Kalabhairav Jayanti कालभैरव जयंती
Birth of Lord Kalabhairav, the fierce manifestation of Shiva.
- Deity
- Shiva / Bhairava
- Mantra
- ॐ नमः शिवाय
Why it matters
Marks the manifestation of Lord Kalabhairav, the fierce form of Shiva who governs time (Kala) itself. As the guardian of the cosmos, protector of travelers, and keeper of divine justice, Bhairava rides a black dog and carries the severed head of Brahma — a symbol of transcending ego and attachment. Worship on this day grants protection from fear, liberation from past karma, and mastery over time-consciousness.
How it is observed
Night-long vigil (jagran) with continuous chanting, offering to black dogs (the vahana of Bhairava), visiting Bhairav temples, performing abhishekam to the Bhairava lingam with panchamrit, lighting sesame oil lamps, chanting the Kalabhairav Ashtakam composed by Adi Shankaracharya.
Fasting
Optional fast
For your practice
Kalabhairav Ashtakam recitation (8 verses by Adi Shankaracharya); meditation on the impermanence of time and the eternal present moment; contemplation on the transcendence of fear through acceptance of mortality.
Kalabhairav Jayanti — Dates
- Tuesday, 1 December 20262026
- Saturday, 20 November 20272027
- Thursday, 9 November 20282028
- Wednesday, 28 November 20292029
- Monday, 18 November 20302030
Dates are for India (IST). Tithi timings shift by location; the Tattva app works them out for your city.
Get a reminder before it comes
Tattva reminds you the day before, shows the day’s panchang and has the puja and mantra ready.
Greeting cards in Hindi and English are on your home screen a week before.
