Lord Shri Kalabhairava, the guardian and presiding Lord of Kashi, represents both divine protection and the dissolution of negativity. According to Hindu religious tradition, remembrance of Lord Kalabhairava helps dispel fear, purify the mind and awaken inner courage. The Kalabhairavashtakam is a deeply devotional hymn praising His majestic movement, compassionate nature, formidable Bhairava form and identity as a manifestation of Lord Shiva. Its sincere recitation is traditionally regarded as a sacred Sadhana leading the devotee towards purity, fearlessness and deeper devotion to Lord Shiva.
Devaraja Sevyamana Pavananghri Pankajam Vyala Yajnasutram Indushekharam Kripakaram.
Naradadi Yogivrinda Vanditam Digambaram Kashikapuradhinatha Kalabhairavam Bhaje॥1॥
I worship Lord Kalabhairava, the Supreme Guardian of Kashi, whose sacred lotus feet are served even by Indra, the king of the Devas. He wears a serpent as His sacred thread, bears the crescent moon upon His head and is an infinite source of compassion. The revered Sage Narada and great Yogis bow before Him. He is Digambara, clothed by the directions themselves, and is the divine manifestation of Lord Shiva.
Bhanukoti Bhasvaram Bhavabdhi Tarakam Param Nilakantham Ipsitartha Dayakam Trilochanam.
Kalakalam Ambujaksham Akshashulam Aksharam Kashikapuradhinatha Kalabhairavam Bhaje॥2॥
I worship Lord Kalabhairava, whose radiance shines like millions of suns and who guides devotees across the ocean of worldly existence. He is Nilakantha, the Three-Eyed Lord who fulfils the righteous wishes of His devotees. He is the conqueror of time and death, lotus-eyed, the bearer of the Trishul and the eternal, imperishable Reality.
Shula Tanka Pasha Danda Panim Adikaranam Shyamakayam Adidevam Aksharam Niramayam.
Bhima Vikramam Prabhum Vichitra Tandava Priyam Kashikapuradhinatha Kalabhairavam Bhaje॥3॥
I bow with devotion to Lord Kalabhairava, who holds the Trishul, axe, noose and staff in His sacred hands. He is the primordial cause of creation, dark-complexioned, the ancient Divine Lord, imperishable and untouched by illness or decay. Possessing immense power and majestic authority, He delights in the wondrous cosmic Tandava.
Bhukti Mukti Dayakam Prashasta Charu Vigraham Bhaktavatsalam Sthitam Samasta Loka Vigraham.
Vinikvanan Manojna Hema Kinkini Lasat Katim Kashikapuradhinatha Kalabhairavam Bhaje॥4॥
I worship Lord Kalabhairava, who blesses devotees with both Bhukti, the righteous fulfilment of worldly needs, and Mukti, spiritual liberation. His divine form is beautiful and glorious, and He is ever compassionate towards His devotees. He pervades all worlds, while the golden bells adorning His waist produce a captivating and auspicious sound.
Dharmasetu Palakam Tvadharma Marga Nashakam Karmapasha Mochakam Susharma Dayakam Vibhum.
Svarnavarna Shesha Pasha Shobhitanga Mandalam Kashikapuradhinatha Kalabhairavam Bhaje॥5॥
I lovingly remember Lord Kalabhairava, the protector of Dharma and destroyer of the path of Adharma. He releases devotees from the binding effects of Karma and grants true peace and spiritual well-being. His divine form is beautifully adorned with radiant serpents resembling golden ornaments.
Ratna Paduka Prabhabhirama Padayugmakam Nityam Advitiyam Ishta Daivatam Niranjanam.
Mrityudarpa Nashanam Karala Damshtra Mokshanam Kashikapuradhinatha Kalabhairavam Bhaje॥6॥
I bow to Lord Kalabhairava, whose sacred feet shine with the brilliance of jewel-studded sandals. He is eternal, incomparable, the beloved chosen deity of His devotees and completely untouched by impurity. He destroys the pride of death and, through His formidable form, grants freedom from fear and the bondage of repeated birth and death.
Attahasa Bhinna Padmajanda Kosha Santatim Drishtipata Nashta Papa Jalam Ugra Shasanam.
Ashta Siddhi Dayakam Kapala Malika Dharam Kashikapuradhinatha Kalabhairavam Bhaje॥7॥
I worship Lord Kalabhairava, whose mighty laughter resounds through the cosmic creation formed by Lord Brahma. A single compassionate glance from Him is traditionally believed to purify accumulated wrongdoing. He is the powerful guardian of divine order, the bestower of the eight Siddhis and the formidable Lord adorned with a garland of skulls.
Bhuta Sangha Nayakam Vishala Kirti Dayakam Kashivasa Loka Punya Papa Shodhakam Vibhum.
Niti Marga Kovidam Puratanam Jagatpatim Kashikapuradhinatha Kalabhairavam Bhaje॥8॥
I repeatedly bow to Lord Kalabhairava, the leader of all Bhutaganas and the bestower of noble renown. He is traditionally revered as the divine guardian who examines and purifies the Karma of those residing in Kashi. He is the knower of the path of righteousness, the eternal ancient Lord and the sovereign protector of the entire universe.
Kalabhairavashtakam Pathanti Ye Manoharam Jnana Mukti Sadhanam Vichitra Punya Vardhanam.
Shoka Moha Dainya Lobha Kopa Tapa Nashanam Prayanti Kalabhairavanghri Sannidhim Nara Dhruvam॥9॥
According to the traditional Phalashruti, devotees who recite this beautiful Kalabhairavashtakam with sincere faith progress towards spiritual knowledge, liberation and the accumulation of sacred merit. Its devotional recitation is believed to help overcome sorrow, delusion, helplessness, greed, anger and inner suffering. Such devotees ultimately attain refuge and nearness at the sacred feet of Lord Kalabhairava.