Ashtami of the Krishna Paksha of Margashirsha month is celebrated as Bhairav Jayanti. This year, the festival of Bhairav Jayanti will be celebrated on 23 November 2024. Bhairav is considered to be a form of Lord Shiva and is a part of Shiva.
Bhairav was born on Ashtami Tithi. Hence worshiping his on the Ashtami Tithi is considered very auspicious for those who seek Bhairav’s blessings. Worshiping Bhairav at midnight on Ashtami Tithi is very beneficial and it eliminates suffering. One should recite the Bhairav MAntra at night and follow all Puja rituals. Jagran at night should also be observed.
People fast on the occasion of Bhairav Jayanti. They are blessed by Lord Bhairav. Worshipping Lord Bhairav has been connected with Tantra. Bhairav is also known as Rudra Rup hence all the Puja rituals that need to be followed to please him are stringent. Nevertheless he can be pleased when one worships with a pure heart. Those who observe a fast for Lord Bhairav should pay attention and be careful while observing the fast and carrying out Puja. All types of problems and pain vanish when one worships Lord Bhairav. Worshipping Lord Bhairav is considered to be very good in getting rid of the evil effects of Saturn, Rahu, Ketu and Mars.
How to worship on Bhairav Jayanti?
Bhairav is an avid deity who is always ready to kill the wicked. Whether it is Kali Puja or Bhairav Puja, all these pujas demand a certain time and deep meditation. Their fruit comes only when the instructions given in their practice are understood and followed. Bhairav Puja is performed all over India. He is worshiped at different places under different names. Bhairav Puja is considered extremely important in all places whether rural or urban. Bhairav Puja is believed to be very fruitful for the fulfilment of specific matters for instance planetary peace, conquering the enemies, to attain power etc.
An incarnation of Lord Bhairav is worshipped widely in Khandoba, the incarnation is known as Khandoba. In fact the place is named after Lord Bhairav’s incarnation. Khandoba is worshiped by villagers as well as those who live in cities. In South India, Lord Bhairava is called Shasta. Bhairav is known as a fiery deity. When he is understood at a deeper level then one realises he is the one who can free a devotee from all fears and fights. One can understand the meaning of life only by worshipping Lord Bhairava. The place that exists between construction and destruction, Lord Bhairav resides there. Bhairav is recognized at all places. Bhairav Puja protects one from ghosts, demons, sorcery, black magic etc.
Dev is the only God who eliminates various problems and obstructions in life. He is the Lord of the world and also the main destroyer of demons. He is always present to destroy anyone and anything that is against the interest of mankind. Calamities, problems, diseases, death, deities and demons, all are under his control. Mahabhairav is said to be the chief or commander of all tribes.
Bhairav Mythological Beliefs
There are many stories related to Bhairav Jayanti, that speak of the origin of Bhairava, powers of Bhairava and his miracles. Worshipping Bhairav can eliminate suffering equivalent to death. It can also eliminate problems that arise from the wrath of Marrakesh planets. Bhairav Sadhana is a very miraculous remedy. Chanting, reciting and performing Bhairav Havan rituals of Bhairav helps in getting rid of all problems that arise suddenly in life.
On the morning of Ashtami, one should get up early in the morning, take a bath, finish all household chores. On this day, ancestors’ Tarpan and Shradh work is also done. Fast is observed while performing the Kaal Bhairav Puja. Bhairav ji should be remembered while fasting for the whole day. He should be worshiped with incense, lamp, fragrance, black sesame, urad and mustard oil. Aarti should be done. Jagran should also be observed while singing devotional songs related to Lord Bhairav. The dog is believed to be the mode of transport of Lord Bhairav. Lord Bhairav is pleased when one feeds dogs on this day.
Bhairav Incarnation Story
According to the Linga Purana, Shiv Purana, it is said that Bhairava originated from Lord Shiva. This form of Lord Shiva is worshiped as Kaal Bhairavashtami. According to a legend, there was once a monster named Andhakasura. His wrath was increasing each day. Not only was he feared by humans but also by Devas. No one was able to bring an end to his tyranny. One day he crossed all boundaries of evil and tyranny and decided to capture Goddess Parvati. This instigated Lord Shiva and Bhairava was born from Lord Shiva’s blood to defeat Andhakasura.
As per some other theories, Bhairava was born from the fire that was ignited from Lord Shiva’s insult. This story is as follows:
Once Lord Brahma insults Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva does not take the words seriously, but the anger in his body generates a fierce fire. As a punishment the fire moves towards Lord Brahma to kill him. Brahma ji’s ego gets destroyed. Lord Shiva immediately pacifies the fire. That fire takes the form of a person. This person was named Lord Bhairava as he was born from Lord Shiva’s body.
Bhairav was appointed as the councilor of Shiva Puri and Kashi. According to the belief, Bhairav had emerged from Lord Shiva’s fire on Ashtami hence this day is celebrated as Bhairav Ashtami and Bhairav Jayanti.