Shri Kalabhairavashtakam Full Lyrics & Meaning

Shri Kalabhairavashtakam: The Divine Shield of the Lord of Time

In the mystical city of Kashi, there exists a guardian so powerful that even the planets bow to His command. He is Lord Kaal Bhairav, the fearsome manifestation of Lord Shiva, known as the “Kotwal of Kashi” (The Divine Police Chief). To appease this fierce aspect of Mahadev, Adi Guru Shankaracharya composed the “Shri Kalabhairavashtakam.”

‘Kaal’ means Time, and ‘Bhairav’ means the one who destroys fear. This hymn consists of eight verses that act as a spiritual weapon against negativity, untimely death, and the bondages of Karma. In the ninth chapter of theshivling.com’s “108 Shiva Stotram Series,” we present the complete Shri Kalabhairavashtakam with its profound English translation.

Lord Kaal Bhairav and the sacred 8 verses of Kalabhairavashtakam

The Tantric and Spiritual Significance of Kaal Bhairav

Kaal Bhairav represents the “Terrible” aspect of Shiva, not to cause fear in devotees, but to destroy the ego and the illusions that hold us back. Chanting the Shri Kalabhairavashtakam is believed to accelerate spiritual growth and provide an impenetrable shield of protection. It is a must-recite for those facing court cases, enemy troubles, or severe planetary afflictions.

॥ Shri Kalabhairavashtakam – Complete 8 Verses with English Meaning ॥

Verse 1: The One Served by Indra Deva-raja-sevyamana-pavananghri-pankajam Vyala-yajna-sutram-indu-shekharam kripakaram | Naradadi-yogi-vrinda-vanditam digambaram Kashika-puradhinatha-kalabhairavam bhaje || 1 || Meaning: I worship Kaal Bhairav, the Lord of the city of Kashi, whose lotus feet are served by Indra, the King of Gods. He wears a serpent as His sacred thread and the moon upon His forehead. He is extremely compassionate and is praised by sages like Narada and other yogis. He is Digambara (clothed by the sky/universe).

Verse 2: Brighter than a Million Suns Bhanu-koti-bhasvaram bhavabdhi-tarakam param Nilakantham-ipsitartha-dayakam trilochanam | Kalakalam-ambujaksham-akshashulam-aksharam Kashika-puradhinatha-kalabhairavam bhaje || 2 || Meaning: I worship Kaal Bhairav, the Lord of Kashi, who shines with the brilliance of a million suns. He is the supreme savior who helps us cross the ocean of worldly existence. He is the blue-throated one, the granter of all desires, and has three eyes. He is the Death of Death itself (Kaala-Kaala), possesses lotus-like eyes, and is imperishable.

Verse 3: The Wielder of Divine Weapons Shula-tanka-pasha-danda-panim-adikaranam Shyama-kayam-adidevam-aksharam niramayam | Bhima-vikramam prabhum vichitra-tandava-priyam Kashika-puradhinatha-kalabhairavam bhaje || 3 || Meaning: I worship Kaal Bhairav, the Lord of Kashi, who holds a trident, an axe, a noose, and a staff in His hands. He is the primordial cause of the universe. His body is of a dark hue (Shyama). He is the first of all Gods, free from diseases and decay, possessing immense valor, and fond of the wondrous Tandava dance.

Verse 4: The Giver of Liberation Bhukti-mukti-dayakam prashasta-charu-vigraham Bhakta-vatsalam sthitam samasta-loka-vigraham | Vinikvanan-manojna-hema-kinkini-lasat-katim Kashika-puradhinatha-kalabhairavam bhaje || 4 || Meaning: I worship Kaal Bhairav, the Lord of Kashi, the granter of both worldly prosperity (Bhukti) and liberation (Mukti). He has a pleasing and beautiful form. He loves His devotees and resides as the soul within all worlds. His waist is adorned with golden bells that produce a sweet tinkling sound.

