Kalashtami, celebrated on February 20, 2025, honors Lord Kaal Bhairav, one of the fierce manifestations of Lord Shiva. This monthly Hindu festival takes place during the eighth day of the moon's waning phase, known as Krishna Paksha. Skilled practitioners and devotees regard this day as auspicious for worshipping Lord Kaal Bhairav, believing it to be pivotal for seeking blessings and protection from various adversities.
The significance of Kalashtami is documented in ancient scriptures, including the Aditya Purana, where Lord Kaal Bhairav is recognized as the 'God of Time.' This association underlines the belief among devotees who worship Kaal Bhairav for protection against calamities and to navigate the harsh realities of life. This year's celebration will commence when the tithi of Kalashtami begins on February 20, at 9:58 AM, and conclude at 11:57 AM on February 21.
Devotees observing Kalashtami engage in several rituals intended to connect them with divine energies. One primary practice is fasting, which typically lasts from sunrise to moonrise. Practitioners may refrain from grains and salt but some allow for fruits and water during this period. This act of self-denial is believed to purify the mind and body, enhancing the connection with the divine.
During Kalashtami, devotees also engage in prayers and offerings. Special worship rituals include chanting the Kaal Bhairav Gayatri Mantra—"Om Kaalakaalaaya Vidhmahey, Kaalaatheethaaya dheemahi, Tanno Kaal Bhairava Prachodhayaat"—repeat 108 times, which is said to evoke the deity's blessings effectively. The ritual customs also extend to visiting temples dedicated to Lord Kaal Bhairav, where followers light diyas with mustard oil, offer flowers, and perform hawan (sacred fire rituals).
To amplify one's devotion and earn the deity's favor, several remedies can be performed on Kalashtami. For enhanced prosperity, practitioners are encouraged to light clay lamps filled with mustard oil before Bhairav's idol, reciting the mantra: "Om Hreem Batukaya Apaduddharanaya Kuru Kuru Batukaya Hreem Om". This act is believed to invite positive energies and promote financial stability.
Fulfilling life's challenges is another key aspect of Kalashtami rituals. Devotees who face difficulties may offer mustard oil-soaked bread to black dogs, representing the sacred connection between Lord Bhairav and these animals. While offering, it is customary to chant the aforementioned mantra to align one’s intent with divine care.
Many practitioners, burdened by habitual fears, can find solace through tying black threads around their ankles after placing them before the deity's feet. This practice symbolizes readiness to absorb divine energy for courage and protection against fears. Similarly, to mitigate negative influences, the ritual involves circling black sesame seeds around children and disposing of them along flowing water, symbolizing the release of negativity.
Many also perform specific prayers dedicated to family, hoping to mitigate their partner’s suffering. A common remedy involves reciting the Shiva Chalisa followed by the Kaal Bhairav mantra to invoke blessings for each family member’s well-being, promoting harmony and reducing familial tension.
Reciting mantras aids not only individual intentions but also casts waves of positive energy within the environment. This aspect of worship reflects the conviction among devotees about removing negativity and misfortunes by chanting Kaal Bhairav's name with unwavering faith.
Kalashtami is uniquely revered not only for the connections it fosters between devotees and Lord Kaal Bhairav but also for how it aligns with communal practices. Many individuals share wishes and messages encapsulating their hopes for divine intervention, thereby reinforcing faith within communities. This tradition emphasizes the need for collective observance, with many sharing their experiences on social media or through WhatsApp status updates dedicated to the day.
Significantly, Kalashtami also presents cultural practices like feeding stray dogs or donating food to the needy. These acts not only embody the essence of community support and charity but reflect the underlying principle of devotion rooted in humility and service to all beings.
Finally, among the various do's and don’ts of this sacred observance, it is imperative for devotees to uphold purity—both internally and externally—by engaging only with vegetarian offerings and refraining from any negative speech or action.
This Kalashtami, let the power of Lord Kaal Bhairav guide your path, removing obstacles and bringing blessings, peace, and prosperity. The day not only stands as a reminder for individual faith but also reflects the beautiful tradition of togetherness rooted within the Hindu community.