http://en.wikipedia.

org/wiki/Bhairava Bhairava (Sanskrit: , ("Terrible" or "Frightful",[1]), sometimes known as Kaala Bhairava, Kal Bhairab, Annadhaani Bhairava (In Karnataka) ( ) Bhairo or Bhairon or Bhairadya or Bheruji (In Rajasthan), Kaal Bhairava, Kaala Bhairavar ( ) or Vairavar (In Tamil), is the fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva associated with annihilation.[2] He is one of the most important deities in Nepal, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Tamil adu and Uttarakhand, who originated in Hindu mythology and is sacred to Hindus, Buddhists and Jains alike. The origin of Bhairava can be traced to the conversation between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnurecounted in "Shiv Maha-Puran" where Lord Vishnu asks Lord Brahma who is the supreme creator of the Universe. Arrogantly, Brahma tells Vishnu to worship him because he (Brahma) is the supreme creator. This angered Shiva who then incarnated in the form of Bhairava to punish Brahma. Bhairava beheaded one of Brahma's five heads and since then Brahma has only four heads. When depicted as Kala Bhairava, Bhairava is shown carrying the decapitated head of Brahma. Cutting off Brahma's fifth head made him guilty of the crime of killing a Brahmin(Brahmahatyapap), and as a result, he had to carry around the decapitated skull for twelve years and roam as Bhikshatana, a mendicant, until he had been absolved of the sin. In the form of the frightful Bhairava, Shiva is said to be guarding each of these Shaktipeeths. Each Shaktipeeth temple is accompanied by a temple dedicated to Bhairava. His temples or shrines are present within or near most Jyotirlinga temples, the sacred twelve shrines dedicated to Shiva across India, including Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi and the Mahakaleshwar Temple at Ujjain, where at the Kal Bhairav Temple, he is worshipped by the Kapalika and Aghori sects of Shaivism, here one can also find the Patal Bhairav and Vikrant Bahirav shrines.[3][4] Kaal Bhairava temples can also be found around Shakti Peethas, as it is said Shiva allocated the job of guarding each of 52 Shakti Peethas to one Bhairava. As such it is said there are 52 forms of Bhairava, which are in fact considered as manifestation of Shiva himself. Traditionally Kal Bhairav is the Grama devata in the rural villages of Karnataka, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, where he is referred to as "Bhaivara / Annadhani" Vairavar. In Karnataka, Lord Bhairava is the supreme God for the Vokkaliga

community commonly referred as "Gowdas", especially for the Gangadikara Gowda caste he is considered as the care taker and punisher. Also another set of people in Kashmir that have their origin from Gorat, or the minister of Mata Sharika worship Bhairava during Shivratri [5] The Hindu reformer Adi Sankara has written a beautiful hymn on Kala Bhairava of Kashi which is called as Kalabhairavashtakam.[6] Bhairava Ashtami commemorating the day Kal Bhairav appeared on earth, is celebrated on Krishna paksha Ashtami of theMargashirsha month of Hindu calendar with a day special prayers and rituals.[7] He is depicted ornamented with a range of twisted serpents, which serve as earrings, bracelets, anklets, and sacred thread (yajnopavita). He wears a tiger skin and a ritual apron composed of human bones.[8] Bhairava has a dog (Shvan) as his divine vahana (vehicle). Bhairavi is a fierce and terrifying aspect of the Devi who is virtually indistinguishable from Kali, with the exception of her particular identification as the consort of Bhairava. Bhairava himself has eight manifestations i.e. Ashta Bhairava: Asithaanga Bhairava Ruru Bhairava Chanda Bhairava Krodha Bhairava Unmattha Bhairava Kapaala Bhairava Bheeshana Bhairava Samhaara Bhairava Kala Bhairava is conceptualized as the Guru of the planetary deity Shani (Saturn). Bhairava is known as Bhairavar or Vairavar in Tamil where he is often presented as a Grama devata or village guardian who safeguards the devotee on all eight directions (ettu tikku). Known in Sinhalese as Bahirawa, he protects treasures. Lord Bhairava is the main deity worshipped by the Aghora sect References: 1. For as one of the eight forms of Shiva, and translation of the adjectival form as "terrible" or "frightful" see: Apte, p. 727, left column. 2. For Bhairava form as associated with terror see: Kramrisch, p. 471.

