Kaal Bhairav Temple
Timings
The temple is open to the public twice a day, from 05.00 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. and from 04.30 p.m. to 09.30 p.m. However, on Sundays and Tuesdays, there is a huge influx of devotees which results in long queues and waiting times.
Architecture
The Kaal Bhairav temple in Varanasi has a unique architecture and is built in the North-Indian style. The temple has a small entrance, which opens into a large courtyard. The main shrine of Lord Kaal Bhairav is situated in the center of the courtyard, which is surrounded by smaller shrines of other deities. The temple walls are decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures of various Hindu deities.
The temple also has a large bell, which is rung by the devotees after offering their prayers to Lord Kaal Bhairav. The sound of the bell is said to purify the surroundings and ward off evil spirits.
Once upon a time, several great sages sitting atop Sumeru Mountain desired to know from Lord Brahma who was the indestructible and supreme being. Lord Brahma proclaimed himself to be that superior person.
However, Yagyeshwar (symbolic of Narayan) reprimanded Lord Brahma for his hasty and audacious utterances. Both of them asked the same question to the four Vedas, and all of them proclaimed that Lord Shiva is the ultimate being. Lord Brahma and Yagya Narayan laughed in disbelief, but shortly after, Lord Shiva appeared as a powerful divine light in their midst.
Lord Shiva created one living being and stated that he will be known as Kaal Bhairav, the King of Kaal, who will always be in Kashi, removing all sins of the devotees, and therefore, he will be known as Paap Bhakshak. Kaal Bhairav, with Brahma's head in his hand, started going around various places in the world and saw that Brahma Hatya was following him all along. Finally, Kaal Bhairav reached the Moksha Puri, Kashi.
The moment Kaal Bhairav entered Kashi, Brahma Hatya disappeared into the netherworld. The head of Brahma (Kapal) fell at a place which was called Kapal Mochan, and there was a Teerth which was later called Kapal Mochan Teerth. Kaal Bhairav stationed himself permanently in Kashi, giving shelter to all his devotees. It is believed that those living in or visiting Kashi must worship Kaal Bhairav, and he grants protection to all his devotees.
Ashtami day in the month of Margashirsha is an important day for worshipping Kaal Bhairav. Besides, Sundays, Tuesdays, Ashtami, and Chaturdasi days are also significant for worshipping Kaal Bhairav. A person who circumambulates Lord Kaal Bhairav eight times will be absolved of all sins committed by him, and a devotee who worships Kaal Bhairav for six months will attain all types of Siddhi.
Old timers in Kashi believe that whenever residents of Kashi leave the city for short journeys, they worship Kaal Bhairav (taking his permission), and on return to Kashi, they again worship Kaal Bhairav.
