Deity
Shiva (Kaal Bhairav)
Kotwal of Kashi
श्री काल भैरव
Kaal Bhairav
Kaal Bhairav is revered as the Kotwal (Chief Magistrate) of Varanasi, governing spiritual permission and boundary protection in the holy city.
Kaal Bhairav
Kaal Bhairav
Kaal Bhairav
Kaal Bhairav
Kaal Bhairav
Temple Summary
Quick Facts
Pilgrimage Status
Chief Guardian Deity
Magistrate of Kashi
Location
Visheshwarganj / Bharonath, Varanasi
Ward • City
Temple Profile
History and Significance
History
- Founder
- Peshwa Baji Rao I (rebuilt)
- Construction
- 1715
- According to Shaiva lore, Kaal Bhairav manifested when Lord Shiva severed Lord Brahma's arrogant fifth head. The severed skull clung to Bhairav until he entered Kashi at Kapal Mochan Teerth, absolving him of sin. Rebuilt in 1715 AD under Maratha Peshwa Baji Rao I, Kaal Bhairav reigns as the eternal Kotwal (Chief Magistrate) of Varanasi.
Significance
- Kaal Bhairav is revered as the supreme guardian deity of Varanasi, whose permission is required to reside in or visit the holy city. Devotees offer mustard oil, black sesame, and pray for protection from fear, karma, and untimely death.
Temple Pilgrimage Summary
Pilgrim Guide
Before You Visit
Obtain protective thread (Raksha Sutra)
Black threads blessed at the sanctum are tied around the wrist for divine protection.
Avoid peak afternoon break
Temple sanctum remains closed between 01:30 PM and 04:30 PM.
Temple Timings
Darshan Schedule
Opening timings
05:00 AM - 01:30 PM, 04:30 PM - 09:30 PM
Mangala Aarti is at 05:00 AM, Bhog Aarti at 11:30 AM, and Sandhya Aarti from 06:30 PM to 08:30 PM.
Festivals
Temple Calendar Highlights
Nov–Dec • Grand Jayanti celebration
Bhairav Ashtami
Celebrated with night-long shringara, liquor offerings, and oil abhishekam.
Weekly • Weekly peak day
Ravivar Vrata
Sundays and Tuesdays attract massive queues of devotees seeking protective raksha sutra.
Temple Knowledge
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Community Notes
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Gyaandweep Guide
Suggested pilgrim note
Weekday mornings usually have shorter darshan queues than weekends.
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Gyaandweep Guide
Suggested pilgrim note
Carry a small cloth bag for footwear token and prasad containers.
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Gyaandweep Guide
Suggested pilgrim note
Aarti timings can shift on festival days, so check local notice boards.
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ज्ञ
श्री काल भैरव
Kaal Bhairav
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