Significance of Kala Bhairava Fire Ritual

Who is Kala Bhairava?

Kala Bhairava, who is highly revered in India, is a fierce form of Lord Shiva. He is usually depicted with angry eyes resembling lotus blossoms, tiger’s teeth, blazing hair, and a snake around his neck or crown as well as a garland of human skulls. With a terrifying mien, Kala Bhairava’s arms hold a drum, a trident and Lord Brahma’s severed fifth head. His throat is blue from swallowing the halahala poison. Hence, he is regarded as the conqueror of death. His third eye stands for supreme wisdom.

The Legend of Kala Bhairava

The story of Kala Bhairava is mentioned in Shiva Maha Purana. Once, some controversy occurred among Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu about who was the greatest among them. Brahma made a comment that made Shiva angry. The furious Shiva then cut a small part of his fingernail and it became Kala Bhairava. Kala Bhairava chopped off Brahma’s head in anger. Kala Bhairava usually rides a black dog and carries a baton in his hand. The demigods were alarmed on seeing this fearsome avatar of Lord Shiva. Lord Brahma apologized to Bhairava for his mistake. Everyone, even the sages and saints, asked Shiva to calm down and return to his original form. However, Kala Bhairava has to suffer the consequences of cutting Brahma’s head. He has to wander around the world as a beggar, carrying the head of Brahma as a begging bowl. He had to do this to resolve the vow of Kapali and cleanse his sins. On reaching Varanasi, his sins were cleansed and Kapali’s vow was also resolved.

Kala Bhairava Jayanthi

The birthday of Kala Bhairava is celebrated as Kala Bhairava Jayanthi. On the occasion, a Kala Bhairava Homa (Fire Lab) is performed to invoke his blessings. As he is the god of Time, this homa is performed by devotees to enable them to manage their time successfully which is crucial to accomplish goals and attain success in all endeavors.

Unique Features of Kala Bhairava Homa

Kala Bhairava Homa is a unique ritual. It can help us acquire good time management skills which we need to cope with our hectic schedules. The spiritual energy it generates can bestow punctuality and a help us realize the value of time. This will enable us to complete our work on time and with ease.

During the ceremony, suitable hymns and mantras will be chanted to enhance its power and efficacy. Ashtami, the 8th waning Moon, is believed to be very auspicious to perform the Homa. The ritual will be performed after ascertaining your birth star.

According to scriptures, performing Kala Bhairava Homa bestows these blessings:

•           Better time management skills

•           Protection from accidents and other unexpected events

•           Gives positive energy

•           Improves finances

•           Helps pay off debts

•           Removes negative karma

•           Enhances multitasking abilities