If believed to the legends then, Lord Kaal Bhairav took form when an enraged Shiva wished to teach Lord Brahma a lesson. 

It so happened that the male Hindu Trinity or Tridevs – Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh aka Shiva got into an argument – who was the supreme most of all? Lord Shiva stated he was and therefore, Lord Vishnu backed out. However, Lord Brahma refused to quiet down. It got to a point when sages and scholars had to intervene but Lord Brahma would not back out! Enraged, Lord Shiva took the form of Kaal Bhairav who, in his wrathful avatar, astride a fearsome black dog, charged at Brahma and cut off his 5th head.  

therefore, Kaal Bhairav helps to keep one’s ego in check. As he cut off Brahma’s head with his nail, the skull was stuck and is known as Brahma Kapala. This depiction is found in all Bhairav temples in India. He is kind and easily bestows his devotees with wealth and prosperity. 

The best and auspicious time to worship Kaal Bhairav is the Rahu Kaal period on Sundays between 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Offering such as coconut, sindoor, flowers, mustard oil, black sesame etc. should be offered to Lord Bhairava.

Every Shakti Peeth is guarded by Lord Kaal Bhairav and they are known as Bhatuk Bhairav. It is said Lord Kaal Bhairava’s powers lie in the occult sciences and therefore, for occult experts, Bhairava is the most preferred deity. Worshipping Lord Kaal Bhairav helps to overcome diseases, adversaries, enemies and poverty.

Here are some important Kaal Bhairav Mantras:

1.    Beeja Mantras:

a. “Om aim hraam kleem shri batukbhairavaya”

b. “Om Hreem Bum Batukaya Apadudharanaya Kuru Kuru 
       Batukaya Hreem Om Namaha Shiyaye"

c. “Om Hraam Hreem Hroom Hrime Hroum Ksham Kshetrapaalaaya Kaala Bhairavaaya Namaha”