairava, the fierce form beyond time, and severed Brahma’s fifth head. Carrying the sin of that act, Bhairava wandered until he reached Kashi, where the skull fell from his hand. He remained there as the city’s guardian, the Kotwal of Kashi, and devotees still visit him before any pilgrimage in Varanasi is considered complete.

Kalabhairav puja vidhi

1. Fast through the day, or keep a simple meal.
2. In the evening, light a lamp of mustard oil before an image of Bhairava or Shiva.
3. Offer black sesame, flowers, incense and sweets such as imarti or jalebi.
4. Recite the Kaal Bhairav Chalisa, the 108 names of Bhairav or the Batuk Bhairav Chalisa.
5. Feed a dog, Bhairava’s vahana, and give charity.

Kalabhairav Jayanti 2026: FAQs

When is Kalabhairav Jayanti in 2026?
On Tuesday, 1 December 2026, Margashirsha Krishna Ashtami. The Ashtami runs from 12:13 AM to 11:15 PM.

Who is Kala Bhairava?
The fierce form of Shiva beyond time, guardian of Kashi, who severed Brahma’s fifth head to end his arrogance.

Why is a dog fed on Kalabhairav Jayanti?
The dog is Bhairava’s vahana, so feeding a dog is part of his worship.

What is offered to Kala Bhairava?
A mustard-oil lamp, black sesame, flowers, incense and sweets such as imarti or jalebi, with his chalisa or 108 names.

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