About Kaal Bhairav Temple :
It is one of the most ancient temples of Varanasi, perhaps as old as Varanasi City itself. Kaal Bhairav is the God of Immortality, which a fantasy for the real world. It is believed that he had conquered death or ‘Kala’. Not only in Indian traditions but around the world human have always longed for immortality and the creation of gods is the result of same. Human being worship every form of that it feels super human. Worship of Kaal Bhairav is the result of same practice. Winning death and worshipping god who has conquered death is a practice to be eternal, immortal, relieve from suffering and pain and final deliverance.
Location of Kaal Bhairav Temple in Varanasi :
This ancient temple of Varanasi is located near Vishweshwar Ganj at
K-32/22 Bharonath, Vishweshwar ganj, Varanasi.
How to reach Kaal Bhairav Temple in Varanasi:
One can hire an auto to Godaulia and from there can take a rickshaw to Maidagin. The name of temple can also take you to temple if you can’t recall all the names of places of location. If need a private tour, then you can hire a private cab/taxi. Click here to get taxi fare in Varanasi
Opening time of the temple is :
5:00 AM to 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM
History of the Kaal Bhairav Temple :
Long ago many great saints went to the Sumeru Mountain, believed to be North Pole, in order to know most powerful and eternal being from Lord Brahma. Lord Brahma answered that he was the superior person. Lord Vishnu, also known as the Yagyeshwar or Narayana did not agree with the quick and impertinent decision of the Lord Brahma. Both, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu went through the four Vedas, Rig veda, Yajur veda, Sam veda, Atharwa veda to satisfy their curiosity. In Rig veda they found that Rudra, the God of Destruction was the supreme as he has power to destroy the universe. Yajur Veda answered that Lord Shiva is supreme as he could be worshiped by various Yagnas or sacrifices. Sam Veda declared that Triambakam is supreme as He is worshipped by a large number of Yogis and can control the entire world. Atharva Veda answered that Lord Shankar is supreme as he can eliminate all the troubles of human beings. In Indian mythology all the four names mentioned Rudra, Shiva, Shankar and Triambakam are synonyms of Lord Shiva. It was gained from all the Vedas that Lord Shiva was the supreme. Both, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu laughed on the decision of Vedas. Soon, Lord Shiva appeared in the form of divine shine in middle of both. Lord Brahma was staring very angrily at that shine with his 5th head (Lord Brahma has six heads). Lord Shiva has instantly created the new being Kaal Bhairav). Later Lord Shiva send Kaal Bhairav to his place at Kashi save his devotees from sins of this world that’s why he is also known as Paap Bhakshak to translate who eats sin.
After some time passed Kaal Bhairav broke the head of Lord Brahma. Soon, Lord Shiva said to Kaal Bhairav to go to roam through the world to know misery of people but Brahma Hatya Dosh was following him. Brahma Hatya (feminine stature which follows someone after killing somebody) created by Lord Shiva was following Kaal Bhairav at every place. Finally, he reached Kashi, ancient Varanasi, also known as the Moksha Puri i.e. residence of salvation, in the world. Brahma Hatya, finally disappeared as soon as Kaal Bhairav entered Kashi. The Lord Brahma’s head (held by Kaal Bhairav) fell at the ground known as Kapal Mochan destroyer of skull and the place famed as the Kapal Mochan Teerth, or pilgrimage of destroyer of skull. Henceforth, Kaal Bhairav stayed in Kashi forever and protects devotees from their problems and any form of fear. God Kaal Bhairav is believed to be the “Kotwal of Sati-pind”. Without his permission no one can even touch to the Sati-pind, Sati meant to be a pious lady.
Rituals performed at Kaal Bhairav Temple :
At Kaal Bhairav temple one can get and burn an earthen lamp of mustard oil. The burning lamp at temple is always kept alive. Wine or any other form of alcohol is also offered to god. Many practitioners of Tantrika cult come here who believe in negative energy and worship them. They believe that it is the only way to salvation.