Why Alcohol is offered to Kaal Bhairava?
In the heart of Ujjain, amidst the ancient temples, lies a unique spectacle. Devotees throng to the Kaal Bhairav Temple, not with flowers or sweets as customary offerings, but with a rather surprising choice – alcohol. This unusual tradition raises curiosity, leaving many to wonder: Why does Kaal Bhairav, a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva, have a taste for liquor?
Delving into this practice reveals symbolism, interpretations, and rich historical context. We delve into the fascinating reasons behind the alcohol offering to Kaal Bhairav, exploring the various layers of meaning associated with this unique custom.
Destruction of Ignorance
कालभैरवमाश्रित्य मत्तपानेन साधकम्।
अहंकारं हरत्याशु ज्ञानं शुद्धिं च यच्छति॥
Taking refuge in Kaal Bhairav, the seeker with the offering of alcohol, Quickly sheds ego and receives knowledge and purity.
कालभैरवदेवस्य पानं नैवाभिषङ्गते।
त्यजतामसृणं पापं भक्त्या निर्मलतां व्रजेत्॥
To Lord Kaal Bhairav, the offering of alcohol has no attachment, It symbolizes casting away sins and attaining purity through devotion.
मद्यं ददामि भैरवाय सर्वरक्षाकराय वै।
त्यज्यते दुष्कृतं सर्वं भक्तानां परिपालकम्॥
I offer alcohol to Bhairava, the protector of all, All misdeeds are abandoned, and he safeguards the devotees.
Kaal Bhairav is revered as the destroyer of ignorance and ego. In this context, alcohol symbolizes the ego and the ignorance that cloud human perception and judgment. Offering alcohol to Kaal Bhairav represents a devotee’s act of surrendering these negative traits to Bhairav Baba. It is an appeal for transformation and enlightenment, asking the fierce deity to destroy the ego and grant clarity and wisdom. This act signifies the devotee’s willingness to undergo a profound inner transformation.
Tantric Practices
The worship of Kaal Bhairav is deeply intertwined with tantric traditions, where breaking societal norms and internal limitations is a path to spiritual liberation. In tantra, alcohol is one of the “panchamakara” (five Ms), elements used in rituals to transcend ordinary human attachments and taboos. The offering of alcohol to Kaal Bhairav aligns with these practices, symbolizing the transcendence of worldly elements and the attainment of higher spiritual states. It reflects the idea of embracing all aspects of existence to achieve a state of non-duality and spiritual freedom.
Acceptance of All Aspects of Life
पानं पापं च पुण्यं च न भिन्नं भैरवस्य हि।
सर्वद्वन्द्वविनिर्मुक्तं वन्दे कालभैरवम्॥
For Bhairava, alcohol, sin, and virtue are not different, I salute Kaal Bhairav, who is free from all dualities.
मद्यं भक्तिप्रदत्तं हि भैरवाय नमोऽस्तु ते।
ज्ञानं दीयते तस्मै स्वात्मरूपं प्रकाशयेत्॥
Offering alcohol with devotion, I bow to Bhairava, Knowledge is given by him, illuminating the true self.
कालभैरवदेवाय मद्यं मोहनिवारकं।
अहंकारं नाशयति सत्यं तत्त्वं प्रकाशयेत्॥
To Lord Kaal Bhairav, the alcohol dispels illusions, It destroys ego and reveals the true essence.
Kaal Bhairav’s fierce nature embodies the acceptance and transcendence of all aspects of existence, including those deemed impure or taboo by conventional standards. Offering alcohol signifies the acceptance of both purity and impurity, aiming to go beyond the dualistic nature of human judgment. It is an acknowledgment that the divine transcends all binaries and that true spiritual growth comes from embracing the whole spectrum of life experiences.
Guardianship and Protection
कालभैरवदेवो हि मद्यसंस्पर्शवर्जितः।
तत्त्वं यः सर्वलोकानां तं नमामि भयापहम्॥
Lord Kaal Bhairav is indeed beyond the touch of alcohol, The essence of all worlds, I bow to him who dispels fear.
मद्यं नैव तु भैरवस्य भक्तियुक्तं सदा हि यत्।
सर्वं विष्णुमयं द्रव्यं कालभैरवसंयुतम्॥
It is not the alcohol that is pleasing to Bhairava, but constant devotion. Everything becomes Vishnumaya when associated with Kaal Bhairava.
कालभैरवदेवस्य न मद्यं न च भोग्यता।
मायामयैः पदार्थैः स निर्वाणं प्रकाशयेत्॥
Kaal Bhairava, the divine one, desires neither alcohol nor enjoyment. Through illusory objects, he reveals liberation.
Kaal Bhairav is also known as the guardian of temples and the protector against evil forces. In this role, he is often offered alcohol as a means of appeasement and honor. Devotees believe that by offering alcohol, they invoke his protective powers and ensure his blessings. This ritual underscores the relationship between the deity and his worshippers, highlighting the importance of protection and guardianship in spiritual practice.
Detachment and Renunciation
In some spiritual interpretations, consuming or offering substances like alcohol is a demonstration of detachment from worldly pleasures. For Kaal Bhairav, who is beyond the influence of such substances, the act symbolizes his transcendental nature. Devotees, through this practice, emphasize the deity’s supreme power and their own aspirations for detachment and renunciation of earthly desires. It reflects the belief that true spirituality lies in transcending material attachments.
Layers of Significance: Beyond the Literal
It’s important to acknowledge that these interpretations are not mutually exclusive. The true meaning behind the offering of alcohol to Kaal Bhairav may be a combination of all these factors, or something entirely different. The act itself holds significance for devotees, creating a unique connection with the deity. The offering becomes a bridge between the physical realm and the divine, fostering a sense of devotion and faith.
Beyond Alcohol
Kaal Bhairav is much more than just his fondness for alcohol. He is a powerful protector, warding off evil and negativity. His name itself is a combination of “Kaal” (time) and “Bhairava” (fierce), reminding us of the impermanence of life and the need to face challenges with courage. He is often depicted with a ferocious form, riding a ferocious dog and adorned with skulls, symbolizing his role as the guardian of the world and destroyer of negativity.
The ritual of offering alcohol to Kaal Bhairav is a profound practice rich with symbolic meanings. It reflects the destruction of ignorance, the acceptance of all life’s aspects, the transcendence of worldly attachments, and the invocation of divine protection. Rooted in tantric traditions and regional customs, this practice showcases the diverse and complex nature of Hindu worship and spirituality. Through this offering, devotees connect with the fierce yet protective nature of Kaal Bhairav, seeking his blessings for transformation, protection, and spiritual liberation.
Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam