Mumbai: In Hinduism, Kalashtami holds immense spiritual importance as it is dedicated to the worship of Lord Kal Bhairav — the fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. On this day, devotees observe fasts and offer special prayers seeking divine protection and blessings. Lord Kal Bhairav is regarded as the god of justice and guardian of time. It is widely believed that worshipping him on Kalashtami helps remove fear, negative energy, and the ill effects of malefic planets like Saturn and Rahu.

As per the Vedic calendar, the Ashtami Tithi (eighth lunar day) of Krishna Paksha in the month of Jyeshtha will begin at 5:51 AM on Tuesday, 20 May 2025, and end at 4:55 AM on Wednesday, 21 May. Based on the rising date (Udaya Tithi), the Kalashtami fast will be observed on Tuesday, 20 May 2025.

Kalashtami 2025: Puja Vidhi

• Begin the day with an early morning bath and wear clean, modest clothes.
• Place a picture or idol of Lord Kal Bhairav on a clean altar or platform.
• Offer flowers, fruits, incense sticks, lamps, and bhog (naivedya). Light a mustard oil diya.
• Chant the mantra ‘Om kal bhairavaya namah’ and read or listen to the story of kal bhairav.
• It is customary to perform a special evening or night puja.
• Feeding black dogs on this day is considered highly auspicious, as the black dog is believed to be Lord Bhairav’s vehicle.

Spiritual Remedies to Perform on Kalashtami

• Keep a fast throughout the day. If not possible, opt for a fruit-based diet (phalahar).
• Light a mustard oil lamp before the idol of Lord Bhairav and recite Kal Bhairav Chalisa or Bhairavashtak for divine blessings.
• Feed a black dog with sweet chapati or offer raw milk. If a black dog isn’t available, any dog may be fed with reverence.
• Remember your ancestors and offer food to Brahmins or the poor. Donating black sesame seeds, urad dal, black clothes, or iron items is considered meritorious.
• To overcome enemies, recite the batuk bhairav ​​panchar kavach. Visit a Kal Bhairav ​​Temple and Offer Imarti, Jalebi, or Urad Dal.
• For relief from fear and negativity, chant Kal Bhairav mantras and Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra at night while praying with full devotion.

Why Kalashtami is Spiritually Significant

According to belief, the blessings of Lord Kal Bhairav protect devotees from evil energies, black magic, and malevolent spirits. His worship is said to remove fear, anxiety, and all mental disturbances. He is also revered as a remover of obstacles, ensuring success in all endeavours when propitiated with sincerity.

Lord Kal Bhairav is seen as the symbol of discipline and truth. Worshipping him inspires devotees to follow the path of righteousness and fulfil their duties with dedication. His worship is also known to neutralise the negative effects of Saturn (Shani) and Rahu. Kalashtami fasting is considered to aid in spiritual elevation, purification of the mind, and a deeper connection with the divine.

Many devotees also observe this fast to fulfil personal wishes. It is believed that heartfelt prayers offered to Kal Bhairav on this day never go unanswered. Known as the lord of mantras and protection, he is said to safeguard devotees against occult dangers and energies.

(Disclaimer: The information provided is based on traditional beliefs and religious texts. News9 Live does not endorse or validate these claims.)