Kalbhairav Temple is one of the most ancient and popular temples of Lord Shiva in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. It is dedicated to Kalbhairav, or the fierce form of Lord Shiva, who is also the guardian deity of Ujjain. The temple is located on the banks of the river Kshipra, about 8 km away from Mahakaleshwar Temple.
Kalbhairav Temple is famous for its unique and mysterious features, such as the idol of Kalbhairav, which has a silver face and a garland of skulls; the offerings of liquor to the deity, which are consumed by the idol through a metal pipe; and the presence of a dog as the vehicle (vahana) of Kalbhairav. The temple is also known for its vibrant and colorful atmosphere, where devotees sing and dance in praise of Kalbhairav. Visit during Ujjain Local sightseeing and One day trip from Indore or Bhopal.
In this article, we will explore the various aspects of Kalbhairav Temple, such as its location, timing/entry fees, how to reach, things to do/must see, significance, FAQs, and conclusion.
Location of Kalbhairav Temple
Kalbhairav Temple is located in Bhairavgarh village, on the outskirts of Ujjain city. The temple complex covers an area of about 2 acres, and has a main shrine and several smaller shrines. The main shrine has a large hall (mandapa) and a sanctum (garbhagriha), where the idol of Kalbhairav is installed. The idol is made of stone and has a silver face with three eyes and four arms. It is adorned with a garland of skulls and a snake around its neck. The idol also has a metal pipe attached to its mouth, through which liquor is offered to the deity.
Timing/Entry Fees Kalbhairav Temple
The temple is open for darshan (worship) from 5 am to 10 pm every day. The entry to the temple is free for all visitors. However, there are some special services and rituals that require a fee or a ticket. For example, the Abhishek (ritual bathing) of Kalbhairav requires a fee of Rs. 51 per person; the Aarti (ritual waving of lamps) requires a fee of Rs. 11 per person; and the Prasad (offering) requires a fee of Rs. 21 per person. These services can be booked online through the official website of Kalbhairav Temple (https://kalabhairavtemple.com/).
How to Reach Kalbhairav Temple
Ujjain is well connected by road, rail, and air to other major cities of India. The nearest airport is Indore Airport (IATA: IDR), which is about 55 km away from Ujjain. From there, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach Ujjain. The nearest railway station is Ujjain Junction (Station Code: UJN), which is about 12 km away from Kalbhairav Temple. From there, one can take an auto-rickshaw or a cycle-rickshaw to reach the temple. Ujjain is also accessible by road from Indore (55 km), Bhopal (190 km), Ahmedabad (400 km), Mumbai (655 km), Delhi (775 km), etc.
Things to Do/Must See Kalbhairav Temple
There are many things to do and see in and around Kalbhairav Temple. Some of them are:
- Offering liquor to Kalbhairav: This is one of the most unique and intriguing rituals of Kalbhairav Temple. It is believed that Kalbhairav likes to drink liquor and accepts it as a form of devotion. The devotees buy liquor from the shops near the temple and offer it to the idol through a metal pipe. The liquor is then consumed by the idol and disappears from the pipe. The devotees also drink some liquor as a prasad from Kalbhairav.
- Watching the Aarti: This is another important and beautiful ritual of Kalbhairav Temple. It is performed four times a day: at 7 am, 12 pm, 7 pm, and 10 pm. The ritual involves waving lamps, incense, flowers, and other items in front of the idol of Kalbhairav, while chanting mantras and hymns. The ritual lasts for about 15 minutes and creates a mesmerizing and divine atmosphere in the temple.
- Feeding the dog: This is another unique and interesting feature of Kalbhairav Temple. It is said that a dog is the vehicle (vahana) of Kalbhairav, and hence he is fond of dogs. The temple has a resident dog that roams around the temple complex and is fed by the devotees. The devotees also offer milk, biscuits, bread, etc. to the dog as a way of pleasing Kalbhairav.
- Exploring other shrines: Apart from Kalbhairav Temple, there are many other shrines in the temple complex that are worth visiting. Some of them are Ashtabhairav Temple (which has eight idols of different forms of Kalbhairav), Hanuman Temple (which has a large idol of Hanuman), Durga Temple (which has an idol of Durga), etc.
- Shopping for souvenirs: There are many shops and stalls near Kalbhairav Temple that sell various items related to Lord Shiva and Hinduism. One can buy souvenirs such as rudraksha beads, shivalingas, idols, paintings, books, CDs/DVDs,.
