What is Kalabhairava Ashtakam?
Kalabhairava Ashtakam is a revered Sanskrit hymn composed by the great philosopher-saint Adi Shankaracharya, dedicated to Lord Kalabhairava, a fierce and protective form of Lord Shiva. The hymn consists of eight powerful verses (Ashtakam), each glorifying the divine attributes, might, and significance of Kalabhairava, the guardian deity of time (Kala) and the ruler of the sacred city of Kashi (Varanasi).
Kalabhairava represents the destructive force that annihilates ignorance, ego, and fear. His worship is believed to remove obstacles, fear, and negative energies, leading devotees toward liberation and spiritual strength.
Basic Details
- Title: Kalabhairava Ashtakam (కాళభైరవాష్టకం)
- Language: Telugu (originally in Sanskrit by Adi Shankaracharya)
- Genre: Hindu Devotional Hymn (Stotra)
- Dedicated To: Lord Kalabhairava (a fierce form of Lord Shiva)
- Total Verses: 8 (Ashtakam means “eight verses”)
- Scriptural Significance: Part of Shaivite devotional literature, widely recited for protection, spiritual power, and removal of fear
- Deity Significance: Lord Kalabhairava is the protector of time (Kala), remover of obstacles, and guardian of sacred places like Kashi
- Popular Among: Followers of Shaivism, devotees of Lord Shiva and Kalabhairava, seekers of spiritual protection
- Primary Benefit: Protection from fear, destruction of negativity, spiritual advancement, and blessings of time management
Kalabhairava Ashtakam Lyrics in Telugu
| Telugu Lyrics | English Translation |
|---|---|
| దేహి మే కృపావలంబం దేవ దేవ భయంకర । | O Supreme Lord, terrifying yet compassionate, grant me your grace. |
| శివకలాభైరవం భజామి । | I worship the fierce form of Lord Shiva, Kalabhairava. |
| మణికంఠమకుటాధర మణ్యభూషితం । | The one whose throat is adorned with shining ornaments and jewels. |
| ఫణినాగకృతహారవలయభూషితం । | The one decorated with garlands and ornaments made of coiled serpents. |
| కృతసమస్త జగత్ ప్రమదవిభూషణం । | The supreme ornament and delight of the entire universe. |
| కాలభైరవం భజామి । | I worship Lord Kalabhairava. |
| భయభీతి హరమేఘ గంభీరస్వనమ్ । | His deep, thunderous voice removes all fear and anxiety. |
| శిఖినీలకృతశేఖరం కృపాకరం । | His crown shines with peacock feathers, radiating compassion. |
| విపరీత ఫలదాయకం విషదప్రదం । | He grants extraordinary boons and liberates seekers from ignorance. |
| కాలభైరవం భజామి । | I worship Lord Kalabhairava. |
| మృగశావకలేఖకపాలమాలికాం । | He wears garlands made of skulls and animal hides. |
| భయహారకరశూలపాణిభూషణం । | Holding the trident, He destroys fear and grants protection. |
| నవయౌవన శోభితం మనోహరమ్ । | Forever youthful, radiant, and captivating in appearance. |
| కాలభైరవం భజామి । | I worship Lord Kalabhairava. |
| జన్మ మృత్యుజరాపదాఘనంకృత్వా, భయ శాంతి కరాత్మజ । | Destroyer of birth, death, and old age, O Son of the Self, who removes fear and brings peace. |
| సర్వ శత్రుహరణ శిలా రూపధర । | The rock-like form that destroys all enemies. |
| శంభో నమో భైరవాయ, భజే నమో వే సదా । | I forever bow to Shambhu, the Bhairava; I worship and salute Him. |
| కాలభైరవం భజామి । | I worship Lord Kalabhairava. |
Kalabhairava Ashtakam Lyrics in English & Telugu Mix
O Lord of Lords, terrifying yet compassionate, grant me your grace.
I worship the fierce form of Lord Shiva, Kalabhairava.
The one who wears a shining crown and precious jewels on His neck.
Adorned with garlands made of coiled serpents and ornaments.
The supreme ornament and delight of the entire universe.
I worship Lord Kalabhairava.
His deep, thunderous voice removes all fear and anxiety.
His crown shines with peacock feathers, showering compassion.
He grants extraordinary boons and liberates seekers from ignorance.
I worship Lord Kalabhairava.
He wears garlands made of skulls and animal hides.
Holding the trident, He destroys fear and grants protection.
Forever youthful, radiant, and captivating in appearance.
I worship Lord Kalabhairava.
Destroyer of birth, death, and old age; O Son of the Self, bring peace and remove fear.
The rock-like form that annihilates all enemies.
I bow to Shambhu, the Bhairava; I always worship and salute Him.
Wearing jewel ornaments, holding the water pot in one hand and the trident in another.
Accompanied by Goddess of Speech, His face shines brilliantly.
His fierce form shines red like a skull, rich with nectar, and is feared by all.
I worship Kalabhairava, the Lord of all, the great Bhairava.
Free from ego, destroyer of all fatigue and misery.
The destroyer and bestower of consciousness, bliss, and liberation.
I worship Kalabhairava, whose true nature is eternal bliss and truth.
Conclusion – kalabhairava ashtakam lyrics in telugu
Kalabhairava Ashtakam is a powerful hymn that glorifies Lord Kalabhairava, the fierce yet compassionate form of Lord Shiva who governs time and destroys fear. Reciting this Ashtakam with devotion helps devotees overcome obstacles, fears, and negative energies. The hymn beautifully describes His divine form, attributes, and cosmic significance, inspiring spiritual strength and protection.
By meditating on Kalabhairava’s grace, one attains peace, courage, and ultimately liberation. This timeless prayer remains a profound source of faith and spiritual upliftment for all who seek the blessings of Lord Kalabhairava.