Kalashtami will next be observed on March 3.
On the day of Kalashtami, one should wake up in the morning and take a bath in Brahma Muhurta.
The Hindu festival of Kalashtami, or Kala Ashtami, is dedicated to Lord Bhairav, the fiery form of Lord Shiva. Every lunar month, on the Ashtami tithi (eighth day) during the Krishna Paksha or the waning phase of the moon, people celebrate Ashtami.
The most auspicious day to worship Lord Kaal Bhairav is Ashtami tithi, which falls on the day following the full moon, Poornima. Devotees fast on this day and pray to Lord Bhairav. Though Kalashtami is celebrated as Kalabhairav Jayanti twelve times a year, the one in the month of Margashirsha (the ninth month of the Hindu calendar) is considered to be the most important and auspicious.
According to religious beliefs, worshipping Lord Kaal Bhairav and fasting on this day provides relief from all troubles and sorrows in life. Let us take a look at the auspicious time, rituals and significance of Kalashtami which is observed in March.
Time
According to Ayodhya’s astrologer, Neeraj Bhardwaj, in March, Kalashtami will be observed on March 3. Kalashtami Tithi will start at 8:44 am and end at 8:49 am the next day on March 4.
Rituals
On the day of the Kalashtami fast, one should wake up in the morning and take a bath in Brahma Muhurta. Worship should be done while meditating on Lord Kaal Bhairav. One should wear clean clothes. The temple should be cleaned and Ganga water should be sprinkled all over the place. The statue of Lord Kaal Bhairav should be installed by spreading red cloth. After this, the lamp should be lit. Not only this, Lord Kaal Bhairav Ashtak should be recited on this day. Doing this brings happiness and peace to life.
Kalashtami Vrat Puja Vidhi
1. On Kalashtami day, devotees must wake up before the Brahma muhurta and, after having their bath, must take a vow to observe fast worshipping Lord Kaal Bhairav, the Raudra (angry) form of Lord Shiva.
2. If it is possible, devotees should go to the Lord Kaal Bhairav temple at night. In the absence of temples in the area, people could install an idol or picture of Lord Kaal Bhairav along with Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi on a wooden stool.
3. Devotees offer coconut, imarti, liquor, paan, ochre, etc., to Lord Kaal Bhairav.
4. Light a four-faced lamp as well as an incense lamp. Apply tilak with Kumkum and turmeric to everyone present and perform the aarti.
5. Offerings of black gram and mustard oil are also made while worshipping Lord Bhairav Kaal Bhairav at night.