Bhairavastava is a powerful hymn dedicated to Lord Kal Bhairav, the fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva who removes fear, destroys negativity, and protects devotees on the spiritual path.
Kaal Bhairava is the fierce form of Lord Shiva, revered as the guardian of time, the destroyer of evil, and the protector of Dharma. In the spiritual traditions of Shaivism, Bhairava represents the power that dissolves fear, ignorance, and negative energies.
He is also known as the divine guardian of sacred spaces and the protector of devotees who walk the path of truth and devotion. His vahana (vehicle), the dog, symbolizes loyalty, vigilance, and the ability to move beyond the boundaries of life and death.
Through devotion to Bhairava, devotees seek courage, protection, wisdom, and liberation from fear and suffering.
Salutations to Lord Bhairava, the divine consciousness that pervades all beings—moving and unmoving. He is the eternal, primordial reality and the ultimate refuge of those who seek protection. With full devotion and sincerity of heart, I bow to Him who resides within my mind and soul.
O Maheshwara! By the grace of Your blessings, the entire universe is nothing but Your manifestation. Wherever I look, I see only You, and my soul feels completely filled with Your divine presence.
You are the Lord of my soul and the supreme guide of my life. With Your protection, I no longer fear the hardships and suffering that arise from the endless cycle of birth and death.
O Bhairava, mighty Lord of creation, preservation, and destruction! O fearless one devoted to Lord Shankara, grant me strength and protection. May the fearful gaze of death never fall upon me as I remain devoted to Your divine presence.
O Lord of the worlds, I bow to You. Your radiant light removes the darkness of ignorance and dissolves the fear created by death and illusion. Your divine brilliance illuminates the path of wisdom.
O embodiment of eternal truth and universal consciousness! You are the radiant light that nourishes the universe with divine nectar. Filled with spiritual joy, my soul offers salutations to You.
O Lord, You are attainable through meditation and the stillness of the mind. You shower the nectar of unity and divine grace, healing the suffering of the body and the restless mind.
O Shankara, it is true that austerity, charity, sacred bathing, and meditation help overcome the cycle of birth and death. Yet the divine nectar flowing from Your sacred stories and glory leads the soul toward ultimate liberation.
O Lord Bhairava! It is known that You are easily accessible to devotees filled with devotion, yet hidden from those without faith. Realizing Your true nature, the awakened soul sings and dances in spiritual ecstasy.
This sacred hymn was composed by the great philosopher Abhinavagupta on the tenth day of the dark fortnight of the month of Pausha. By reciting this prayer, devotees invoke the compassionate grace of Lord Bhairava, who removes suffering and protects those who surrender to Him.