काल भैरव अष्टकम् — Word-by-Word Meaning
काल भैरव अष्टकम्
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
कालभैरव
Kalabhairava
The terrifying lord of time — fierce form of Shiva
काशिकापुराधिनाथ
Kashikapuradhianatha
Lord of the city of Kashi (Varanasi)
भजे
Bhaje
I worship
पावनाङ्घ्रिपङ्कजं
Pavananghrpankajam
Whose lotus feet are purifying
दिगम्बरं
Digambaram
Sky-clad (naked ascetic)
भानुकोटि
Bhanukoti
Brilliance of a million suns
त्रिलोचनम्
Trilochanam
Three-eyed
शूलटङ्क
Shulatanka
Trident and axe
भुक्तिमुक्ति
Bhuktimukti
Worldly pleasure and liberation
धर्मसेतु
Dharmasetu
Bridge of dharma (righteousness)
कर्मपाशमोचकं
Karmapasamochakam
One who frees from the noose of karma
मृत्युदर्पनाशनं
Mrityudarpanashanam
Destroyer of death's pride
अष्टसिद्धि
Ashtasiddhi
Eight supernatural powers
कपालमालिका
Kapalamalika
Garland of skulls
भूतसङ्घनायकं
Bhootasanghanayakam
Leader of the ghosts/spirits
Complete Translation
I worship Kaal Bhairav, the lord of Kashi — whose purifying lotus feet are served by Indra king of gods, who wears serpents as sacred thread, the moon as crown, who is compassionate, worshipped by Narada and all yogis, who is sky-clad.
I worship Kaal Bhairav of Kashi — blazing like a billion suns, who helps cross the ocean of existence, the supreme one, blue-throated, three-eyed, granter of desires, death of death itself, lotus-eyed, imperishable.
I worship Kaal Bhairav of Kashi — holding trident, axe, noose and staff, the primordial cause, dark-bodied, the first god, imperishable, free from disease, of terrifying valor, who loves the wondrous cosmic dance.
I worship Kaal Bhairav of Kashi — who grants worldly enjoyment and liberation, whose form is beautiful and praised, who is compassionate to devotees, established in all worlds, whose waist shines with golden bells.
I worship Kaal Bhairav of Kashi — protector of the bridge of dharma, destroyer of paths of unrighteousness, who frees from the noose of karma, who grants happiness, all-pervading, whose body shines adorned with golden serpents.
I worship Kaal Bhairav of Kashi — whose pair of feet shine with gem-studded sandals, eternal, unique, the chosen deity, pure, destroyer of death's pride, who liberates with his fierce fangs.
I worship Kaal Bhairav of Kashi — whose thundering laughter shattered Brahma's cosmic eggs, whose mere glance destroys the web of sins, fierce ruler, granter of eight supernatural powers, who wears a garland of skulls.
I worship Kaal Bhairav of Kashi — leader of the hosts of spirits, bestower of vast fame, who purifies the sins and merits of all who dwell in Kashi, all-pervading, knower of the path of righteousness, ancient lord of the universe.
Origin & History
Source: Composed by Adi Shankaracharya
Author: Adi Shankaracharya
Period: 8th century CE
Shankaracharya composed this ashtakam in Kashi (Varanasi) at the Kaal Bhairav temple, one of the most ancient and powerful temples in the holy city. Kaal Bhairav is considered the fierce guardian deity of Kashi — tradition says no one can live in Kashi without his permission, and he judges the karma of all who die there, determining their fate in the afterlife.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kaal Bhairav?▼
Kaal Bhairav is the fierce, fearsome form of Lord Shiva. He is considered the kotwal (guardian/police chief) of Kashi (Varanasi). 'Kaal' means time/death, and 'Bhairav' means terrible — he is the terrible lord of time who conquers death itself.
Who composed this ashtakam?▼
Adi Shankaracharya composed the Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam during his visit to Kashi. Each of the 8 verses ends with the refrain 'Kashikapuradhianatha Kalabhairavam Bhaje' — I worship Kaal Bhairav, the lord of Kashi.
Why is Kaal Bhairav important in Kashi?▼
According to legend, when Lord Shiva cut off one of Brahma's five heads, the skull stuck to his hand. He wandered as a beggar until he reached Kashi, where the skull fell — making Kashi the place of liberation from even the greatest sin. Kaal Bhairav has been the guardian of Kashi ever since.
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