Significance of Kalbhairav Temple
Kalbhairav Temple is not only a place of worship, but also a place of immense spiritual and historical significance. It is believed that Kalbhairav is the manifestation of Lord Shiva’s anger and power, and he is the protector of Ujjain and the destroyer of evil. According to Hindu mythology, Kalbhairav was created by Lord Shiva to punish Brahma, the creator of the universe, for his arrogance and pride. Kalbhairav cut off one of Brahma’s five heads with his nail and carried it with him as a trophy. However, he was cursed by Brahma to wander around the world with the head until he reached Ujjain, where he was absolved of his sin and became the guardian deity of the city.
The temple is also associated with the legend of King Vikramaditya, one of the most famous and powerful kings of India. It is said that King Vikramaditya was a great devotee of Kalbhairav and used to visit the temple every day. He also received a boon from Kalbhairav that he would rule for 1000 years. However, he was challenged by a demon named Baital, who asked him to solve 32 riddles in exchange for his life. King Vikramaditya accepted the challenge and solved all the riddles with his wisdom and courage. He then offered his head to Kalbhairav as a mark of gratitude and devotion.
Kalbhairav Temple is also a source of inspiration for many poets, writers, and artists. Some of the famous works that are based on or influenced by this temple are Kalbhairav Stotra by Adi Shankaracharya, Kalbhairav Ashtakam by Ravana, Vikram and Baital by Somdev Bhatt, etc.
FAQs
Q: What is the best time to visit Kalbhairav Temple?
A: Kalbhairav Temple can be visited throughout the year, but the best time to visit is during the festivals and occasions related to Lord Shiva, such as Maha Shivaratri, Shravan month, Nag Panchami, etc. These festivals are celebrated with great fervor and devotion in the temple, and one can witness various rituals and ceremonies. However, one should also be prepared for large crowds and long queues during these times.
Q: How can I book online services for Kalbhairav Temple?
A: One can book online services for Kalbhairav Temple through the official website of Kalbhairav Temple (https://kalabhairavtemple.com/). One can register on the website and then choose the service they want to book, such as Abhishek, Aarti, Prasad, etc. One can also make online donations and buy online prasad through the website.
Q: What are the other places to visit near Kalbhairav Temple?
A: Ujjain is a city of temples and has many other places to visit near Kalbhairav Temple. Some of them are:
Mahakaleshwar Temple: This is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, or the most sacred shrines of Lord Shiva, in India. It is located in the heart of Ujjain city, near the Mahakal Chowk. The temple is famous for its unique and magnificent architecture, its rich history and legends, and its spiritual significance. It is also known for its Bhasma Aarti, or the ritual of offering ash to the deity, which is performed every morning with great devotion and reverence.
Harsiddhi Temple: This is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, or the places where parts of Goddess Sati’s body fell after she immolated herself in her father’s sacrificial fire. It is said that her upper lip fell here, and hence the place is also known as Harsiddhi Peetha. There is a temple dedicated to Goddess Harsiddhi near Mahakaleshwar Temple, where one can see two huge lamps that are lit every evening.
Ram Ghat: This is a sacred ghat (bank) on the river Kshipra, where pilgrims take a holy dip during the Kumbh Mela. It is also a place where many saints and sages meditate and perform rituals.
Bhartrihari Caves: These are ancient caves where Bhartrihari, a renowned poet and philosopher, is said to have lived and attained enlightenment. The caves have a serene and peaceful atmosphere and are surrounded by greenery.
Kalidasa Academy: This is a cultural center dedicated to Kalidasa, one of the greatest poets and playwrights of India. The academy has a museum, a library, an auditorium, and a garden that showcase the works and life of Kalidasa.
Vikram Kirti Mandir: This is a museum and an institute that displays the history and culture of Ujjain. It has exhibits related to astronomy, archaeology, art, literature, etc. It also has a planetarium that shows various celestial phenomena.
Conclusion
Kalbhairav Temple is a must-visit place for anyone who wants to experience the fierce and fascinating aspect of Lord Shiva. It is a place where one can feel the power and presence of Kalbhairav, the Lord of Time and Death, and seek his protection and blessings. It is also a place where one can witness the unique and mysterious rituals and offerings of liquor and dog to the deity. Kalbhairav Temple is not just a temple, but a legend that attracts millions of devotees across the world.
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