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Kal Bhairav Temple, Varanasi
Kaal Bhairav · Kotwal of Kashi · Uttar Pradesh
॥ ॐ कालभैरवाय नमः ॥
In the lanes of Varanasi stands the temple of Kal Bhairav, the fierce form of Shiva revered as the Kotwal of Kashi — the city’s divine police-chief, without whose leave, it is said, no one may truly dwell in the holy city. Pilgrims to Kashi come to him for protection, and tie his sacred black thread at the wrist as a guard against fear and harm.
The kotwal of the holy city
Varanasi belongs to Shiva, and Kal Bhairav is his sentinel, the kotwal who keeps order in the city of liberation. Tradition holds that one should seek the blessing of Bhairav on arriving in Kashi, for he is the keeper of its gates; even Yama’s writ, the people say, bends before the guardian of the city of moksha.
The fierce form of Shiva
Bhairav is shown dark and fearsome, attended by a dog, bearing a staff — the danda of authority — a form Shiva took, by one telling, in a moment of terrible anger, and which thereafter became the punisher of wrong and the protector of the devout. At the Varanasi shrine the deity’s silver face gazes from the sanctum, garlanded and crowned.
The black thread of Bhairav
Devotees receive from the temple a black thread, the kala dhaga, blessed at the shrine and tied at the wrist to ward off fear, illness and the evil eye. The temple is busiest on Kaal Bhairav Ashtami in the month of Margashirsha, the day sacred to the guardian, and through the Shaiva calendar of Kashi.
How to reach the temple
- By road: the temple is in the Vishweshwarganj area of old Varanasi, north of the Vishwanath temple, reached on foot through the lanes.
- By train: Varanasi Junction is about 3 km away.
- By air: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, Varanasi, is about 25 km away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kal Bhairav of Varanasi?
Kal Bhairav is the fierce form of Shiva revered as the Kotwal of Kashi — the divine guardian or police-chief of Varanasi, keeper of the holy city.
Why visit Kal Bhairav in Kashi?
Tradition holds that one should seek Bhairav’s blessing on arriving in Kashi, for he is the guardian of the city; pilgrims come to him for protection from fear and harm.
What is the black thread of Bhairav?
The temple gives a blessed black thread (kala dhaga) tied at the wrist to ward off fear, illness and the evil eye — a well-known protection from this shrine.
How is Kal Bhairav depicted?
He is shown dark and fierce, attended by a dog and bearing a staff (danda) of authority — the form of Shiva as punisher of wrong and protector of the devout.
When is the main festival?
Kaal Bhairav Ashtami, in the month of Margashirsha (around November–December), is the great day of the guardian.
How do I reach the temple?
It is in the Vishweshwarganj area of old Varanasi, north of the Vishwanath temple. Varanasi Junction is about 3 km away and the airport about 25 km.
॥ जय काल भैरव ॥ • Bhaktiras.net Temple Guide
| Deity | Kal Bhairav (fierce form of Shiva) |
| Role | Kotwal (guardian) of Kashi / Varanasi |
| Special | Blessed black thread tied for protection |
| Depiction | Dark, with a dog and a staff |
| River | Ganga |
| Main Festival | Kaal Bhairav Ashtami |