Sri Kalabhairava temple located in Narasimha Vana at Sringeri in Karnataka is the guardian deity of Sringeri consecrated in the eastern direction by Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankaracharya. The 33rd Acharya of the Peetham, Jagadguru Sri Sacchidananda Shivabhinava Nrisimha Bharati Mahaswamiji has composed a Kalabhairava-ashtakam on this deity.
This is a small shrine with a garbhagriha, an antarala and an open canopy which was constructed in the recent times. It has a gopuram and a shikara.
The Kalabhairava idol is a small idol with a Prabhavali. He is holding a khadga (sword), damaru, trishula and a munda (human head) in his four hands and wears sandals and anklets. The dog his Vahana (mount) is behind. The flowery garland etched in stone is very beautiful.
The divine vahana(mount) of Kalabhairava is a dog, the idol is seen behind the main idol and is believed to have motivational powers.
Kala Bhairava represents the passage of time. Bhairava, or Kala Bhairava, is the fierce form of Lord Shiva and the destroyer of Time itself (Maha Kala). He watches over the mysterious flow of time, not just for human life, but also for nations and planets, ensuring that all things are temporary and will eventually pass away.
Kala Bhairava is one of the eight fierce forms of Lord Shiva, known as the Bhairavas. These eight forms are believed to protect the eight directions and the home of Lord Shiva. The eight Bhairavas are: Kala Bhairava, Asitanga Bhairava, Samhara Bhairava, Ruru Bhairava, Krodha Bhairava, Kapala Bhairava, Rudra Bhairava, and Unmatta Bhairava.
Kala Bhairava is worshipped as Kshetrapala, the guardian of the temple. After closing the temple doors, the keys are placed at his feet as a ritual, and they are taken back in the morning with his permission to reopen the temple.
He is also considered the protector of pilgrims and travelers. Praying to Kala Bhairava before starting a journey is believed to help ensure safe travels.
Kala Bhairava not only protects sacred places but is also regarded as a deity of liberation. Worshipping Shiva as Kala Bhairava helps people understand the temporary nature of worldly life, encouraging them to use their human birth to seek Brahman, the supreme reality.
Kala Bhairava is also the ruling deity of the planet Rahu, which strongly influences people. Worshiping Kala Bhairava, especially by chanting the Kala Bhairavashtakam, is said to reduce Rahu’s negative effects.
Here at Sringeri devotees offer Vadesara, abhisheka and even silver anklets to Kalabhairava on ashtami tithi.
Kala Bhairava Ashtami is celebrated annually during the Krishna Paksha Ashtami (eighth day of the waning moon) in Margashira.
In Sringeri, a special abhisheka and puja are performed by His Holiness at the Kala Bhairava temple in the morning. This is followed by a grand Deepotsava (festival of lights) in the evening, which is celebrated with great devotion on the evening of Kala Bhairava Ashtami.
