Mumbai: Kalashtami is a significant festival in Hinduism, observed every month on the Ashtami Tithi (eighth day) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon). This sacred day is dedicated to Lord Bhairav, a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. Worshipping Lord Bhairav on Kalashtami is believed to remove all fears and obstacles from life. Devotees believe that Lord Bhairav protects them from negative energies and fulfils their wishes when worshipped with a pure heart.
According to the Hindu Panchang, the Ashtami Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Phalgun will commence on February 20, Thursday, at 3:30 AM and conclude on February 21, Friday, at 1:45 AM. Based on the Udaya Tithi (sunrise timing), performing Kalashtami puja on February 20 is considered most auspicious.
Rituals for Kalashtami Puja
Observing Kalashtami requires following a strict set of rituals. Here are the steps to conduct the puja:
- Wake up early in the morning, take a bath, and wear clean clothes.
- Set up an idol or image of Lord Bhairav on a sacred pedestal.
- Offer incense sticks, lamps, and naivedya (sacred food offering) to the deity.
- Listen to or recite the Kalashtami Vrat Katha (legend associated with the fast).
- Observe a day-long fast while meditating on Lord Bhairav.
- Break the fast after seeing the moon in the evening.
- Before breaking the fast, offer Modak (sweet dumplings) to Lord Bhairav.
- After this, devotees can consume fruits, sweets, and sattvic (pure vegetarian) food.
- It is considered highly auspicious to donate food and essentials to the needy on this day.
Offerings to Lord Bhairav on Kalashtami
Offering specific items to Lord Bhairav on Kalashtami is believed to bring immense blessings. Here are some sacred offerings:
- Black Sesame Seeds: Offering black sesame seeds is considered auspicious as it helps in pacifying ancestral (Pitra) and planetary doshas related to Rahu and Ketu.
- Urad Dal (Black Lentils): Food made from urad dal, such as pakoras or vadas, is offered to pacify Saturn’s malefic effects.
- Mustard Oil: Offering mustard oil helps in warding off diseases and promoting good health.
- Fruits: Devotees offer eight types of fruits to Lord Bhairav to seek the blessings of Ashta Lakshmi (eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi).
- Black Clothes: Donating or offering black clothes to Lord Bhairav is believed to remove negative energies and provide protection.
- Panch Meva (Five Dry Fruits): Offering a mixture of five dry fruits brings prosperity and financial stability.
- Liquor: Some devotees offer liquor as part of the rituals, as it is believed to be a traditional offering to Lord Bhairav.
- Feeding Dogs: Feeding black dogs is considered extremely auspicious on Kalashtami, as they are believed to be Lord Bhairav’s vehicle. It is said that doing so pleases Lord Bhairav and fulfils desires.
Significance of Kalashtami
Kalashtami holds great spiritual importance. Worshipping Lord Bhairav on this day is believed to bring prosperity, success, and spiritual upliftment. He is also associated with wealth and power, making this day significant for those seeking financial stability. Additionally, Kalashtami is a time to cleanse the soul, remove negative energies, and enhance positivity in life. The rituals performed on this day help devotees attain salvation (moksha) and inner peace.
By observing the Kalashtami vrat and following the prescribed rituals, devotees can seek the divine blessings of Lord Bhairav and lead a life free from fear and obstacles.
(Disclaimer: The information provided is based on traditional beliefs and religious texts. News9 Live does not independently verify the religious significance of these rituals.)
Kalashtami 2025 is a sacred festival dedicated to Lord Bhairav. Discover the auspicious date, puja rituals, powerful offerings, and the spiritual benefits of observing this vrat. Spirituality Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
