Kalashtami 2023 December: Date, Time, Significance, Kaal Bhairav Jayanti

The date of Kalashtami December 2023 is 5 December. Kartika Kala Ashtami starts at 9:59 PM, December 4 and ends at 12:37 AM, December 6.

Kalashtami (or Kala Ashtami) is an auspicious day that falls on the 8^th day of the waning phase of moon, i.e., on Krishna Paksha. Lord Kaal Bhairav is worshiped on this day who is a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. Since Kalashtami is observed on the ashtami tithi of every month, there are a total of 12 Kalashtami in a year.

Kalashtami that falls in the month of Margashirsha is the most significant of all and is celebrated as Kalabhairav Jayanti. Kalashtami when observed on a Sunday or Tuesday also has its special significance as these days are dedicated to Lord Bhairav.

Devotees who want to know more about Kalashtami 2023 regarding its pooja vidhi, vrat katha, etc can find the same in this article.

Kalashtami Vrat 2023 Date

The table below presents the date, day and time of Kala Ashtami vrat that falls in different months in the year 2023.

Kalabhairav Jayanti Overview

Kalashtami that falls in Margashirsha month (normally November month as per the Gregorian calendar) is celebrated as Kalabhairav Jayanti as it is believed that Lord Kaal Bhairav was born on this day. As such this day is celebrated with utmost devotion by the devotees in different parts of the country. Kalabhairav Jayanti is also called as Bhairav Ashtami.

Check: 12 Jyotirlinga List

According to the Hindu legends, there was an argument going on in between Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Brahma made a remark during the argument which infuriated Lord Shiva and He took the form of Mahakaleshwar. He stood up at once and chopped fifth head of Brahma. From that day onwards, Lord Shiva started to be worshiped as ‘Kaal Bhairav’. Devotees who observe a fast on Kalashtami recite this story as Kala Ashtami vrat katha.

Significance of Kala Ashtami

Lord Kaal Bhairav, who is a manifestation of Lord Shiva is worshiped on Kalashtami. Devotees believe that by worshiping Kaal Bhairav all the sins of past and present life can be redeemed. It is also said that by worshiping Lord Kaal Bhairav on the day of Kala Ashtami can remove all the pain, sufferings, pain and negativity from life of a person. With this belief, Kalashtami is celebrated with full enthusiasm by the devotees.

Check all Hindu Vrat in 2023

Kalashtami Vrat Kaise Kare?

Kalashtami fasting should be observed on the day when Ashtami Tithi prevails during night. As such, sometime Kalashtami fasting is observed on Saptami tithi. On the day of Kalashtami, devotees should get up early in the morning and take a bath. Prayers, sweets and fruits are then offered to Kaal Bhairav and His blessing is sought. The devotees spend their day without eating and recite mantras to please Lord Shiva. Many people visit Kaal Bhairav temple in the evening and offers prayers to Mahakaleshwar.

Feeding black dogs on the day of Kalashtami is also a famous tradition as a black dog is considered as the vehicle of Lord Bhairav. Fasting is opened on the day after Kalashtami. People believe that those who observe a fast on kalashtami, Lord Kaal Bahirav showers his special blessings on them and fill their homes with prosperity and happiness. On Kalashtami, some people perform rituals to pay homage to dead ancestors during the morning.

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