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The ''Kalabhairava Ashtaka'' () is a
Sanskrit Sanskrit (; stem form ; nominal singular , ,) is a classical language belonging to the Indo-Aryan languages, Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European languages. It arose in northwest South Asia after its predecessor languages had Trans-cultural ...
hymn written by
Adi Shankara Adi Shankara (8th c. CE), also called Adi Shankaracharya (, ), was an Indian Vedanga, Vedic scholar, Hindu philosophy, philosopher and teacher (''acharya'') of Advaita Vedanta. Reliable information on Shankara's actual life is scant, and h ...
. The hymn addresses Kalabhairava, a form of
Shiva Shiva (; , ), also known as Mahadeva (; , , Help:IPA/Sanskrit, ÉɦaËd̪eËÊ‹Éh and Hara, is one of the Hindu deities, principal deities of Hinduism. He is the God in Hinduism, Supreme Being in Shaivism, one of the major traditions w ...
. It consists of eight stanzas, characteristic of an '' ashtakam''.


Hymn

The first hymn of the work extols the deity:


Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam Stotram: Significance, Method, and Benefits


Introduction:

Kaal Bhairav is considered a fierce form of Lord Shiva in Hinduism. The Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam, a revered hymn dedicated to him, is especially popular among his devotees. This stotram is believed to be composed by Adi Shankaracharya, and its recitation is said to help alleviate fear, unrest, and negative energy. Kaal Bhairav is worshipped as the lord of time and the controller of life and death. (Source: Gita Press, Gorakhpur)


What is an Ashtakam?

An Ashtakam is a Sanskrit hymn comprising a total of eight verses. These verses typically glorify a specific deity, highlighting their qualities, virtues, and powers. The word "Ashta" means "eight," hence the Ashtakam contains eight verses. Ashtakams hold a special place in ancient Indian scriptures and religious literature and are known to bestow significant spiritual benefits on devotees. (Source: "The Great Knowledge of Cultures" - Bharat Prakashan)


Significance of Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam

The recitation of the Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam brings mental stability and fills one with a unique form of positive energy. It is believed that this stotram promotes both mental and spiritual growth. Those who recite it with devotion are blessed with freedom from fear and protection from obstacles of all kinds. (Source: "Shiva Purana" - Gita Press)


Method and Timing of Recitation

The recommended times for reciting the Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam are in the morning and evening. It is essential to maintain purity during the recitation, and if possible, it is ideal to perform it in a Shiva temple or in front of a Shivalinga at home. (Source: "The Great Knowledge of Cultures" - Bharat Prakashan)


See also

* ''
Lingashtaka The ''Lingashtaka'' () is a Hinduism, Hindu hymn attributed to the 8th-century philosopher Adi Shankara. An ''Ashtakam, ashtaka'', it comprises 8 stanzas, extolling the lingam, an aniconic form of the deity Shiva. Legend According to the ''Shiva ...
'' * ''
Dakshinamurti Stotra The ''Dakshinamurti Stotra'' () is a Sanskrit religious hymn (''stotra'') to Shiva attributed to Adi Shankara. It explains the metaphysics of the universe in the frame of the tradition of Advaita Vedanta. Description In the Hindu mythology, ...
'' * ''
Shiva Mahimna Stotra The ''Shiva Mahimna Stotra'' () is a Sanskrit composition (stotra) in praise of Shiva. According to tradition, the hymn is believed to have been composed by a ''gandharva'' (celestial musician) named Pushpadanta. The hymn lists Shiva's various ...
''


References

{{Reflist, 30em Adi Shankara Sanskrit poetry