Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam- In English Transcription

Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam: Devotion to the Lord of Kashi

Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam, composed by Adi Shankaracharya, is a sacred hymn consisting of nine verses dedicated to Lord Kaal Bhairav, the divine protector of Kashi. These verses extol the virtues and attributes of Lord Kaal Bhairav, who is revered for his compassion, radiance, and his role in granting salvation to his devotees.

Verse 1: The hymn begins with salutations to Lord Kaal Bhairav, the lord of Kashi, whose lotus feet are served by Devas. He is described as the one who wears a snake as a sacrificial thread and the moon as a crown, radiating compassion and omnipresence.

Verse 2: In this verse, Lord Kaal Bhairav's radiance, which is as bright as millions of suns, is highlighted. He is the liberator from the cycle of birth and death, the one with a blue neck, three eyes, and the trident that supports and protects the three worlds.

Verse 3: Lord Kaal Bhairav is praised for holding divine weapons such as the trident, hatchet, noose, and club. He is recognized as the primeval cause of the universe, powerful, immortal, and free from worldly bonds.

Verse 4: The hymn portrays Lord Kaal Bhairav as the giver of both worldly pleasures and salvation, who loves his devotees and stands as the god of all realms. His belt of bells around his waist creates a pleasant sound.

Verse 5: Here, Lord Kaal Bhairav is acknowledged as the protector of dharma and the destroyer of adharmik paths. He wears a golden serpent and ensures liberation from the bondage of karma.

Verse 6: Lord Kaal Bhairav's feet adorned with wooden sandals and gems are described. He is recognized as eternal, pure, and the liberator from the cycle of birth and death.

Verse 7: The laughter of Lord Kaal Bhairav stops Brahma's act of creation, while his glance absolves sins and grants the eight siddhis. He wears a garland of skulls.

Verse 8: Lord Kaal Bhairav is the ruler of ghosts, the bestower of glory, and the guide on the righteous path. He is the primordial lord of the universe.

Verse 9: The final verse emphasizes the transformative power of reciting these verses. Devotees who read these verses will attain knowledge, liberation, and auspicious qualities. They will be freed from sorrows, attachments, suffering, greed, anger, and rage and will ultimately attain the divine presence of Lord Kaal Bhairav.

Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam is a powerful hymn that invites devotees to seek refuge in the divine Lord of Kashi, who grants blessings, knowledge, and liberation to those who sincerely invoke his name. Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam, a hymn composed by the great Adi Shankaracharya, is a profound expression of devotion to Lord Kaal Bhairav, the presiding deity of Kashi. Through its nine verses, this hymn offers a spiritual journey into the realm of divinity, celebrating the multifaceted aspects and attributes of Lord Kaal Bhairav.