In this comprehensive article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Kalashtami in 2024. Find out the date, auspicious puja timings and step-by-step vidhi for the puja. Learn the significance of Kalashtami and unleash your power to seek blessings from Lord Bhairav.
FILE IMAGE: People offer butterlight while offering prayers to the idol of Lord Kaal Bhairav at Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNISCO World Heritage Site in Kathmandu, Nepal, on December 9, 2017. (Photo by Sunil Pradhan/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Mumbai: Hindus celebrate Kalashtami on Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) every month. This year Kalashtami is celebrated on May 30 in the month of Jyeshtha. As part of the celebrations, devotees worship Lord Kaal Bhairav, a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva, and observe fasting in honour. The day of Kalashtami is also considered auspicious for Tantric rituals. On this day, devotees perform Kaal Bhairav Puja devoutly.
It is believed that worshipping Kaal Bhairav gives the desired results to the devotees.
Kalashtami Puja Timings
As per Hindu Panchang, Ashtami Tithi in Krishna Paksha of Jyeshtha month will begin at 11:44 am on May 30, 2024 and will end at 9:38 am on May 31, 2024. As per Udaya Tithi, Kalashtami will be observed and fasting will be observed on May 30, 2024, Thursday.
Kalashtami Puja Vidhi
- Kalashtami is celebrated by taking early morning bath on Brahma Muhurat (early morning). Make a resolution to perform the puja.
- Make sure that the place where you perform the pooja is clean and holy. The place should be decorated with flowers, incense and lamps.
- Besides Kaal Bhairav, you can also place idols of Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha.
- Setting up the Kalash is the first step – it is filled with Ganga Jal (holy water), decorated, with flowers and with a swastika on top.
- Panchamrit is made from a mixture of milk, ghee, yogurt, sugar and honey, to which saffron, mace and rice are added and offered to the idol or statue of Kaal Bhairav.
- In temples, lamps are lit, incense is burned and offerings are made to the gods. In the evening, a four-sided lamp is lit with mustard oil.
- One can offer to Kaal Bhairav fruits, bilva leaves, rosewood, flowers, panchamrit, coconut etc. Black beans and mustard oil can also be offered.
- The puja is concluded by reciting aarti and chanting mantras or chanting Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam. After the puja, prasad is distributed to the devotees.
Meaning of Kalashtami
According to mythology, Lord Kaal Bhairav descended to earth on Kalashtami. He is believed to be associated with destruction. Devotees of Kaal Bhairav believe that he gives protection and removes fear. Fasting on Kalashtami is believed to bring virtuous results. Batuk Bhairav is the name given to Kaal Bhairav in Tantric practices. Feeding sweet bread and jaggery to dogs to please Lord Bhairav, whose vehicle is a dog, is considered to be very meritorious.
