Kalashtami 2025 – Date, Rituals & Significance of the Auspicious Day

Kalashtami, also known as Kaal Bhairav Jayanti, is a festival honouring Bhagwan Bhairava. He is a furious avatar of Bhagwan Shiva who represents Para Brahman, or Supreme Reality. He punishes sinners and protects surrendered devotees. There are 64 Bhairavas, led by 8 Bhairavas. They are all ruled by Bhagwan Kala Bhairava. Kalashtami is observed every month on the Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha, according to the Hindu calendar. On this day, people fast and pray to Bhagwan Bhairava. The most important Kalashtami, Kalabhairav Jayanti, is celebrated in North India. It is celebrated in the month of Margashirsha (December-January), whereas South Indians celebrate it in the month of Kartik (November-December). Although both calendars celebrate Kaal Bhairav Jayanti on the same day, according to the Gregorian calendar. According to Shiva bhakt, Bhagwan Shiva appeared as Bhairava on this day.

When is Kalashtami 2025?

Kalabhairav Jayanti on Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Ashtami Tithi Begins - 11:08 PM on Nov 11, 2025
Ashtami Tithi Ends - 10:58 PM on Nov 12, 2025 

Who is Lord Kala Bhairava?

Lord Bhairav is a powerful symbol of time (Kaal). He is on the edge of destroying and creating. He is shown as a furious entity with a dog as his companion. This represents loyalty and the ability to overcome darkness. The narrative of Lord Bhairav's origin is amazing. Lord Bhairav originated from Lord Shiva's fury after Devi Sati sacrificed her life during her father's (Raja Daksha Prajapati's) yagya. Later, with Lord Shiva's blessings, Lord Bhairav became the guardian of the four cardinal directions. The devotees worship the Lord Bhairav with sincerity and devotion. They seek his blessings to get the strength they need to overcome life's challenges and eventually become free from the cycle of life and death. 

Rituals of Kalashtami 2025

Before beginning the puja rituals, wake early and take a bath.
Take a wooden slab and lay Shiva Parivaar on it, along with any images of Kaal Bhairav or Natraj.
Light a diya with bisuddh ghee.
Recite Shiva chalisa, Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam.
Chant Shiva chants to invoke the idol and receive blessings.
In the evening, you can visit the temple and light a mustard oil diya.
You can also offer Meetha Rot, a dish which contains a mixture of wheat flour and jaggery, or sweet poode.
Perform Rudrabhishekam to Shivalingam using the panchamrit.
Bel leaves are an important offering to Lord Shiva on Masik Kalashtami. They are placed on the Shiva Lingam or the Kaal Bhairav idol during the puja to represent the devotee's devotion and submission to Shiva. 

Significance of Kalashtami

Kalashtami is more than just fasting; it's also about asking for protection from the Lord.
It protects us from evil.
Remove negative emotions and fear from life.
Worshipping Lord Bhairava teaches discipline and develops awareness about the value of time.
Kaal Bhairava punishes those who are guilty and protects those who are innocent.
It brings prosperity, health benefits, and happiness.  

Regional Celebrations of Kalashtami

Thousands of devotees gather at the Kal Bhairav temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, for grand celebrations.
In Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Kal Bhairava is revered as Kashi's Kotwal (protector).
In southern India, devotees mark the day by fasting and doing special pujas at Shiva temples. 

How the Utsav App Can Help You?

You can read vrat kathas in the app’s Gyan Section.
You can also book pujas on special days like Kalashtami from your home.
You can offer bhog and dakshina to temples online.
It will keep notifying you of important timings so you don’t have to miss any rituals and pujas.
It removes the physical barrier and allows you to connect with divinity. 

Conclusion

Kalashtami is a significant day for those who pray to Lord Kaal Bhairav. It is time to seek his protection and assistance in overcoming your problems. Many people fast and pray on this day to feel closer to God and improve their lives. It focuses on the value of time (Kala) and reminds us that truth and justice always win. Worshipping Lord Bhairava releases devotees from fear and leads to spiritual growth.