Masik Kalashtami is the celebration which is linked to Shivas avatar that is Kala Bhairava. On this day, Kala Bhairava is praised by all devotees. Each day in our Hindu calendar has its own importance. This day is held on every 8th day of Krishna Paksha of the month. It is celebrated in the whole north of India. This day has holy significance and the devotees celebrate it to remove struggles and hurdles from their lives. Kala Bhairav is the sign of Kaal (death), so he may save his devotees from the struggle of life and blesses them with an amazing life. A person who praises Kaal Bhairav on Kala Ashtami will never be stuck in the destruction of time. Kala Ashtami is celebrated to get happiness and less misery in the life. Masik Kalashtami is the day when one can fulfill his dream by praising Lord Kaal Bhairav. It is a glitzy celebration for all devotees of Lord Shiva. 
Legends of Masik Kalashtami
According to a legend on mythical times, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma had a dispute in the matter of supremacy in power. Their dispute became so high that Lord Shiva called convocation to resolve the problem. This meeting was attended by many hermits, wise men and saints. At last, the assembly came to a conclusion and Lord Shiva said that the one who will win is the one that finds the end of his Shiva Linga. Lord Vishnu was not able to see the end and accepted his defeat. But Lord Brahma was a bit stubborn and not ready to give in even after not seeing the end of Anant Shiva Linga. Due to the lie of Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva took the avatar of Kaal Bhairav and he cut the 5th head of Lord Brahma. The form of Kaal Bhairav is considered to be very destructive as it symbolizes the face of Vinash and Pralaya. It is the most horrifying form of Lord Shiva. This is the main reason why we celebrate Kala Ashtami as a Jayanti of Kaal Bhairav. 
Pooja Vidhi and Fast
The Purana says that the devotees who worship Lord Kaal Bhairav get the blessings of Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati. Vidhi of the vrat of Kala Ashtami is totally related to Lord Shiva. One should keep fast on this day. One should listen to the Katha of Kala Ashtami carefully and take bath in holy rivers. One should be offering fruits and madira to Lord Bhairav. Black dogs should be fed with food as they are the vahan of Lord Bhairav. At mid-evening, the devotees recall the name and pray to Kaal Bhairav for his blessings. One must avoid all tamasic things on this day and follow a satvik life for a day. One should not tell a lie on Kala Ashtami because Lord Bhairav punishes them who tell lies.
The significance of Kalashtami
The magnitude of Masik Kalashtami celebration is stated in Aditya Purana. The deity worshiped on this day is Lord Kaal Bhairav who is known to be a manifestation of Lord Shiva and hence Shiva Puja is recommended on this day. The word kaal in Hindi implies time while Bhairav refers to the manifestation of Lord Shiva. Hence, Kaal on this day Lord Shiva is worshipped with full devotion by their followers. It is truly believed that those who worship Lord Shiva on Kalashtami seek kind blessings of Lord Shiva. It is also a popular belief that by praying to Lord Bhairav removes all the pain, sufferings and negative influences from ones life. 
Benefits of Kalashtami
Lord Shiva gives the blessings of a happy life to its worshipers. Kala Bhairav is believed to be the god of the nivaran or solution of struggles. One, who pleases Lord Bhairav, can get his blessings to be successful in life. Kaal Bhairav saves his worshipers from the mouth of death, accidents, and epidemics. One who is suffering from bad health should worship Lord Bhairav on every Kala Ashtami. Askganesha wishes you an auspicious Masik Kalashtami.
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