How to Worship Bhairava at Home?
Worshiping Kaal Bhairav, a powerful form of Lord Shiva, can be a deeply spiritual experience. Despite his fierce appearance, Kaal Bhairav is kind to his devotees and offers protection and blessings. This guide provides a simple, step-by-step process for conducting a Kaal Bhairav sadhana at home, suitable for both beginners and seasoned practitioners.
Know that Bhairava is kind
कृपानिधे करुणाकरे त्वमेव भक्तार्तिनाशन विभो यथार्थम्।
नान्या गतिः कथितास्ति त्वदन्या त्वामेव पश्यामि नतोऽस्मि देव॥
O ocean of compassion, source of mercy, you alone truly dispel the distress of your devotees, O Lord. No other refuge is said to exist apart from you. I see only you and bow down to you, O Lord.
यो देवो भक्तवत्सलः यः कृपानिधिरच्युतः।
स भक्तानां कृते यतते सदा भैरव उच्यते॥
The deity who is affectionate towards his devotees, who is an ocean of compassion, who never falters, always strives for the sake of his devotees. He is called Bhairava.
कल्पतरुसमो भैरवः सर्वकामफलप्रदः।
भक्तानां शीघ्र प्रार्थनां श्रुत्वा मनोवांछित फलं ददाति॥
Bhairava is like a wish-fulfilling tree (Kalpavriksha), granting all desires. He fulfills the wishes of his devotees as soon as he hears their prayers.
🏠 Step 1: Setup
Begin by choosing a clean and quiet place in your home for the worship. If you have a photo or idol of Kaal Bhairav, place it there, although it is not mandatory. Sit facing either east or north, as these directions are considered auspicious. Avoid facing south while performing the worship.
💧 Step 2: Achamana
Achamana is a purification ritual to cleanse oneself before starting the sadhana. You can use a small copper, brass, or silver vessel (achamana patra) filled with clean water. If you don’t have one, a paper or plastic cup will suffice, but avoid using steel or iron.
Take a small amount of water in your right palm using a spoon held in your left hand. Sip the water while chanting the name of Lord Vishnu: “Om Keshavaya Swaha”
ॐ केशवाय स्वाहा
ॐ नारायणाय स्वाहा
ॐ माधवाय स्वाहा
ॐ गोविन्दाय नमः
Repeat this process two more times with different names of Vishnu:
“Om Narayanaya Swaha”
“Om Madhavaya Swaha”
Finally, take water in your right hand and drop it while saying:
“Om Govindaya Namah”
This ritual purifies the body and prepares it for the sadhana. Note that variations of this ritual may use “Namah” instead of “Swaha,” both are valid.
🙏 Step 3: Ganpati Invocation
Invoke Lord Ganapati to remove obstacles from your sadhana. You can chant “Om Ganapataye Namah” or recite a stotra dedicated to Ganapati.
🔔 Step 4: Bell Ringing
If you have a bell, ring it while saying “Om Ghanta Devatabhyo Namah.” This is believed to purify the surroundings and invite divine energies.
🪔 Step 5: Deepam
Light a lamp (deepam) made of clay, copper, brass, or silver. Avoid using steel or iron lamps. Mentally chant “Om Deepa Devatabhyo Namah,” inviting the presence of the divine light during your worship.
🫴🏻 Step 6: Sankalpa (Resolution)
Take a little water or rice in your right hand and make a sankalpa (resolution). State the purpose of your sadhana either in Sanskrit or your own language. Then, drop the water or rice on the ground.
🧘♂️ Step 7: Dhyana (Meditation)
Meditate on the form of Kaal Bhairav, visualizing his divine presence. Invite him mentally to be present during your sadhana.
🥢 Step 8: Dhoopam
Light incense sticks (dhoopam) or loban and offer it to the deity, purifying the environment and pleasing the senses.
🧆 Step 9: Bhog
Place food offerings (naivedyam) like jaggery or sweets in front of the deity. While almost any food can be offered, jaggery is widely accepted. Mentally invite Kaal Bhairav to accept your offering.
🔥 Step 10: Aarati
If possible, perform an aarati using camphor (karpoor). Chant a stotra that praises Kaal Bhairav during the aarati.
🙇 Step 11: Permission for Japa
Mentally seek Kaal Bhairav’s permission to start your japa (mantra chanting) or any other form of sadhana you wish to perform.
📿 Step 12: Sadhana
Engage in your chosen sadhana, such as chanting a specific mantra or reciting stotrams. Focus on your devotion and the deity’s presence. If you are new to this practice, it is best to begin with the mantra “ॐ भैरवाय नमः” (Om Bhairavaya Namah).
🧎🏼♂️ Step 13: Samarpan
Conclude your sadhana by taking water in your right hand and mentally offering the fruits of your worship to Kaal Bhairav. You can use the following mantra for:
गुह्याति-गुह्य-गोप्ता-त्वं गृहाणास्मितकृतं जपम्।
सिद्धिर्भवतु मे देवो त्वत्प्रसादान्मयि स्थिर॥
O protector of the deepest secrets, please accept the japa I have performed. May success come to me through your grace, and may it remain steady within me.
Alternatively, offer your prayers in your own words and seek forgiveness for any mistakes made during the ritual.
🙏🏼 Step 14: Kshama-Prarthana
Finally, thank Kaal Bhairav and ask for forgiveness for any errors or omissions in your worship.
💡 Additional Tips
• As a beginner, you may use a sattvic (calm) image of Kaal Bhairav for meditation.
• Offerings (bhog) can be jaggery, urad dal items, Imarti, Jalebi, Gulab Jamun, laddoo, or tangy items like lemon or tamarind rice.
• During routine Nitya Bhairava sadhana, you may consume the bhog and share it with your family. However, for specific Vishesh Sadhanas, follow instructions precisely, especially regarding the treatment of the bhog.
• Red flowers and red clothes are optional but considered auspicious.
• It’s best to perform Bhairava Sadhana at night. Avoid starting between 12 AM and 3 AM unless specified otherwise.
Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam