The year 2026 begins with a powerful spiritual observance for Hindus worldwide. The first Kalashtami of the year is set to be observed on January 10, 2026. This sacred day is dedicated to the worship of Lord Kaal Bhairav, a formidable incarnation of Lord Shiva, revered for his power over time and protection from negative forces.
Kalashtami January 2026: Date and Timings
Devotees must mark their calendars for the precise timings of the Ashtami Tithi. According to the Hindu lunar calendar, the observance falls within the Krishna Paksha (waning phase) of the Magha month. The Ashtami Tithi begins at 08:23 AM on January 10, 2026, and concludes at 10:20 AM on January 11, 2026. This window is considered highly auspicious for performing all rituals and prayers dedicated to Lord Kaal Bhairav.
Significance of Worshipping Kaal Bhairav
Kalashtami holds immense significance as one of the most potent days to seek the blessings of Lord Kaal Bhairav. As the lord of time ('Kaal') and death, he is believed to grant spiritual liberation and shield his devotees from harm, premature death, and malevolent energies. He is also venerated as the protector (Kshetrapaal) of all temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, often depicted with a staff (Danda Pani).
In the current age of Kaliyuga, worship on this day is considered especially powerful for spiritual purification. Devotees believe that sincere prayers to Kaal Bhairav can eliminate negative energy, ward off evil spirits, and nullify the effects of black magic, offering a shield of divine protection.
Essential Puja Rituals for Kalashtami
Observing Kalashtami involves a series of dedicated rituals performed with devotion. Here is a guide to the key practices:
Fasting (Vrat): Devotees wake up early, take a purifying bath, and take a vow (sankalp) to observe a strict fast. The fast, which typically excludes salt and cereals, is maintained from sunrise until sunset, after which it is broken following evening prayers.
Prayers and Mantras: The core of the observance involves offering prayers to Lord Kaal Bhairav. Chanting dedicated mantras and reciting the Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam is highly recommended to appease the deity.
Temple Visit and Offerings: Visiting a Kaal Bhairav or Shiva temple is common. Devotees light a diya using mustard oil and offer a special sweet bread known as meetha rott as bhog prasad. Some also perform a sacred fire ritual (hawan).
Feeding Dogs: A unique and vital ritual involves feeding street dogs. Since Lord Kaal Bhairav's vahana (mount) is a dog, offering food to them is considered a direct and auspicious way to please the deity and earn his blessings.
By faithfully following these rituals, devotees express their gratitude and devotion, seeking the protective and liberating grace of Lord Kaal Bhairav on this powerful Kalashtami.
