Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam Meaning for Beginners: Lyrics in English, Benefits & Chanting Guide

The Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam glorifies Lord Kaal Bhairav as the guardian of Kashi, the lord of time, and the compassionate protector of devotees. Each verse highlights a different aspect of His divine power, wisdom, and grace.

Verse 1
Sanskrit Verse

देवराज सेव्यमान पावनाङ्घ्रि पङ्कजं
व्यालयज्ञसूत्रमिन्दुशेखरं कृपाकरम् ।
नारदादियोगिवृन्दवन्दितं दिगम्बरं
काशिकापुराधिनाथ कालभैरवं भजे ॥1॥

Transliteration

Devaraja Sevyamana Pavanaanghri Pankajam
Vyala Yajnasutram Indu Shekharam Kripakaram
Naradadi Yogi Vrinda Vanditam Digambaram
Kashikapuradhinatha Kalabhairavam Bhaje

Line-by-Line Hindi Meaning

देवराज सेव्यमान पावनाङ्घ्रि पङ्कजम्
जिनके पवित्र चरणकमलों की पूजा देवराज इन्द्र भी करते हैं।

व्याल यज्ञसूत्रम् इन्दुशेखरं कृपाकरम्
जो सर्प को यज्ञोपवीत के रूप में धारण करते हैं, मस्तक पर चंद्रमा धारण करते हैं और कृपा करने वाले हैं।

नारदादि योगिवृन्द वन्दितं दिगम्बरम्
जिनकी नारद और अनेक योगी श्रद्धा से वंदना करते हैं तथा जो दिगम्बर स्वरूप हैं।

काशिकापुराधिनाथ कालभैरवं भजे
मैं काशी के अधिपति भगवान काल भैरव की उपासना करता हूँ।

Line-by-Line English Meaning

Devaraja Sevyamana Pavanaanghri Pankajam
His sacred lotus feet are worshipped even by Indra, the king of the gods.

Vyala Yajnasutram Indu Shekharam Kripakaram
He wears a serpent as a sacred thread, bears the moon on His head, and is full of compassion.

Naradadi Yogi Vrinda Vanditam Digambaram
He is revered by Narada and great yogis and appears in the sky-clad form.

Kashikapuradhinatha Kalabhairavam Bhaje
I worship Lord Kaal Bhairav, the ruler of the sacred city of Kashi.

Full Verse Meaning

This verse praises Lord Kaal Bhairav as a supreme deity worshipped by gods, sages, and yogis alike. His divine appearance symbolizes both spiritual power and compassion. As the guardian of Kashi, He protects devotees and guides them on the path of righteousness and liberation.

Spiritual Essence

The verse teaches humility before the Divine. Even celestial beings bow before Lord Bhairav, reminding devotees that spiritual growth begins with surrender, devotion, and respect for divine wisdom.

Verse 2
Sanskrit Verse

भानुकोटिभास्वरं भवाब्धितारकं परं
नीलकण्ठमीप्सितार्थदायकं त्रिलोचनम् ।
कालकालमम्बुजाक्षमक्षशूलमक्षरं
काशिकापुराधिनाथ कालभैरवं भजे ॥2॥

Transliteration

Bhanu Koti Bhasvaram Bhavabdhi Tarakam Param
Neelakantham Ipsitartha Dayakam Trilochanam
Kala Kalam Ambujaksham Aksha Shoolam Aksharam
Kashikapuradhinatha Kalabhairavam Bhaje

Line-by-Line Hindi Meaning

भानुकोटिभास्वरं भवाब्धितारकं परम्
जो करोड़ों सूर्य के समान तेजस्वी हैं और संसार रूपी सागर से पार लगाने वाले हैं।

नीलकण्ठम् ईप्सितार्थदायकं त्रिलोचनम्
जो नीलकण्ठ हैं, इच्छित फल देने वाले हैं और तीन नेत्रों से युक्त हैं।

कालकालम् अम्बुजाक्षम् अक्षशूलम् अक्षरम्
जो काल के भी काल हैं, कमल समान नेत्रों वाले हैं, त्रिशूल धारण करते हैं और अविनाशी हैं।

काशिकापुराधिनाथ कालभैरवं भजे
मैं काशी के अधिपति भगवान काल भैरव की उपासना करता हूँ।

Line-by-Line English Meaning

Bhanu Koti Bhasvaram Bhavabdhi Tarakam Param
He shines with the brilliance of millions of suns and helps devotees cross the ocean of worldly existence.

