Kalaashtami

Kalaashtami is a Hindu festival celebrated every year on the 8th day of the waning moon in the month of Margashirsha or November/December. It is also known as Kala Bhairava Ashtami or Bhairava Ashtami.

On this day, devotees worship Lord Kala Bhairava, a fierce form of Lord Shiva. He is believed to be the God of Time and is considered to protect His devotees all the while. He is also associated with justice and is believed to be the one who dispenses justice in the twinkle of an eye.

Devotees observe fasts and go for special pujas and rituals on this day to seek the blessings of the Lord.  It is believed that one can overcome all obstacles and challenges in life and attain success and prosperity in doing so.

In various parts of India, especially in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, the holy occasion is also celebrated as the day when Lord Subramanya slayed demon Tarakasura. Hence this day is also known as Subramanya Shasti too.

Has The Day any Potential Significance?

Yes, Kalaashtami is considered to be a very auspicious day in Hinduism with significant spiritual and cultural significance.

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Kala Bhairava   appeared on this day to protect his devotees and punish wrongdoers. Therefore, the day is considered to be very powerful to seek the blessings and protection of the Lord, who is believed to help his devotees to overcome all types of obstacles and challenges in life.

In addition, the day is also associated with the god of wealth and prosperity, Lord Kubera. According to some beliefs, it is Lord Kubera who was also born on this very day, and therefore, people perform special pujas and rituals to seek his blessings to amass wealth and prosperity.

Moreover, the day is celebrated in many parts of India with cultural significances. The festival is an occasion for people to throng, exchange greetings, and offer prayers to Bhairava Lord. The day is marked by various cultural activities, including music, dance, and traditional dining together.

Overall, Kalaashtami is an important day in Hinduism, and it tells lots of great spiritual, cultural, and social significance for the people who celebrate this day.

Is There any Astrological link with This Holy Day?

Yes, according to Hindu astrology, the day is considered to be an important day for performing various spiritual and astrological remedies. The day is associated with Rahu, known to bring unexpected changes and challenges in life. Rahu is known to represent time and karma too.

It is believed that performing spiritual practices on this day can help mitigate the negative effects of Rahu and improve one's karma. Therefore, many people go for special pujas, homas, and other astrological remedies on this day to eliminate negative energies and bring positivity and prosperity into their lives.

Some astrologers believe that performing certain spiritual practices on this holy day can help overcome specific astrological afflictions related to Rahu in one’s natal chart. Performing a Kala Bhairava Puja is said to help mitigate the negative effects of Rahu in one's kundali.

To Conclude

Kalaashtami has important astrological significance in Hinduism, and it is believed to be a powerful day for performing spiritual and astrological remedies to improve one's overall life and mitigate all types of negative energies.

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Kalaashtami

Kala Bhairav was an incarnation of Lord Shiva and Kalaashtami is the day dedicated to his worship and is also his birth anniversary. It is celebrated on the eighth day after the full moon in the Hindu calendar month of Kartik. Kala Bhairav is said to be one of the most powerful and fearsome incarnation of Lord Shiva.

History

According to old scriptures, once there was an argument between the gods of the Hindu trine, Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu. The argument was regarding who is superior of the three, Brahma during this argument made many comments that enraged Shiva who then created Kala Bhairav using his nail. Kala Bhairav in his anger chopped off one of the five heads of Brahma. Although texts vary as to why the argument may have happened, the conclusion remains the same, that is, Shiva in his rage created Kala Bhairav who cleaved the head of Brahma.

Celebration

Kala Bhairav is symbolized in Hinduism as a great protector and fearsome warrior. There are not many temple dedicated to him in India but on this day all his devotees visit his temples and fast in his name. They also feed dogs who were the ride of Kala Bhairav.