Kaal Bhairav Jayanti 2025: Rituals and puja guide to protect against evil

New Delhi: Kaal Bhairav Jayanti 2025 marks one of the most spiritually charged days in the Hindu calendar. It celebrates the manifestation of Lord Shiva as Kaal Bhairav, the fierce guardian who protects devotees from unseen dangers, negative energies, and the evil eye.

The day is observed on the Krishna Paksha Ashtami of the Margashirsha month, and in 2025, it will fall on Wednesday, 12 November. Worshipping Lord Kaal Bhairav on this day with proper rituals and devotion is believed to cleanse one’s aura, eliminate fear, and destroy harmful influences caused by enemies, jealousy, or the evil eye.

Also Read

Visit Telangana’s Nampally Gutta Snake Temple shaped like a coiled serpent

Vrishchika Sankranti: How to do Surya puja to gain maximum blessings

Vrishchika Sankranti 2025: 15 or 16 November? Know the Exact Date, Shubh Muhurat, and Phalam

If you wish to perform this powerful puja correctly, the following guide offers step-by-step instructions and the meaning behind each ritual.

Kaal Bhairav is regarded as the Lord of Time and Justice. He protects devotees from black magic, negative vibrations, and harmful planetary effects. His energy cuts through deceit, removes mental confusion, and guards one’s home and mind from the evil eye.

Performing the Kaal Bhairav Jayanti puja is not merely an act of ritual. It is an invocation of strength, discipline, and divine awareness — qualities that help a person face enemies and hidden negativity with courage and clarity.

Step 1: Begin the Day with a Sacred Bath

Start early in the morning before sunrise. Take a bath in clean water with a few drops of Ganga jal if available. While bathing, focus your thoughts on purification and pray for freedom from fear, jealousy, and ill-will.

Mantra: “Om Kaal Bhairavaya Namah”

This helps clear the mind and prepare the body for divine worship.

Step 2: Cleanse and Prepare the Puja Space

Select a quiet corner of your home facing east. Clean the area with water mixed with a few grains of rock salt to dispel stagnant energy. Place a clean red or black cloth on the altar and set up an image or idol of Lord Kaal Bhairav.

Keep the following items ready:

Lighting a mustard oil lamp is especially important as it is believed to destroy dark forces and invite divine light.

Step 3: Take Sankalp (Divine Vow)

Sit calmly, close your eyes, and take a vow to perform the puja with faith and sincerity. Mentally express your wish for protection, clarity, and removal of negative influences.

Say: “I dedicate this worship to Lord Kaal Bhairav to protect me and my loved ones from fear, enemies, and evil intentions.”

Step 4: Offer Mustard Oil and Black Sesame

Light the mustard oil lamp and gently offer a few drops of oil at the feet of the deity. Sprinkle black sesame seeds around the idol while reciting the mantra:

“Om Hreem Bhairavaya Namah”

These offerings help dissolve karmic negativity and repel malevolent energy.

Step 5: Offer Bhog and Prasad

Prepare simple offerings such as sooji halwa, black gram, jaggery, or meetha rott (sweet chapati). These symbolize nourishment, humility, and gratitude. Offer these items to the deity with both hands folded, expressing complete surrender.

In tantric tradition, some temples in Ujjain and Kashi offer liquor to Lord Bhairav, symbolizing detachment from illusion. At home, devotees may replace this with milk or honey as a pure substitute.

Step 6: Recite Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam or Chalisa

Reading the Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam written by Adi Shankaracharya is a powerful part of the ritual. The verses praise the Lord’s form, valor, and role as protector of truth. If time permits, recite Bhairav Chalisa or chant the mantra 108 times:

“Om Kaal Kaalaya Bhairavaya Namah”

This chanting aligns the mind with divine vibration and shields the aura from evil intentions.

Step 7: Perform Aarti and Offer Gratitude

Wave camphor or incense before the deity and ring a small bell during the aarti. Visualize all negative energy leaving your surroundings.

Offer flowers and bow your head, saying: “O Lord Bhairav, remove obstacles from my path and guard me against the evil eye, fear, and deceit.”

End the puja with a moment of silence and deep gratitude.

Step 8: Feed Dogs After the Puja

Dogs are considered the sacred vahana (vehicle) of Lord Kaal Bhairav. Feeding them after the ritual is an essential part of worship. Offer milk, bread, or sweets to stray dogs as an act of compassion and service.

This gesture is said to instantly attract the Lord’s blessings and protection from hidden enemies.

These simple remedies, when performed with faith, can neutralize jealousy, rivalry, and negative vibrations that drain energy.

When performed sincerely, the puja transforms fear into faith and doubt into determination.

Kaal Bhairav Jayanti 2025, on 12 November, offers an opportunity to connect with the fierce yet compassionate form of Lord Shiva. Following the right puja steps — lighting the mustard oil lamp, chanting his mantras, and feeding dogs — can shield you from negative forces and the evil eye.

True protection comes not only from ritual but from purity of thought, courage, and devotion. By surrendering your fears to Lord Kaal Bhairav, you invite strength, clarity, and peace into every aspect of life.