Neelakantham Ipsitartha Dayakam Trilochanam
He is the blue-throated Lord, the giver of desired blessings, and the three-eyed one.

Kala Kalam Ambujaksham Aksha Shoolam Aksharam
He is the destroyer of time itself, lotus-eyed, armed with the trident, and eternal.

Kashikapuradhinatha Kalabhairavam Bhaje
I worship Lord Kaal Bhairav, the ruler of the sacred city of Kashi.

Full Verse Meaning

This verse glorifies Lord Bhairav as the eternal and radiant form of Shiva who transcends time and death. He grants protection, wisdom, and spiritual guidance while helping devotees overcome the cycle of worldly suffering.

Spiritual Essence

The verse reminds devotees that all worldly things are temporary, but the Divine is eternal. By seeking refuge in Lord Bhairav, one develops faith, courage, and a deeper understanding of life’s true purpose.

Verse 3
Sanskrit Verse

शूलटङ्कपाशदण्डपाणिमादिकारणं
श्यामकायमादिदेवमक्षरं निरामयम् ।
भीमविक्रमं प्रभुं विचित्रताण्डवप्रियं
काशिकापुराधिनाथ कालभैरवं भजे ॥3॥

Transliteration

Shoola Tanka Pasha Danda Panim Adi Karanam
Shyama Kayam Adi Devam Aksharam Niramayam
Bhima Vikramam Prabhum Vichitra Tandava Priyam
Kashikapuradhinatha Kalabhairavam Bhaje

Line-by-Line Hindi Meaning

शूलटङ्कपाशदण्डपाणिमादिकारणम्
जो त्रिशूल, खड्ग, पाश और दण्ड धारण करते हैं तथा सम्पूर्ण सृष्टि के मूल कारण हैं।

श्यामकायम् आदिदेवम् अक्षरं निरामयम्
जो श्यामवर्ण हैं, आदि देव हैं, अविनाशी हैं और सभी दोषों से रहित हैं।

भीमविक्रमं प्रभुं विचित्रताण्डवप्रियम्
जो महान पराक्रमी प्रभु हैं और दिव्य ताण्डव नृत्य को प्रिय मानते हैं।

काशिकापुराधिनाथ कालभैरवं भजे
मैं काशी के अधिपति भगवान काल भैरव की उपासना करता हूँ।

Line-by-Line English Meaning

Shoola Tanka Pasha Danda Panim Adi Karanam
He holds the trident, sword, noose, and staff in His hands and is the primordial cause of creation.

Shyama Kayam Adi Devam Aksharam Niramayam
He has a dark complexion, is the primordial deity, eternal, and free from all imperfections.

Bhima Vikramam Prabhum Vichitra Tandava Priyam
He is immensely powerful and delights in the cosmic dance of Tandava.

Kashikapuradhinatha Kalabhairavam Bhaje
I worship Lord Kaal Bhairav, the ruler of the sacred city of Kashi.

Full Verse Meaning

This verse describes Lord Bhairav as the powerful and eternal protector who holds divine weapons to uphold dharma and remove negativity. His cosmic dance symbolizes the continuous cycle of creation, preservation, and transformation within the universe.

Spiritual Essence

The verse teaches that divine strength is used to protect righteousness and remove ignorance. Devotees are encouraged to face challenges courageously while remaining devoted to truth, discipline, and spiritual growth.

Verse 4
Sanskrit Verse

भुक्तिमुक्तिदायकं प्रशस्तचारुविग्रहं
भक्तवत्सलं स्थितं समस्तलोकविग्रहम् ।
विनिक्वणन्मनोज्ञहेमकिङ्किणीलसत्कटिं
काशिकापुराधिनाथ कालभैरवं भजे ॥4॥

Transliteration

Bhukti Mukti Dayakam Prashasta Charu Vigraham
Bhakta Vatsalam Sthitam Samasta Loka Vigraham
Vinikvanan Manojna Hema Kinkini Lasat Katim
Kashikapuradhinatha Kalabhairavam Bhaje

Line-by-Line Hindi Meaning

भुक्तिमुक्तिदायकं प्रशस्तचारुविग्रहम्
जो भोग और मोक्ष दोनों प्रदान करने वाले हैं तथा अत्यंत सुंदर दिव्य स्वरूप वाले हैं।

भक्तवत्सलं स्थितं समस्तलोकविग्रहम्
जो भक्तों से प्रेम करते हैं और सम्पूर्ण ब्रह्मांड में व्याप्त हैं।

विनिक्वणन्मनोज्ञहेमकिङ्किणीलसत्कटिम्
जिनकी कमर स्वर्णिम घंटियों से सुशोभित है, जिनकी मधुर ध्वनि मन को आकर्षित करती है।

काशिकापुराधिनाथ कालभैरवं भजे
मैं काशी के अधिपति भगवान काल भैरव की उपासना करता हूँ।

Line-by-Line English Meaning

Bhukti Mukti Dayakam Prashasta Charu Vigraham
He grants both worldly prosperity and spiritual liberation and possesses a beautiful divine form.