Verse 5: The Protector of Dharma Dharma-setu-palakam adharma-marga-nashakam Karma-pasha-mochakam susharma-dayakam vibhum | Svarnavarna-shesha-pasha-shobhitanga-mandalam Kashika-puradhinatha-kalabhairavam bhaje || 5 || Meaning: I worship Kaal Bhairav, the Lord of Kashi, the protector of the bridge of Dharma and the destroyer of the path of unrighteousness. He releases us from the bonds of Karma and grants supreme happiness. His body is adorned with the golden-colored serpent king, Shesha.

Verse 6: The Destroyer of Death’s Pride Ratna-paduka-prabhabhirama-pada-yugmakam Nityam-advitiyam-ishta-daivatam niranjanam | Mrityu-darpa-nashanam karadamshtra-mokshanam Kashika-puradhinatha-kalabhairavam bhaje || 6 || Meaning: I worship Kaal Bhairav, the Lord of Kashi, whose feet are beautiful with the radiance of gem-studded sandals. He is eternal, non-dual, our beloved deity, and free from all taints. He destroys the pride of Death (Yama) and liberates us from the fangs of the God of Death.

Verse 7: The One with the Terrible Laugh Attahasa-bhinna-padma-janda-kosha-santatim Drishtipata-nashta-papa-jalam-ugra-shasanam | Ashta-siddhi-dayakam kapala-malika-dharam Kashika-puradhinatha-kalabhairavam bhaje || 7 || Meaning: I worship Kaal Bhairav, the Lord of Kashi, whose terrifying roar shatters the layers of the universe created by Brahma. His mere glance is enough to destroy the entire web of sins. He is the stern ruler who grants the eight Siddhis (psychic powers) and wears a garland of skulls.

Verse 8: The Lord of All Beings Bhuta-sangha-nayakam vishala-kirti-dayakam Kashivasi-loka-punya-papa-shodhakam vibhum | Niti-marga-kovidam puratanam jagatpatim Kashika-puradhinatha-kalabhairavam bhaje || 8 || Meaning: I worship Kaal Bhairav, the Lord of Kashi, the leader of all spirits and beings. He is the bestower of vast fame and the purifier of the sins and merits of the residents of Kashi. He is the master of the path of ethics, the ancient one, and the Lord of the entire universe.

The Phalashruti (Fruit of Recitation)

Kalabhairavashtakam pathanti ye manoharam Jnana-mukti-sadhanam vichitra-punya-vardhanam | Shoka-moha-dainya-lobha-kopa-tap-nashanam Te prayanti kalabhairavanghri-sannidhim dhruvam ||

Meaning: Those who study these beautiful eight verses of Kalabhairavashtakam—which are the means to knowledge and liberation, increase various merits, and destroy grief, delusion, poverty, greed, anger, and heat—will certainly attain the eternal presence of the holy feet of Lord Kaal Bhairav.

10 Miraculous Benefits of Shri Kalabhairavashtakam

Wiping Out Debt and Poverty: Chanting this daily is a powerful remedy for those struggling with financial crisis.
Enemy Protection: It acts as a divine shield against hidden enemies and evil eye (Nazar Dosh).
Planetary Correction: It is the best remedy for those suffering under the influence of Shani (Saturn) or Rahu-Ketu.
Time Mastery: As the Lord of Time, Bhairav helps devotees manage their time effectively and achieve goals faster.
Fearlessness: It removes the fear of ghosts, darkness, and untimely death.
Mental Strength: It cures depression and provides immense mental courage to face life’s challenges.
Legal Victories: Those involved in prolonged legal battles often find success through this stotram.
Cleaning Past Karma: Verse 7 mentions how His glance destroys the web of sins.
Spiritual Siddhis: For serious practitioners, it opens doors to ancient wisdom and psychic abilities.
Success in Kashi Yatra: Visiting Kashi is incomplete without paying homage to the Kotwal through these verses.

Conclusion

Shri Kalabhairavashtakam is not just a prayer; it is a spiritual armor. In an uncertain world, the protection of Kaal Bhairav is the greatest asset a devotee can have. By reciting these verses on theshivling.com, you are inviting the supreme guardian of time into your life.

Har Har Mahadev! Jai Kaal Bhairav!