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News India Live, Digital Desk: In Hindu religion, the day of Kalashtami is considered very important for the worship of ‘Kaal Bhairav’, the fierce form of Lord Shiva. To get rid of tantra-mantra and obstacles, going to the shelter of Kaal Bhairav is the most surefire solution. But do you know why Mahadev, who was calm and gentle, had to assume a fierce form like ‘Bhairav’? According to mythology, Kaal Bhairav appeared to break the ego of the creator of the universe, Lord Brahma and to separate his fifth head from his torso. Let us know the truth behind this amazing and mysterious story.
When the dispute of ‘superiority’ broke out between Brahma and Vishnu
According to Shiva Purana, once a debate broke out between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu as to who was the best among the two. The dispute grew so much that all the gods consulted the Vedas and sages to resolve it. The Vedas unanimously declare Lord Shiva as the supreme power and God. Lord Vishnu happily accepted this decision, but Brahma ji due to his ego was not ready to accept Lord Shiva as supreme.
Brahma ji’s arrogance and Shiva’s insult
It is said that at that time Lord Brahma had five heads. The fifth face of Lord Brahma, immersed in ego, spoke derogatory words about Lord Shiva and condemned him. Seeing this disrespect towards Mahadev, Lord Shiva became extremely angry. From this fierce anger of his, a divine light beam appeared, from which a man with a terrible appearance was born. He was none other than ‘Kaal Bhairav’ in person.
Why was the fifth head of Brahma ji cut off?
On the orders of Lord Shiva, Kaal Bhairav cut off the fifth head of Lord Brahma, who had insulted Mahadev, with his finger nail. As soon as he was beheaded, Brahma ji’s ego was shattered and he realized his mistake. However, after this incident, Kaal Bhairav was accused of ‘Brahma-hatya’ and the severed head stuck to his hand. On the orders of Shiva, Kaal Bhairav had to travel to all three worlds to get freedom from this sin, which ended in Kashi (Varanasi).
Kotwal of Kashi and importance of Kalashtami
When Kaal Bhairav reached Kashi, the skull (head) of Brahma ji slipped from his hand and fell. Then Mahadev blessed him that he would be the protector of Kashi and would be called ‘Kotwal’. Devotees who worship Kaal Bhairav on the day of Kalashtami, fear, diseases and enemies are destroyed from their lives. Especially on Kalashtami falling on Saturday and Tuesday, reciting Bhairav Chalisa and feeding a dog is considered very auspicious.
Kalashtami is the festival of overcoming fear.
From a spiritual point of view, this story teaches us that the end of ego is certain, even if it is in the gods. Kaal Bhairav may have a scary appearance, but he is extremely kind and protective of his devotees. On this day, going to the temple and having darshan of Lord Kaal Bhairav and lighting a mustard oil lamp can solve even the biggest problems of life.