Bhakta Vatsalam Sthitam Samasta Loka Vigraham
He is deeply affectionate toward His devotees and pervades all worlds.

Vinikvanan Manojna Hema Kinkini Lasat Katim
His waist is adorned with golden bells whose pleasant sound enchants the mind.

Kashikapuradhinatha Kalabhairavam Bhaje
I worship Lord Kaal Bhairav, the ruler of the sacred city of Kashi.

Full Verse Meaning

This verse praises Lord Kaal Bhairav as a compassionate deity who grants both material well-being and spiritual freedom. While His fierce form is well known, this verse highlights His loving nature toward devotees and His all-pervading divine presence.

Spiritual Essence

The verse teaches that the Divine cares for both worldly and spiritual needs. Through devotion, a seeker gradually learns to balance material responsibilities with the pursuit of liberation and higher wisdom.

Verse 5
Sanskrit Verse

धर्मसेतुपालकं त्वधर्ममार्गनाशकं
कर्मपाशमोचकं सुशर्मदायकं विभुम् ।
स्वर्णवर्णशेषपाशशोभिताङ्गमण्डलं
काशिकापुराधिनाथ कालभैरवं भजे ॥5॥

Transliteration

Dharma Setu Palakam Tvadharma Marga Nashakam
Karma Pasha Mochakam Susharma Dayakam Vibhum
Swarna Varna Shesha Pasha Shobhitaanga Mandalam
Kashikapuradhinatha Kalabhairavam Bhaje

Line-by-Line Hindi Meaning

धर्मसेतुपालकं त्वधर्ममार्गनाशकम्
जो धर्म की रक्षा करते हैं और अधर्म के मार्ग का नाश करते हैं।

कर्मपाशमोचकं सुशर्मदायकं विभुम्
जो कर्मों के बंधन से मुक्त करते हैं और सच्चा कल्याण प्रदान करते हैं।

स्वर्णवर्णशेषपाशशोभिताङ्गमण्डलम्
जिनका दिव्य शरीर स्वर्णिम आभा और नागाभूषणों से सुशोभित है।

काशिकापुराधिनाथ कालभैरवं भजे
मैं काशी के अधिपति भगवान काल भैरव की उपासना करता हूँ।

Line-by-Line English Meaning

Dharma Setu Palakam Tvadharma Marga Nashakam
He protects the bridge of righteousness and destroys the path of unrighteousness.

Karma Pasha Mochakam Susharma Dayakam Vibhum
He frees devotees from the bonds of karma and grants true well-being.

Swarna Varna Shesha Pasha Shobhitaanga Mandalam
His divine form shines with a golden radiance and is adorned with sacred serpent ornaments.

Kashikapuradhinatha Kalabhairavam Bhaje
I worship Lord Kaal Bhairav, the ruler of the sacred city of Kashi.

Full Verse Meaning

This verse portrays Lord Bhairav as the protector of dharma and the liberator from karmic bondage. He guides devotees away from harmful actions and toward a life rooted in truth, discipline, and spiritual responsibility.

Spiritual Essence

The verse reminds us that every action has consequences. By following dharma and seeking divine guidance, devotees can gradually free themselves from negative tendencies and move toward inner peace and spiritual progress.

Verse 6
Sanskrit Verse

रत्नपादुकाप्रभाभिरामपादयुग्मकं
नित्यद्वितीयमिष्टदैवतं निरञ्जनम् ।
मृत्युदर्पनाशनं करालदंष्ट्रमोक्षणं
काशिकापुराधिनाथ कालभैरवं भजे ॥6॥

Transliteration

Ratna Paduka Prabhabhirama Pada Yugmakam
Nitya Advitiyam Ishta Daivatam Niranjanam
Mrityu Darpa Nashanam Karala Damshtra Mokshanam
Kashikapuradhinatha Kalabhairavam Bhaje

