According to the Hindu Panchang, the next monthly Kala Ashtami of the year 2025 falls on Tuesday, May 20th. This day is considered particularly sacred for the worship of Lord Shiva's fierce form, Kaal Bhairav, and will be celebrated across the country with deep faith and religious fervor. Kala Ashtami is observed on the Ashtami Tithi of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of every lunar month, and is also known as the Ashtami Vrat (fast).

Significance of Kala Ashtami

According to religious beliefs, 'Kaal' means 'time' and 'Bhairav' is the fierce form of Shiva. Therefore, Kaal Bhairav is considered the god of time. Worshiping Lord Kaal Bhairav on Kala Ashtami not only provides relief from material sufferings but also paves the way for spiritual progress. Puranic legends mention a dispute between Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh regarding the supremacy of creation.

During this dispute, angered by Brahma's arrogance, Lord Shiva, in his Mahakaleshwar form, severed Brahma's fifth head. Since then, this fierce form has been worshipped as Kaal Bhairav.

Next Kala Ashtami Date and Muhurat in 2025

• Ashtami Tithi Begins: May 20, 2025, 5:52 AM
• Ashtami Tithi Ends: May 21, 2025, 4:55 AM
• Special Day: Tuesday, considered dedicated to Lord Bhairav
• Days remaining until event: 3 days

Worship Method and Vrat Observances

On Kala Ashtami, devotees take a bath in the Brahma Muhurta (early morning) and resolve to observe the fast. In the worship of Lord Bhairav, mustard oil, black sesame seeds, incense, lamp, lemon, coconut, urad dal (black lentils), and jaggery are offered. During the puja, Bhairav Chalisa, Kaal Bhairav Ashtak, and mantra chanting are considered particularly fruitful. A special ritual on this day is feeding dogs, as the black dog is considered the vehicle of Lord Bhairav. Devotees feed dogs milk, yogurt, sweets, and puri.

Furthermore, some devotees perform night vigils (jagran) and listen to the stories of Mahakaleshwar. Many devotees also perform Tarpan (water offering) and Shraddha Karma (ancestral rites) on this day for their ancestors.

Kaal Bhairav Jayanti: The Most Special Kala Ashtami

Although there are 12 monthly Kala Ashtamis in a year, the Kala Ashtami that falls in the Margashirsha month is called Kaal Bhairav Jayanti and holds immense religious significance. Also, when Kala Ashtami falls on a Sunday or Tuesday, its impact and results are multiplied.

Places of Special Significance

Various parts of India have local beliefs and traditions regarding Kala Ashtami. A large number of devotees throng the Bhairav temples located in Varanasi (Kashi), Ujjain, Haridwar, and Delhi for worship on this day. In Kashi's Kaal Bhairav temple, special puja, bhog (offerings), and Bhairav Rath Yatra are organized on this day.

All Kala Ashtami Dates in 2025