Mantras of Kaal Bhairavकाल भैरव

7 mantras · shaiva tradition

Temples of Kaal Bhairav
TantricDhyana shloka

The Ashta Bhairava — the eight named in one verse

One anushtubh that names all eight principal Bhairavas in order: Asitanga, Ruru, Chanda, Krodha, Unmatta, Kapali, Bhishana and Samhara.

Ashta Bhairava Dhyana Stotram the enumerating shlokaKaal Bhairav32 syllables
TantricDhyana shloka

Bhairava Purna Rupo Hi

The verse that opens the Ashta Bhairava Dhyana Stotram: Bhairava is the complete form of Shiva, and those who miss it are deluded by Shiva's own maya.

Ashta Bhairava Dhyana Stotram opening verseKaal Bhairav32 syllables
StotraStotra

Bhairava Stava of Abhinavagupta — opening verse

Abhinavagupta's hymn to Bhairava, from the Stotravali: I worship in my heart the lord who pervades everything moving and unmoving, by a mind made of you.

Bhairava Stava, Abhinavagupta (Stotravali) verse 1Kaal Bhairav
StotraStotra

Kalabhairava Ashtakam — opening verse

The first of the eight verses to the lord of Kashi, each closing on the same line: I worship Kala Bhairava, master of the city of Kashi.

Kalabhairava Ashtakam verse 1Kaal Bhairav
TantricDhyana shloka

Apaduddharaka Batuka Bhairava Dhyanam

The five-verse visualisation of Batuka Bhairava, the child form called Apaduddharaka — 'he who lifts one out of calamity'. Recited before his hundred and eight names.

Apaduddharaka Batuka Bhairava Dhyanam verses 1–5Kaal Bhairav
TantricMantra

Om Hrim Krim Hum Hrim Kalabhairavadevaya Namah

The four-bija invocation that opens each decade of the Kalabhairava Ashtottarashatanamavali, the hundred and eight names.

Kalabhairava Ashtottarashatanamavali invocation formula of the 108 namesKaal Bhairav14 syllables
TantricMantra

Om Ham Sham Nam Gam Kam Sam Kham Mahakala Bhairavaya Namah

The seven-bija mantra of Mahakala Bhairava, given in the mantra section of the Ashta Bhairava Dhyana Stotram.

Ashta Bhairava Dhyana Stotram mantra sectionKaal Bhairav18 syllables

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