Kalashtami or Kala Ashtami is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Bhairav and is observed every Hindu lunar month on the ‘Krishna Paksha Ashtami Tithi’ (8th day during the waning phase of moon). On this day, Hindu devotees worship Lord Bhairav and keep a fast to please Him. There are a total of 12 Kalashtami observances in a year. Of these, the one falling in the ‘Margashirsha’ month is most significant and is known as ‘Kalabhairav Jayanti’. Kalashtami is also considered holier when it falls on a Sunday or Tuesday, as these days are dedicated to Lord Bhairav. The festival of worshipping Lord Bhairav on Kalashtami is celebrated with full enthusiasm and devotion in different parts of the country.
Significance of Kalashtami:
The greatness of Kalashtami is stated in ‘Aditya Purana’. The main deity of worship on Kalashtami is Lord Kaal Bhairav who is known to be a manifestation of Lord Shiva. The word ‘kaal’ in Hindi implies ‘time’ while ‘Bhairav’ refers to ‘the manifestation of Shiva’. Hence Kaal Bhairav is also called as the ‘God of Time’ and is worshipped with full devotion by Lord Shiva followers. It is believed that those who worship Lord Shiva on Kalashtami seek generous blessings of Lord Shiva. It is also a popular belief that by worshipping Lord Bhairav on this day removes all the sufferings, pain and negative influences from one’s life.
Rituals during Kalashtami:
- Kalashtami is an important day for Lord Shiva followers. On this day devotees get up before sunrise and take an early bath. They perform special puja of Kaal Bhairav to seek His divine blessings and seek forgiveness for their sins. Devotees also visit Lord Kaal Bhairav’s temple in the evening and offer special prayers there.
- On Kalashtami special puja and rituals are also offered t dead ancestors during the morning.
- Devotees also keep a strict fast all day long. Some staunch devotees keep vigil all night and pass their time listening to stories of Mahakaleshwar. The observer of the Kalashtami Vrat is blessed with prosperity and happiness and obtains all success in his/her life.
- It is considered auspicious to recite Kaal Bhairav Katha and chant mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- There is also a custom to feed dogs on Kalashtami as a black dog is considered to be the vehicle of Lord Bhairav. Dogs are offered milk, curd and sweets.
- Offering food to Brahmins at Hindu pilgrim places like Kashi is considered to be highly rewarding.
2017 Dates :
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19
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January
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(Thursday)
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Kalashtami
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18
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February
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(Saturday)
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Kalashtami
|
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20
|
March
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(Monday)
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Kalashtami
|
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19
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April
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(Wednesday)
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Kalashtami
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18
|
May
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(Thursday)
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Kalashtami
|
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17
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June
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(Saturday)
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Kalashtami
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16
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July
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(Sunday)
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Kalashtami
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14
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August
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(Monday)
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Kalashtami
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13
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September
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(Wednesday)
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Kalashtami
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12
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October
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(Thursday)
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Kalashtami
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10
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November
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(Friday)
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Kalabhairav Jayanti
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10
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December
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(Sunday)
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Kalashtami
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