Line-by-Line Hindi Meaning

रत्नपादुकाप्रभाभिरामपादयुग्मकम्
जिनके चरण रत्नजड़ित पादुकाओं की दिव्य आभा से शोभायमान हैं।

नित्यद्वितीयमिष्टदैवतं निरञ्जनम्
जो सदा अद्वितीय, निष्कलंक और भक्तों के प्रिय आराध्य देव हैं।

मृत्युदर्पनाशनं करालदंष्ट्रमोक्षणम्
जो मृत्यु के अभिमान का नाश करते हैं और अपने उग्र रूप से भी मुक्ति प्रदान करते हैं।

काशिकापुराधिनाथ कालभैरवं भजे
मैं काशी के अधिपति भगवान काल भैरव की उपासना करता हूँ।

Line-by-Line English Meaning

Ratna Paduka Prabhabhirama Pada Yugmakam
His feet shine beautifully with the radiance of jewel-studded sandals.

Nitya Advitiyam Ishta Daivatam Niranjanam
He is eternal, incomparable, pure, and the beloved deity of devotees.

Mrityu Darpa Nashanam Karala Damshtra Mokshanam
He destroys the pride of death and grants liberation through His powerful divine presence.

Kashikapuradhinatha Kalabhairavam Bhaje
I worship Lord Kaal Bhairav, the ruler of the sacred city of Kashi.

Full Verse Meaning

This verse glorifies Lord Bhairav as the eternal and flawless Divine who stands beyond death itself. His grace removes fear of mortality and helps devotees understand the eternal nature of the soul.

Spiritual Essence

The verse teaches that death is not the end but part of the cycle of existence. By developing devotion and spiritual awareness, devotees learn to overcome fear and place their trust in the eternal Divine Reality.

Verse 7
Sanskrit Verse

अट्टहासभिन्नपद्मजाण्डकोशसन्ततिं
दृष्टिपातनष्टपापजालमुग्रशासनम् ।
अष्टसिद्धिदायकं कपालमालिकन्धरं
काशिकापुराधिनाथ कालभैरवं भजे ॥7॥

Transliteration

Attahasa Bhinna Padmaja Anda Kosha Santatim
Drishti Pata Nashta Papa Jalam Ugra Shasanam
Ashta Siddhi Dayakam Kapala Malika Dharam
Kashikapuradhinatha Kalabhairavam Bhaje

Line-by-Line Hindi Meaning

अट्टहासभिन्नपद्मजाण्डकोशसन्ततिम्
जिनके प्रचंड हास्य से ब्रह्मा द्वारा निर्मित ब्रह्मांडीय आवरण भी कंपित हो जाते हैं।

दृष्टिपातनष्टपापजालमुग्रशासनम्
जिनकी एक दृष्टि मात्र से पापों का जाल नष्ट हो जाता है और जो कठोर धर्मपालक हैं।

अष्टसिद्धिदायकं कपालमालिकन्धरम्
जो अष्ट सिद्धियाँ प्रदान करते हैं और कपालों की माला धारण करते हैं।

काशिकापुराधिनाथ कालभैरवं भजे
मैं काशी के अधिपति भगवान काल भैरव की उपासना करता हूँ।

Line-by-Line English Meaning

Attahasa Bhinna Padmaja Anda Kosha Santatim
His mighty cosmic laughter shakes the very fabric of creation.

Drishti Pata Nashta Papa Jalam Ugra Shasanam
A single glance from Him destroys accumulated sins, and He firmly upholds divine law.

Ashta Siddhi Dayakam Kapala Malika Dharam
He bestows the eight spiritual powers and wears a garland of skulls.

Kashikapuradhinatha Kalabhairavam Bhaje
I worship Lord Kaal Bhairav, the ruler of the sacred city of Kashi.

Full Verse Meaning

This verse describes Lord Bhairav’s immense cosmic power. His presence transcends the universe itself, and His divine gaze removes ignorance and negativity. As the giver of spiritual attainments, He guides sincere seekers toward higher realization.

Spiritual Essence

The verse teaches that divine grace is more powerful than accumulated negativity. By living righteously and remaining devoted to the Divine, seekers can overcome limitations and progress on the spiritual path.

