Kal Bhairav Temple, Varanasi

History

Varanasi’s temples-of-importance listing places Kal Bhairav near the Head Post Office, VishesharGanj, and records the belief that he is Kotwal of the city.

Pilgrims often visit after or before Kashi Vishwanath; in local custom, seeking Bhairav’s leave is part of completing a stay in Kashi.

Stories

Kotwal of Kashi

Kaal Bhairav, a fierce form of Shiva, is revered as the Kotwal, or guardian, of Varanasi. Devotees believe he grants permission to reside in or enter the city, and tradition holds that darshan here should follow darshan at Kashi Vishwanath.

Unlike temples with a full-sized idol, the deity here is a silver-faced image: only the face is visible through the sanctum doorway, while the rest is draped in cloth.

Raksha Sutra and Tuesdays

Devotees tie a protective thread, the Bhairav Raksha Sutra, around the wrist, and offerings include oil, black sesame seeds and flowers. Worship here is believed to remove fear and protect against unseen obstacles.

Tuesdays and Sundays are especially busy, and the major festivals are Bhairav Ashtami, Mahashivratri and Annakoot. The temple's origins are described as very ancient, with references in the Skanda Purana, though no construction date is given.

Good to know

Kotwal (guardian) of Kashi in local belief

Near Head Post Office, VishesharGanj

Often combined with Vishwanath and Mritunjay on the same route

Getting there

Nearest airport: Varanasi (Lal Bahadur Shastri). Rail: Varanasi Junction / Varanasi City. Local auto to VishesharGanj / Head Post Office area.