Bhairav Chalisa — Benefits & How to Chant
श्री भैरव चालीसा
Complete guide to chanting correctly for maximum benefit
Benefits of Chanting Bhairav Chalisa
Recited to invoke Kaal Bhairav, the fierce protective form of Shiva and Kotwal (guardian) of Kashi, for protection from fear, enemies, accidents and negative forces.
Believed to remove obstacles, black magic, evil spirits, untimely death and the troubles of an afflicted Rahu, Ketu and Saturn.
Grants courage, fearlessness, swift justice and the fulfilment of sincere wishes; said to wipe away even the greatest sins when chanted with devotion.
Most powerful on Kalashtami (the eighth lunar day), Bhairav Ashtami, and on Sundays and Tuesdays
recited with the Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam and aarti.
Traditionally chanted before a four-faced lamp; feeding a dog (Bhairav's mount) is considered especially pleasing to him.
How to Chant Bhairav Chalisa
Instructions
In the evening, light a lamp (ideally a chaumukha, four-faced lamp) of mustard or sesame oil before an image of Kaal Bhairav. Offer vermilion, and traditionally a portion of food to a dog. Recite the Bhairav Chalisa with devotion, ideally with the Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam and aarti. Kalashtami and Bhairav Ashtami are the most auspicious days; daily recitation is recommended in times of fear or danger.
Spiritual Significance
It is said that no pilgrimage to Kashi is complete without the darshan of Kaal Bhairav, its Kotwal, who keeps the ledger of every soul — and that when he brings down his staff, even the greatest sins are destroyed. Devotees facing fear, enemies, legal trouble or black magic light his four-faced lamp on Kalashtami, recite this Chalisa, and feed a dog in his name.
Origin & History
Source: Traditional Hindi devotional chalisa
Author: Sundardas
When Brahma grew proud, Lord Shiva manifested as Kaal Bhairav — Time and death personified — and humbled him, then took up residence in Kashi as its eternal Kotwal, the fierce guardian who rides a dog and bears the trident. Fearsome in form yet tender to the devout (worshipped also as the boy Batuk Bhairav), he is the swift destroyer of fear, sin and evil. This Chalisa, composed by the poet Sundardas, praises him in forty verses.