Kaal Bhairav Jayanti, also known as Maha Kala Bhairava Jayanthi is believed to be the appearance day of Shri Kaal Bhairav, the fierce form of Lord Shiva. Bhairav Jayanti is Birthday of Lord Bhairav. Sri Bhairav is a manifestation of Lord Shiva in his Rudra form - the dreadful form, from which even death (Kaal) fears. Kala Bhairava is conceptualized as the Guru of the planetary deity Saturn. Sri Bhairava is known as Vairavar in Tamil where he is often presented as a Grama Devata or folk deity who safeguards the devotee on all eight directions (ettu tikku). Known in Sinhalese as Bahirawa, he protects treasures. Lord Bhairava is the main deity worshipped by the Aghora sect.
The fast, undertaken on this day, is fruitful, believed to be a protection from direct and indirect obstacles in life. Lord Bhairav's conveyance is a dog. On Bhairav Jayanti Lord Bhairav is worshipped in the temples. His carrier Dog is fed with milk, curd and sweets. Devotees gather in temples early morning to seek the blessings of Lord Bhairava.
Legend
As per a story in Skanda purana he manifested in the midst of a dispute which arose between Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma. Once, there was a controversy between Lord Brahma and Vishnu. The point of difference was as to who, of the two, is superior. To decide the issue, saints, rishis and sages were summoned, who after deliberations pronounced that in fact there is a special power, Brahma and Vishnu are forms of the same. Vishnu was satisfied but Brahma could not agree with the judgment of the jury. Lord Siva could not tolerate this defamation of the jury; he instantly appeared in the form of Bhairav and smashed the pride of Brahma. Legend has it that Lord Shiva cut the fifth head of Lord Brahma on this day and performed penance. In this form Shiva is believed to punish the sinners.
Customs and Celebrations
This day and the fast thereon, in reverence to Sri Bhairav, who is kind to his devotees and saves them from the havoc of time (Kaal). Lord Bhairav devotees take morning bath and perform special pujas and homas. Dead ancestors are also remembered on the day and pujas are performed for them. The most important Kalbhairav Jayanti is observed in Margashirsha month (November - December) in traditional Hindu calendar – the day Kala Bhairav appeared on earth. Staunch Bhairava devotees observe special prayers and rituals on this day .This day is beneficial for Tantra puja, Protection puja, Kalsarpa puja, Black magic removing puja, Shakti puja. Pitra dosha nivarana puja, Sharddha. Kaal Bhairav is pleased with deep daan. Worshiping Lord Bhairav helps to get rid from sufferings and pains, especially the troubles related to paranormal world. The devotee cherishes all round success and a healthy life free from any sort of diseases. Chant the following mantra while worshiping Kaal Bhairava :
Om hreem kaal bhairavaye hreem namah !