Verse 8
Sanskrit Verse

भूतसङ्घनायकं विशालकीर्तिदायकं
काशिवासलोकपुण्यपापशोधकं विभुम् ।
नीतिमार्गकोविदं पुरातनं जगत्पतिं
काशिकापुराधिनाथ कालभैरवं भजे ॥8॥

Transliteration

Bhuta Sangha Nayakam Vishala Kirti Dayakam
Kashi Vasa Loka Punya Papa Shodhakam Vibhum
Niti Marga Kovidam Puratanam Jagat Patim
Kashikapuradhinatha Kalabhairavam Bhaje

Line-by-Line Hindi Meaning

भूतसङ्घनायकं विशालकीर्तिदायकम्
जो समस्त गणों और दिव्य शक्तियों के नायक हैं तथा महान यश प्रदान करते हैं।

काशिवासलोकपुण्यपापशोधकं विभुम्
जो काशीवासियों और भक्तों के पुण्य-पाप का शोधन करने वाले सर्वव्यापक प्रभु हैं।

नीतिमार्गकोविदं पुरातनं जगत्पतिम्
जो धर्म और नीति के मार्ग के ज्ञाता, सनातन और सम्पूर्ण जगत के स्वामी हैं।

काशिकापुराधिनाथ कालभैरवं भजे
मैं काशी के अधिपति भगवान काल भैरव की उपासना करता हूँ।

Line-by-Line English Meaning

Bhuta Sangha Nayakam Vishala Kirti Dayakam
He is the leader of divine hosts and the bestower of great renown.

Kashi Vasa Loka Punya Papa Shodhakam Vibhum
He purifies the merits and shortcomings of devotees and the residents of Kashi.

Niti Marga Kovidam Puratanam Jagat Patim
He is the master of righteous conduct, the eternal one, and the lord of the universe.

Kashikapuradhinatha Kalabhairavam Bhaje
I worship Lord Kaal Bhairav, the ruler of the sacred city of Kashi.

Full Verse Meaning

This verse honors Lord Bhairav as the eternal guardian of righteousness and the protector of devotees. He guides people toward ethical living, spiritual wisdom, and a life aligned with dharma.

Spiritual Essence

The verse reminds devotees that true success comes from following righteous principles. Lord Bhairav’s guidance encourages honesty, discipline, responsibility, and spiritual integrity.

Verse 9 (Phalashruti)
Sanskrit Verse

कालभैरवाष्टकं पठन्ति ये मनोहरं
ज्ञानमुक्तिसाधनं विचित्रपुण्यवर्धनम् ।
शोकमोहदैन्यलोभकोपतापनाशनं
ते प्रयान्ति कालभैरवाङ्घ्रिसन्निधिं ध्रुवम् ॥9॥

Transliteration

Kalabhairavashtakam Pathanti Ye Manoharam
Jnana Mukti Sadhanam Vichitra Punya Vardhanam
Shoka Moha Dainya Lobha Kopa Tapa Nashanam
Te Prayanti Kalabhairava Anghri Sannidhim Dhruvam

Line-by-Line Hindi Meaning

कालभैरवाष्टकं पठन्ति ये मनोहरम्
जो लोग इस सुंदर काल भैरव अष्टकम का श्रद्धापूर्वक पाठ करते हैं।

ज्ञानमुक्तिसाधनं विचित्रपुण्यवर्धनम्
यह ज्ञान और मुक्ति का साधन है तथा पुण्य की वृद्धि करता है।

शोकमोहदैन्यलोभकोपतापनाशनम्
यह शोक, मोह, दीनता, लोभ, क्रोध और मानसिक कष्टों का नाश करता है।

ते प्रयान्ति कालभैरवाङ्घ्रिसन्निधिं ध्रुवम्
वे निश्चित रूप से भगवान काल भैरव के चरणों की शरण प्राप्त करते हैं।

Line-by-Line English Meaning

Kalabhairavashtakam Pathanti Ye Manoharam
Those who recite this beautiful Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam with devotion,

Jnana Mukti Sadhanam Vichitra Punya Vardhanam
gain a means to attain wisdom, liberation, and spiritual merit.

Shoka Moha Dainya Lobha Kopa Tapa Nashanam
It helps remove sorrow, delusion, helplessness, greed, anger, and mental suffering.

Te Prayanti Kalabhairava Anghri Sannidhim Dhruvam
They ultimately attain the divine presence and grace of Lord Kaal Bhairav.

Full Verse Meaning

The concluding verse explains the traditional benefits of reciting the Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam. It states that sincere recitation helps cultivate wisdom, devotion, and spiritual progress while reducing negative emotions and attachments that hinder inner growth.

Spiritual Essence

The phalashruti teaches that the true fruit of devotion is inner transformation. Through regular remembrance of Lord Kaal Bhairav, devotees gradually develop wisdom, self-mastery, faith, and a deeper connection with the Divine.