Kalashtami is one of the most prominent days in the Hindu religion. The day is entirely dedicated to Lord Kaal Bhairav, the fiercest manifestation of Lord Shiva. On this auspicious occasion, devotees observe a fast from dawn to dusk and worship Kaal Bhairav with pure intentions. Various religious and spiritual activities are performed on this specific day to appease Kaal Bhairav. Kalashtami falls every month on the Ashtami tithi of Krishna Paksha. This month, Kalashtami will be observed on May 9, 2026.
Kalashtami in May 2026: Date and Time
- Ashtami Tithi Begins: May 9, 2026 - 02:02 PM
- Ashtami Tithi Ends: May 10, 2026 - 03:06 PM
Kalashtami 2026: Significance
Kalashtami is dedicated to honoring Lord Kaal Bhairav and falls every month on the Ashtami tithi of Krishna Paksha. On this day, devotees observe a fast from sunrise to sunset and offer sincere prayers to Lord Kaal Bhairav. Hindu scriptures state that those who worship Lord Kaal Bhairav with great dedication and trust are blessed with the fulfillment of their desired wishes. He removes all negative energies, fear, anxiety, and impediments from the lives of devotees. As the guardian of time, he protects them from untimely death. Many devotees worship him as Danda Pani and Kshetrapaal, and light a diya to honor him on every important occasion. Kshetrapaal is referred to as the local guardian. During festivals like Holi, Diwali, or any other significant occasion, people go to a nearby temple, stand beneath a peepal tree, or stand at a crossroads. There, they light a four-faced diya with mustard oil and offer sweets as a token of appreciation for taking care of their home and the surrounding area.
It is believed that Lord Kaal Bhairav eliminates all negative aspects, including lust, greed, wrath, and attachment. He also eliminates negative energy, evil spirits, and negativity. To get rid of these issues, even those afflicted with black magic must offer puja to Lord Kaal Bhairav on each Kalashtami.
Kalashtami in May 2026: Puja Rituals
- Take a holy bath as soon as you wake up.
- Take a sankalp (vow) of fast observation.
- Set an idol of Kaal Bhairav on a wooden plank and light a diya with mustard oil.
- Decorate the idol with orchid flowers and offer meetha roti or poode as bhog prasad. If you don't have the idol, place an idol of Lord Shiva because he is the manifestation of Shiva.
- It is deemed meritorious to visit a temple on Kalashtami Day.
- One effective method to ask Lord Kaal Bhairav for blessings is to chant mantras.
Mantras:
- Om Kalakaalay Vidmahe, Tanno Kaal Bhairava Prachodayat..!!
- Om Hreem Batukaya Apaduddharanaaya Kuru Kuru Batukaya Hreem..!!
- Om Hreem Hreem Hreem Hreem Hreem Kshaem Kshetrapalay Kalbhairavaay Namah..!!
