Kaal Bhairav Ashtami 2025: Kalashtami Date, Time, and Significance

Kaal Bhairav Ashtami, also known as Kalashtami, will be observed on Thursday, February 20, 2025. The auspicious Kalashtami tithi will begin at 9:58 AM on February 20 and conclude at 11:57 AM on February 21. Devotees will observe this sacred occasion by worshipping Lord Kaal Bhairav, seeking his blessings for protection, prosperity, and spiritual growth.

Kalashtami 2025 Date and Timings

• Kalashtami 2025 Date: Thursday, February 20, 2025


• Kalashtami Begins: 09:58 AM on February 20, 2025


• Kalashtami Ends: 11:57 AM on February 21, 2025

Kaal Bhairav Ashtami, also known as Kalashtami, is a highly revered Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Kaal Bhairav, an intense and powerful form of Lord Shiva. Observed on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha every month, the most significant Kalashtami falls in the Margashirsha month, which is widely celebrated as Kaal Bhairav Jayanti.

Devotees observe fasting, night vigils, and special prayers on this auspicious day to seek protection, prosperity, and spiritual growth. It is believed that worshipping Lord Kaal Bhairav on this day removes negative energies, obstacles, and fears while granting divine blessings. Many devotees visit Kaal Bhairav temples, especially in Ujjain, Varanasi, and other sacred sites, to offer oil, black sesame seeds, mustard oil lamps, and coconut as a mark of devotion.

Kaal Bhairav Ashtami Rituals

• Devotees observe a strict fast and perform special prayers to Lord Kaal Bhairav.


• Offer black sesame seeds, mustard oil, coconut, and sweets to appease the deity.


• Since dogs are considered sacred to Kaal Bhairav, feeding stray dogs with milk, sweets, or roti is believed to bring blessings.


• Reciting the Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam and other mantras dedicated to Lord Bhairav brings divine protection.


• Staying awake throughout the night, chanting mantras, and participating in Bhairav Baba bhajans enhance spiritual benefits.

Lord Kaal Bhairav is known as the "Lord of Time", symbolizing control over past, present, and future. He is the fierce guardian of dharma and removes fear, evil influences, and negative karma from devotees' lives. Worshipping him on Kalashtami is believed to bring prosperity, courage, and liberation from debts and sins.