Maha Shivratri 2025: The festival of Maha Shivratri is celebrated on the Chaturdashi date of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Phalguna, which falls on February 26, 2025. Lord Shiva has many incarnations, one of which is Kal Bhairav. Kal Bhairav is considered a complete incarnation of Rudra.
According to the Puranas, Lord Shiva himself created Kal Bhairav. However, Kal Bhairav is not only associated with Lord Shiva’s incarnation but also with Kashi. He is known as the ‘Protector of Kashi.’ Let’s explore when Lord Shiva created Kal Bhairav and why he made him the protector of Kashi.
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Kal Bhairav: The Fierce Form Of Lord Shiva
In the Skanda Purana, the story of Kal Bhairav’s origin from the fierce form of Lord Shiva is described. According to the legend, once there was a debate among the Trimurti—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva—about who was the greatest among them. Each one claimed to be the most powerful, but no conclusion could be reached. To settle the matter, sages and rishis were called upon. After careful consideration, the rishis declared Lord Shiva to be the supreme among the three.
Hearing this, Brahma became angry and jealous of Lord Shiva. In his anger and envy, Brahma insulted Shiva with harsh words. This enraged Shiva, and his fury manifested into a fierce form. From this form, Kal Bhairav emerged. So intense was his rage that upon appearing, Kal Bhairav severed Brahma’s fifth head. This act resulted in Kal Bhairav being burdened with the sin of Brahma’s slaying.
How Kal Bhairav Was Freed From The Sin Of Brahma’s Slaying
After severing Brahma’s fifth head, Kal Bhairav’s anger did not subside. Lord Shiva then told Kal Bhairav that to be freed from the sin of Brahma’s slaying, he would have to undertake a pilgrimage. Following this, Kal Bhairav set out on a journey to various sacred pilgrimage sites. After visiting many such places, Kal Bhairav finally arrived in Kashi, the city of Shiva. Here, he performed prayers and rituals, and it was in Kashi that Kal Bhairav attained the knowledge of life’s ultimate truth. In Kashi, he was freed from the sin of Brahma’s slaying.
Lord Shiva Appointed The Protector Of Kashi
When Lord Shiva saw Kal Bhairav in Kashi, he manifested there and gave him the authority to protect Kashi. From that moment, Kal Bhairav became the protector of Kashi, responsible for its security. It is believed that Kal Bhairav resides in eight different forms across various parts of Kashi. Whenever someone visits Kashi, they must pay their respects to Kal Bhairav. It is also believed that Kal Bhairav removes the sufferings of his devotees.
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