Kaal Bhairav Temple is one of the most important Shiva temples in Varanasi. Situated in Vishweshwarganj(1.5 km from Kashi Vishwanath Temple). This temple has great importance in Hinduism, especially amongst the locals. The temple is dedicated to Bhairava, a fierce form of Shiva and wears a garland of skulls and carries a club of peacock feathers. The word “Kaal” means both “death” and “fate”. It is believed that even death is scared of Kaal Bhairav.
The inner sanctum of the temple has a silver faced idol of Kal Bhairav who is seated on a dog, which is his vahana (vehicle) and is holding a trident. Only the face of the icon decorated (with garlands) is visible to the visitors through the doorway. Rest of the icon is covered with a bit of cloth. On the rear door of the temple, there’s an icon of Kshetrapal Bhairav, another aspect of Bhairava.
Religious belief
As per legend, the gods Brahma and Vishnu were competing for supremacy. Then Shiva appeared as a powerful divine light between the two Gods. As Brahma was angry, he stared at the pillar of light with his 5th head, which started to burn out of anger. Shiva has instantly created the new being Kaal Bhairav (King of “Kaal”), who decapitated Brahma’s 5th head. However, the head stuck to Kaal Bhairav’s hand.
Shiva then ordered Kaal Bhairav to go to several places on the earth but, the sin of beheading Brahma followed him everywhere until he reached Kashi(Varanasi) where Brahma’s head fell on the ground. The place is known as “Kapal Mochan Teerth”.
As he entered Varanasi he was freed of the sin of Brāhmanahatya. Shiva then cleared that “Kaal Bhairav” will forever be in Varanasi in order to remove sins of his disciples. Kaal Bhairav is Supreme Lord of Ghosts, Goblins, Zombies, Mutants, Witches and other magical creatures.
History
The exact date of construction of Kaal Bhairav temple is not known but it is estimated that the current structure was built in the mid 17th century AD.
Religious importance
Kaal Bhairav is considered as the Kotwal (Chief police officer) of Creation; those who want to exist in Creation must take his permission to exist. Kaal Bhairav protects the devotees from all the issues.