Kalashtami or Kala Ashtami is one of the most important festivals of the Hindus. This is the festival dedicated to Lord Bhairav. Kalashtami is celebrated in every Hindu lunar month on the eighth day during the waning phase of moon i.e on the Krishna Paksha Ashtami tithi. The 8th day after the full moon day, which is also called Astani Tithi after Purnima, is considered as the most favorable day to get the blessings of Lord Kaal Bhairav. On the day of Kalashtami, devotees worship Lord Bhairav and also observe a fast to please him and get blessings.
As per the Hindu calendar, there are a total of 12 Kalashtamis in a year. Out of that, the one which falls in the month of Margashirsha is the most significant and is celebrated as Kalabhairav Jayanti. Kalashtami is a very important festival and it is believed that when Kalashtami falls on a Sunday or Tuesday, it is very auspicious as these days are dedicated to Lord Bhairav.
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Significance of Kalashtami
The significance of Kalashtami is mentioned in ‘Aditya Purana’. According to Aditya Purana, the main deity to be worshipped on Kalashtami is Lord Kaal Bhairav. Lord Kaal Bhairav is also known as the avatar of Lord Shiva. In Hindu mythology, ‘Kaal’ means time and ‘Bhairav’ refers to ‘the manifestation of Shiva. Therefore, Kaal Bhairav is also called the ‘God Of Time’. This day is very important for the followers of Lord Shiva and thus they celebrate and worship Lord Bhairav with full devotion.
It is said that once during a discussion between Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, Lord Shiva got angry due to the remarks passed by Lord Brahma. He took the avatar of Mahakaleshwar and cut the 5th head of Lord Brahma. It is also believed that Kaal Bhairav is the fierce avatar of Lord Shiva who was born to end the temper of Lord Brahma. Since then, devotees worship the Kaal Bhairav avatar of Lord Shiva. Moreover, there are certain things that one should never offer to Lord Shiva.
What is the importance of Kalashtami according to Vedic astrology? Consult our online astrologers to know more.
Masik Kalashtami Dates And Timings
| Date | Tithi Timings |
| January 4, 2024, Thursday | Begins – 07:45 PM, Jan 03 Ends – 10:04 PM, Jan 04 |
| February 2, 2024, Friday | Begins – 04:02 PM, Feb 02 Ends – 05:20 PM, Feb 03 |
| March 3, 2024, Sunday | Begins – 08:44 AM, Mar 03 Ends – 08:49 AM, Mar 04 |
| April 1, 2024, Monday | Begins – 09:09 PM, Apr 01 Ends – 08:08 PM, Apr 02 |
| May 1, 2024, Wednesday | Begins – 05:45 AM, May 01 Ends – 04:01 AM, May 01 |
| May 30, 2024, Thursday | Begins – 11:43 AM, May 30 Ends – 09:38 AM, May 31 |
| June 28, 2024, Friday | Begins – 04:27 PM, May 28 Ends – 02:19 PM, May 29 |
| July 27, 2024, Saturday | Begins – 09:19 PM, July 27 Ends – 07:27 PM, July 28 |
| August 26, 2024, Monday | Begins – 03:39 AM, Aug 26 Ends – 02:19 AM, Aug 27 |
| September 24, 2024, Tuesday | Begins – 12:38 PM, Sep 24 Ends – 12:10 PM, Sep 25 |
| October 24, 2024, Thursday | Begins – 01:18 AM, Oct 24 Ends – 01:58 AM, Oct 25 |
| November 22, 2024, Friday | Begins – 06:07 PM, Nov 22 Ends – 07:56 PM, Nov 23 |
| December 22, 2024, Sunday | Begins – 02:31 PM, Dec 22 Ends – 05:07 PM, Dec 23 |
Rituals To Be Performed On Kalashtami
Kalashtami is an important day for the devotees of Lord Shiva. By performing specific rituals on this day helps the devotees to receive the blessings of Lord Shiva. Below are some of the rituals to be followed on this day:
- Get up early in the morning (before sunrise) and take an early bath.
- Perform a special puja for Lord Kaal Bhairav to get his blessings and seek forgiveness for all the sins.
- One can also observe a fast on this day. The one who observes Kalashtami Vrat is blessed with prosperity, happiness and success in life.
- Recite Kaal Bhairav Katha and chant mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Also, in the evening, visit Lord Kaal Bhairav’s temple and offer a special prayer.
- On Kalashtami, special puja and prayers are offered to ancestors as well, in the morning, so that their souls experience peace.
- Donate food, clothes, money, etc to brahmins.
- Feed black dog (considered as the vehicle of Kaal Bhairav) with milk, curd and sweets.
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To Summarize
Kalashtami – the festival of Lord Bhairav, is marked with full enthusiasm and devotion in different parts of the country. Worshippers are also bestowed with the blessings of Lord Shiva. Praising Lord Bhairav on Kalashtami will help devotees to remove all the suffering, pain, and negative energies from life. Thus, Kalashtami is the most suitable and auspicious day to propitiate Lord Kaal Bhairav.
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With Ganesha’s Grace,
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