॥ भैरव अष्टमी ॥

Bhairav Ashtami

The most sacred day of Lord Bhairav — his manifestation day, celebrated with fasting, night vigil, and deep devotion.

Kaal Bhairav Jayanti — Grand Celebration

30 November 2026 Kaal Bhairav Jayanti · Margashirsha Krishna Ashtami

The grandest Bhairav Ashtami of the year — Lord Bhairav's manifestation day, celebrated with night-long jagran at Ujjain, Kashi, and Bhairav temples across India.

Monthly Bhairav Ashtami — 2026 Calendar

Every Krishna Paksha Ashtami (8th day of the waning moon) is a Bhairav Ashtami. Dates sourced from DrikPanchang, timings converted to IST (India Standard Time):

Date Day Hindu Month Tithi Begins (IST)
10 Jan 2026 Saturday Pausha KP Ashtami 8:23 AM
9 Feb 2026 Monday Magha KP Ashtami 5:01 AM
10 Mar 2026 Tuesday Phalguna KP Ashtami 1:54 AM
9 Apr 2026 Thursday Chaitra KP Ashtami 9:19 PM
9 May 2026 Saturday Vaishakha KP Ashtami 2:02 PM
8 Jun 2026 Monday Jyeshtha KP Ashtami 3:24 AM
7 Jul 2026 Tuesday Ashadha KP Ashtami 1:24 PM
5 Aug 2026 Wednesday Shravana KP Ashtami 8:42 PM
4 Sep 2026 Friday Bhadrapada KP Ashtami 2:25 AM
3 Oct 2026 Saturday Ashwin KP Ashtami 7:59 AM
1 Nov 2026 Sunday Kartika KP Ashtami 2:51 PM ✦ Sunday
30 Nov 2026 Monday Margashirsha KP Ashtami 12:11 AM 🔱 Kaal Bhairav Jayanti
30 Dec 2026 Wednesday Pausha KP Ashtami 12:36 PM

✦ Sunday Ashtami is especially powerful. · Tithi timings in IST (converted from DrikPanchang) · Source: DrikPanchang.com · Always verify with a local panchang as tithi timings vary by location.

Why is Bhairav Ashtami Special?

According to the Shiva Purana and Kashi Khanda, Lord Bhairav manifested from Lord Shiva on the Krishna Paksha Ashtami of Margashirsha. This day is therefore his Jayanti — birthday and manifestation day. It is the most powerful day to:

Fasting — Vrat Niyam

Who Should Fast

Anyone who wishes to please Lord Bhairav, remove Saturn (Shani) afflictions, overcome enemies, or seek protection may observe this fast.

Rules of the Vrat

  1. Wake before sunrise. Bathe and wear clean clothes — preferably black or dark blue.
  2. Resolve (Sankalp) to observe the fast for the day in the name of Lord Bhairav.
  3. Eat only one meal (or fruits and milk) throughout the day. Many devotees fast completely until midnight.
  4. Perform puja at dusk and again at midnight (Nishitha kaal).
  5. Stay awake through the night (Jagran) — chant, listen to Bhairav katha, or recite the Chalisa.
  6. At midnight, perform the main puja with mustard oil lamp, black sesame, coconut, and red flowers.
  7. Feed dogs (especially black dogs) in the morning — this directly pleases Lord Bhairav.
  8. Break the fast after sunrise the next day with simple sattvic food.

Monthly Ashtami Observance

Even outside of Margashirsha, the Ashtami (8th lunar day) of every Krishna Paksha is a mini Bhairav day. Regular observance on these days builds a deep connection with Lord Bhairav over time. Simple offerings:

Celebrations at Kashi (Varanasi)

The Kaal Bhairav temple in Kashi holds its grandest celebration on Bhairav Ashtami. The idol is bathed in milk, panchamrit, and Gangajal at midnight, decorated with flowers and gold ornaments, and offered prasad including traditionally a small vessel of alcohol (madira) — a hallmark of Kashi's living Bhairav tradition. Thousands of devotees queue from the afternoon for the midnight darshan. The atmosphere resonates with the sound of bells, dhol, and "Jai Kaal Bhairav!" chants throughout the night.

Benefits of Bhairav Ashtami Vrat