3. Sunita Pant Bansal (2008). Hindu Pilgrimage: A Journey Through the Holy Places of Hindus All Over India. Pustak Mahal. ISBN 8122309976. 4. Diana L. Eck (1982). Banaras: City of Light. Taylor & Francis. pp. 192 3. ISBN 0710202369. 5. Syed Siraj Ul Hassan (1920). The Castes and Tribes of H.E.H. the Nizam's Dominions, Vol. 1. Asian Educational Services. p. 482. ISBN 8120604881. 6. hindubhakti.blogspot.com/2011/08/kala-bhairava-ashtakam.htmlCached 7. Dr. Bhojraj Dwivedi (2006). Religious Basis Of Hindu Beliefs. Diamond Pocket Books (P) Ltd. p. 172. ISBN 8128812394. 8. Bhairava statuette in copper from 15th-16th century Nepal, in collection of Smithsonian Institution. Accessed August 11, 2007. Maharashtra

Bhairavnath Temple, Sinnar, Nashik, Maharashtra The Kaal Bhairav Nath Mandir Varne, Satara, Maharashtra Shri KalBhairavnath Jogeshwari Temple, A/P-Bavdhan, Tal-Wai, DistSatara famous for BAGAD RATH. Shri KalBhairavnath Mandir, Kasba Peth, Pune Maharashtra also known as Nava kal Bhairavnath Mandir

http://wikimapia.org/25239599/Sri-Kala-Bhairava-Swamy-Temple Kaal Bhairav Temple today is one of the most intresting in Varanasi. Entering from the street , through a door guarded by Bhairava's mount, the dog, one finds a fine courtyard, in the center of which is the main shrine of Bhairava. Only the silver face of kaala bhairava, garlanded with flowers, is visible through the doorway of inner sanctum. The rest of Bhairava's image-said to be pot-bellied, seated upon a dog, holding a trident-is hidden behind a cloth drapery. Situated in Visheswarganj, Kaal Bhairav, is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are nine other Bhairav temples in the city. Kaal Bhairav, the "Black Terror," is widely known as the Kotwal, the "police chief," of Kashi, and the section of the city in which his temple stands is known as Kotwalpuri. Bhairav is considered a fearsome manifestation of Shiva. He wears a garland of skulls and carries a club of peacock feathers. Kaal Bhairav, whose name, Kaal means both Death and Fate, in addition to meaning Black. He is the black one who has also assumed the duties of

the God of Death in Kashi. Even Death, it is said, is afraid of Kaal Bhairava. For many centuries, this temple was a spiritual center in Kashi for the most severe of Shiva ascetics, the "Kapalis" or "Skull-Bearers," and their later descendants, the Gorakhnathis. Today, however, the temple is no longer the exclusive domain of such extremist yogis and is, rather patronized by ordinary householders for his protective blessings.This temple is popular and beloved among those who live under its influence in the surrounding Kotwalpuri section of the city. The Kaal Bhairav is said to be the Inspector of Kashi. It is believed if he gets angry on someone, the person cannot leave Varanasi for his entire life. The legends says that even death is scared of Kaal Bhairav. People who go on pilgrim visit to Varanasi, do not forget to visit Kaal Bhairava Temple. Important Days for Worship: Ashtami day [eighth day after Poornima] in the month of Margashirsha is an important day for worshipping Kaal Bhairav. Besides sundays, tuesdays, Ashtami and Chaturdasi days are very important for worshipping Kaal Bhairav. A person who circumabulates Lord Kaal Bhairav 8 times will be absolved of all the sins committed by him. It is also believed that a devotee who worships Kaal Bhairav for 6 months will attain all types of Siddhi [ as mentioned in Kashi Khand Chapter 31] Old timers in Kashi believe whenever residents of Kashi leave the city for short journeys, they worship Kaal Bhairav[taking his permission] and on return back to Kashi, they again worship Kaal Bhairav. It is said that those living in or visiting Kashi, must worship Kaal Bhairav and he in turn, grants protection/shelter to all his devotees. Kala Bhairava Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh It is known as the most ancient temple of Varanasi located near the VishesharGanj. Kalbhairav temple islocated at K-32/22 Bharonath, Vishweshwarganj, Varanasi. God KalBhairav is believed to be the Kotwal of Sati pind. Without his permission no one can even touch to the Sati pind.

