KAAL BHAIRAV TEMPLE
Introduction
Also known as Batuk Bhairav Mandir is mostly attended together with Varanasi’s Kashi Vishwanath temple by pilgrims. It’s in the old city, a short distance from Kashi Vishwanath’s main temple and the ghats. The temple is located in a tight alleyway, and when you enter the temple, you will hear chants and bell noises. The belief is that this Shiva is supposed to protect the city’s citizens, thus many locals and tourists come to seek blessings.
History & Significance
In Hinduism, Kaal Bhairav is extremely important. According to traditions, Lord Shiva in this form vanquishes fear. He guards his followers against evils such as greed, rage, and desire. He exists outside of ‘time’ and ‘death.’ Kaal Bhairava was formed by Shiva to destroy demons during a conflict between devas and asuras, according to the Puranas, and later Astanga Bhairavas were produced. The Ashta Bhairavas wedded Ashta Matrikas, who has a frightening appearance. 64 Bhairavas and 64 Yoginis were created from these Ashta Bhairavas and Ashta Matrikas. According to another mythology, Kaal Bhairav was born as a result of Lord Shiva’s wrath.
Kaal Bhairav Mandir, known for being a center of worship for Aghoris and Tantriks, is believed to be of enormous religious value. The temple is dedicated to Batuk Bhairav, Lord Shiva’s avatar. The sacred Akhand Deep, which has been blazing for centuries, is a fascinating element of the shrine. This lamp’s oil is supposed to have healing properties.
ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS
Among the temples in Varanasi, the Kaal Bhairav Temple boasts remarkable architecture. There is an entrance in the front of the temple that is guarded by Kaal Bhairav’s steed. There is a lovely courtyard inside the temple. The main temple of Kaal Bhairav is located at the courtyard’s center. Kaal Bhairav’s statue has a silver-colored visage and is wreathed in flowers. The statue may be seen through the shrine’s entryway. The statue is claimed to be mounted on a dog statue and carries a trident. Aside from the face, the statue’s entire body is covered in flowers.
HOW TO REACH?
The temple is located in the Vishweshwarganj neighborhood. The location can only be reached by passing via tiny streets. The temple’s entrance is tiny, but there is an exterior mandapam where visitors can glimpse the Lord. The back entrance to the inner sanctuary allows for clear darshan, and the priests want money. The temple is easily accessible by car, rickshaw, and other modes of transportation. The Kashi Vishwanath temple is around 10 minutes away.
SIDE-BY ATTRACTIONS
There is a narrow route that surrounds the temple, and on one side of the path is an elevated platform with seated Brahmins selling red thread and other things. To bless the pilgrims, they have a ‘Danda of Peacock Feathers.’ For ten bucks, we can get sesame oil and flowers, and we can leave our shoes at the shop. Alcohol is also available, which people offered to God as prasad.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The temple is open from 5 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The eighth day after the full moon in November is a lucky day, and there are several rites to be found in the temple. The deity considers Sundays and Tuesdays to be significant days. Annakut (fourth day after Diwali) and Shringar are two other prominent festivals in the shrine.