Kalabhairav Ashtakam
Kalabhairav Ashtakam
Kalabhairav Ashtakam
I sing praise of Kalabhairav, Who is the ruler of the city Kashi, Who is adorned by
lotus-feet which is reverred and served by Indra (Devaraj), Who has a Yagya-thread
made up of snake, Who has the moon on His forehead, Who is the abode of mercy,
Who has been sung by Narad and other celestial singers, and Whose clothes are the
directions.
I sing praise of Kalabhairav, Who is the ruler of the city Kashi, Who is resplendent
like millions of sun, Who absolves the ocean of cycle of rebirth, Who is supreme,
Who has a blue neck, Who bestows us with our desires, Who has three-eyes, Who is
the end of Kaal, Who has lotus-like eyes, Who has immortal monodent weapon, and
Who is immortal.
I sing praise of Kalabhairav, Who is the ruler of the city Kashi, Who has monodent,
spade, a cord and punishment in His hands, Who is the cause behind the beginning,
Who has a grey (smeared) body, Who is the first Deva, Who is imperishable, Who is
free from illness and health, Who is immensely mighty, Who is the Lord, and Who
loves the special Tandava dance.
Bhukthi mukthi dayakam prasashtha charu vigraham,
Bhaktha vatsalam shivam* , samastha loka vigraham,
Vinikwanan manogna hema kinkini lasath kateem,
Kasika puradhi nadha Kalabhairavam bhaje. 4
I sing praise of Kalabhairav, Who is the ruler of the city Kashi, Who is the bestower
of desires and salvation, Who has an enticing appearance form, Who is endears His
devotees, Who is static, Who takes various manifestations and forms the world, and
Who has a beautiful golden waist-thread with small melodious bells.
I sing praise of Kalabhairav, Who is the ruler of the city Kashi, Who is the maintainer
of righteousness, Who is the destroyer of unrighteous paths, Who liberates us from
the ties of Karma or deeds, Who bestows us with shyness, Who is splendid, and
Whose organ-groups are decorated with a beautiful cord of golden color.
I sing praise of Kalabhairav, Who is the ruler of the city Kashi, Who has feet adorned
by two sandals made of gold which is possessing a resplendent shine, Who is eternal,
Who is induplicable, Who bestows our desires to us, Who is without desires, Who
destroys the pride of death (as in is supreme to death), and Who liberates soul by His
teeth.
Attahaasa binna padma janda kosa santhatheem,
Drushti pada nashta papa jala mugra sasanam,
Ashta siddhi dayakam kapala malikadaram,
Kasika puradhi nadha Kalabhairavam bhaje. 7
I sing praise of Kalabhairav, Who is the ruler of the city Kashi, Whose loud roar is
enough to destroy all the manifestations created by the lotus-born Brahma, Whose
(merciful) glance is enough to destroy all the sins, Who is the powerful ruler, Who
gives the eight-powers¹, and Who wears a garland of skull-caps.
I sing praise of Kalabhairav, Who is the ruler of the city Kashi, Who is the leader of
the ghosts and spirits, Who showers immense glory, Who absolves people dwelling in
Kashi from their sins and righteous deeds, Who is splendor, Who has explained the
path of righteousness, Who is eternally old, and Who is the controller of the universe.
Phalastuti