Opening time of the temple is: 5:00 am to 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm History of the Kalbhairav Temple: Long ago many great saints went to the Sumeru Mountain in order to know from Lord Brahma that who is eternal and supreme power. Lord Brahma stated that he was the superior person. Lord Vishnu (also known as the Yagyeshwar or Narayan) was not agreed with the quick and impudent decision of the Lord Brahma. Both, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu went to the four Vedas for the answer of same question. Rig Veda answered that the Rudra is supreme as He has the power to control all living beings. Yajur Veda answered that Lord Shiva is supreme as He could be worshiped by various Yagnas (Yagam). Sam Veda declared that Triambakam is supreme as He is worshipped by a variety of Yogis and can control the entire world. Atharva Veda answered that Lord Shankar is supreme as He can eliminate all the troubles of human beings. All of the four Vedas declared that Lord Shiva is the ultimate supreme. Both, Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu laughed on the decision of Vedas. Soon, Lord Shiva came as a powerful divine shine in their center. Lord Brahma was staring very angrily at that shine with his 5th head. Lord Shiva has instantly created the new being (known as the king of Kaal means Kaal Bhairav). Lord Shiva said that Kaal Bhairav will forever be in Kashi in order to remove sins of the disciples, thats why Kaal Bhairav is also known as Paap Bhakshak. In the meantime, Kaal Bhairav plucked the burning head with anger of Lord Brahma and devotees started praying Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva said to Kaal Bhairav to go to various places but Brahma Hatya Dosh was following him. Brahma Hatyia (a female stature) created by Lord Shiva was following Kaal Bhairav at every places. Finally, he reached to Kashi, also known as the Moksha Puri in the world. Brahma Hatya has finally vanished as soon as Kaal Bhairav has entered to the Kashi. The Lord Brahmas head (held by Kaal Bhairav) fell at the ground known as Kapal Mochan and the place famed as the Kapal Mochan Teerth. From that day onwards, Kaal Bhairav stayed at Kashi forever and protects devotees from their problems. Kaal Bhairav Temple : K 32/22 Bharonath, Vishweshwarganj, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221002, India, +91-522-2307037 . Kaal Bhairav temple is located at K-32/22, Bhaironath. People can approach this place by rickshaw either through Bisheshwarganj cross roads or through Golghar. This is a very famous temple and all the devotees wishing to have darshan of Kaal Bhairav will be guided well by the local residents.

http://www.shaktipeethas.org/shiva-temples/topic527.html
Who is Kal Bhairav: Kalbhairav is an incarnation of Lord Shiva and a complete replica of Shiva. Once Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu quarrel about their greatness. At that moment a large Agnilinga appeared beween them. Both the gods tried to see the ends of linga top and bottom respectively. But they failed to reach the end of Shiva linga. But Lord Brahma lied that he saw the end and Lord Vishnu accepted his failure honestly. On that occasion Lord Shiva came and warned Brahma to stop lying. But Brahma insulted Lord Shiva. Then Lord Shiva decided to punish Brahma and created Kal Bhairav and ordered him to punish Brahma. Kal Bhairav cut the fifth head of Brahma. Then Brahma recognized his mistake, and praised and asked Shiva to pardon him. Then Kal Bhairav left Brahma. Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu regained their knowledge and left their pride and ego. Then Lord Shiva told that "Ones knowledge will not be glorified until he has pride and ego. One who removes his pride and ego will know the God. God will destroy persons with extremely proud. The god who removes pride was born." This means Kal Bhairav will remove Pride and ego, he will not tolerate lying, he loves truth. Other names of Kala Bhairav: Kalabhairav was also called as Kalaraja as he was looking like Kala ie. Yama. He was Called as Bhairav as one will get fear when he saw Kalbhairav. He punish bad persons, hence the name Amardaka. He removes sins of his devotees immediately, hence the name Papabhakshana. Characters of Kal Bhairav: He used Brahma kapala as his Bhiksha patra. He will practice Kapala vrata and bhikshatana (begging) to remove his Brahmahatya dosha. A lady named, Brahmahatya will follow him every where except in Varanasi. She had no entrance in Varanasi. Kal Bhairav will free from Brahmahatya, when he entered inVaranasi (Kasi). The place where Kal bhairav freed from his Brahmahatya was called as Kapalamochana teertha. Margasira Krishna Ashtami is a very auspicious day for Kal bhairav puja. It is also called as Kal Bhairavasthami. One should do fasting and Jagaram (Awakening through out day) on Margasira Krishna Ashtami in the presence of Kal Bhairav. Wednesday and Krishna Asthami are also important days for Kal Bhairav puja. One who worshipped Kal Bhairav will free from his great obstacles, dangers and will be released from jil also. Kal Bhairav worship present through out India. Actually there is a separate sect in Shaivism, called Kapalika. Kal Bhairav is the main diety for them. Kal Bhairav will also follow Kapalika vrata. Some important places of Kal Bhairav worship are Varanasi, Ujjain, Srisailam. These are the photos and details of Kalabhairava puja in three places. Kal Bhairav will act as watchmen of Kasi. He will guard Kasi and punish bad persons in Varanasi. Here Brahmahatya will not accompany Kalbhairava. Kapalamochana teertham present in Varanasi is important place for Kalbhairav puja. It is must to visit to Kal Bhairav temple in Kasi for every pilgrim to get complete Kasi yatra benefits.