Kala Bhairava Temple of Nepal
Kala Bhairava Temple of Nepal
Nepal has several Bhairava temples. Out of these, the Kala Bairava temple is situated in Hanuman Dokha, Durbaar Square of Kathmandu. This temple is now a part of World Heritage Sites, UNESCO.
Main Deity – Bhairav is considered the fiercest form of Lord Shiva. The Kala Bhairav idol in this temple is considered to have been sculpted in the 5th or 6th century. This idol was discovered among fields during the reign of king Pratap Malla (17th century).
The lord here stands more than 12 foot tall and is one of the largest stone idols in the Kathmandu valley. He is dark in color and has four hands. In each hand he the carries noose, trident, drum and skull.
Temple Legend– Kala Bhairav has a shrine in many shiva temples. Legends state that when Sati, daughter of Daksha chose to marry lord Shiva, Daksha refused the alliance and organized a yagya where he invited everyone except Shiva. When Shiva entered the yagya Daksha belittled him. On hearing this Sati jumped into the yagya fire. Shiva then manifested into his most ferocious form and killed Daksha by beheading him. He then picked up Sati’s charred body and continued to dance around the world for days. Fearing that this would cause the destruction of the world, Lord Vishnu used his sudarshan Chakra to cut Sati’s body into pieces. Wherever these pieces fell a Shakti Peeth emerged. Hence every Shakti Peeth has a Kaal Bhairav shrine near itself.
Festivals and Prayers –
Bhairav Ashtami or Bhairav Jayanti is a huge festival at this temple.
Lord Kaal Bhairav is said to be a protector of truth and it is believed that nobody could lie in front of him as this lie could cost the person his life.
It is also believed that the lord removes feelings of jealousy and hatred.
Contact Information –
Phone number – +977 – 9803021519
