Kalabhairava ashtakam is a great hymn composed by guru Adi Shankaracharya to praise Lord Kalabhairava. The lyrics of this Stotram are written in eight stanzas, so called Ashtakam. These hymns explain the divine qualities of Lord Bhairava as well as several aspects related to him especially his appearance, how he takes care of his devotees, and also his greatness.
Reciting the Kalabhairava ashtakam lyrics is considered divine and is a great way to meditate on Lord Kalabhairava, who is known to protect his devotees in all the difficult situations, ward off their fears, and grant their wishes sooner.
The lyrics of this Ashtakam are composed in a simple way yet with a great in-depth meaning. For sure, it’s a great hymn to get the mercy of Bhairva. The Phalstuthi part gives the details of the benefits that you get by reciting this Ashtakam.

Kalabhairava Ashtakam Lyrics with Meaning
Devaraja sevyamana paavananghri pankajam
Vyala yagna sutra mindu Shekaram Krupakaram
Naradadhi yogi vrunda vanditham Digambaram
Kasika puraadhi-nadha Kalabhairavam bhaje (1)
(I bow to God Kalabhairava)
whose sacred and lotus-like feet were worshipped by the king of devas, Indra
The one who has serpent as his yagnopavitha (sacrificial thread), who was adorned by the crescent moon on his head, O the merciful one.
Who was adored by Sage Narada and multitude of yogis, who is Digambara (one who wears directions as his clothes)
The Lord of the city of Kasi, the Kalabhairava, I bow to you
Bhanukoti bhasvaram Bhavabdhi tarakam param
Neelakantha-meepsitardha dayakam Trilochanam
KaalaKaala-ambujaksha maksha shula maksharam
Kasika puraadhi-nadha Kalabhairavam bhaje (2)
(Salutations to God Kalabhairava)
The one who radiants like millions of suns, Who uplifts from the ocean of Samsara
The one with blue-throat, Who fulfills all the desires and the three-eyed one
Who is the death of death (KaalaKaala), whose eyes looks like lotus, Who holds a rosary of human bone and a trident, the imperishable one
The Lord of the city of Kasi, the Kalabhairava, I bow to you
Shula tamka pasa danda paanimaadi Karanam
Syamakaya(m)aadideva maksharam Niramayam
Bheema vikramam prabhum Vichitra tandava priyam
Kasika puraadhi-nadha Kalabhairavam bhaje (3)
(I bow to Kalabhairava)
Who holds a trident, axe, noose and a staff in his hands, the primeval one
The one with black body, The Aadi deva, Who is neither imperishable nor incorruptible with doshas
Who is furious in his valour, the formidable one, who likes a strange tandava style of dance
The Lord of the city of Kasi, the Kalabhairava, I bow to you
Bhukthi Mukthi dayakam Prashasta-charu vigraham
Bhaktha vatsalam sthitam samasthaloka Vigraham
Vi-nikwanan manogna hema kinkineela satkatim
Kasika puraadhi-nadha Kalabhairavam bhaje (4)
(Salutations to God Kalabhairava)
The giver of both bhukthi and mukthi (enjoyment and liberation), Who has a great and glorious body
The one who loves and takes care after his devotees, standing firm and controlling the entire universe
The one, adorned with small tinkling bells around his waist that were made of gold and look beautiful on him.
O the Lord of the city of Kasi, the Kalabhairava, I bow to you
Dharmasetu palakam tvadharma marga naasakam
Karmapasa mochakam Susarma-daayakam Vibhum
Swarna varna Sesha paasha Sobhitamga Mandalam
Kasika puraadhi-nadha Kalabhairavam bhaje (5)
(Salutations to God Kalabhairava)
O the one who rules and protects the dharma and the destroyer of the path of adharma
Who liberates from the bonds of karma and the giver of happiness, welfare O the omnipresent
The one whose pleasant body is adorned and shining with the coiled golden coloured serpents
The Lord of the city of Kasi, the Kalabhairava, I bow to you
Ratna-paadukaa prabhabhi Raama-pada yugmakam
Nityam-adviteeya(m) istadaivatam Niranjanam
Mrutyu darpa nasanam Karaladamstra Mokshanam
Kasika puraadhi-nadha Kalabhairavam bhaje (6)
(Salutations to God Kalabhairava)
Who wears the Padukas made with precious gems that lustre on his charming feet
Who is eternal, without beginning or end, liked by many and also the spotless and pure
The destroyer of the proud of Yama and whose furious fangs liberates us (by removing all kinds of fears)
O The Lord of the city of Kasi, the Kalabhairava, I bow to you
Attahasa bhinna padma janda-kosa samtatim
Drusti pata nasta papa jalamugra saasanam
Astasiddhi dayakam Kapalamaalika dharam
Kasika puraadhi-nadha Kalabhairavam bhaje (7)
(Salutations to God Kalabhairava)
The one whose terrifying laughter can even destroy all the creation made by the lotus- born (Brahma)
Whose merciful glance can destroy all of the sins, Who orders furiously (making it an immediate action)
The bestower of the Astasiddhis (eight siddhi’s), Who wears the garland of skulls
The Lord of the city of Kasi, the Kalabhairava, I bow to you
Bhutasamgha nayakam Visaalakeerthi daayakam
Kaasivasa loka punya papa sodhakam Vibhum
Neeti maarga kovidam Puratanam Jagatpatim
Kasika puraadhi-nadha Kalabhairavam bhaje (8)
(Salutations to God Kalabhairava)
The Ruler of all the beings (Bhuta signifying all the living beings), the bestower of great fame
The Lord, who looks after the virtues and sins of the people living in Kasi, The omnipresent
Who is well versed about the path of truth and righteousness, the ancient one and the Lord of the worlds
The Lord of the city of Kasi, the Kalabhairava, I bow to you
Phalastuti
Kalabhairava ashtakam patamthi yae manoharam
Gnana mukthi sadhakam vichitra-punya vardhanam
Soka moha dainya lobha Kopa tapa naasanam
Taey prayamti Kaalabhaivaamghri Sannidhi druvam
Reciting this Kalabhairava Ashtakam gives a pleasant and charming feel
Bestowing divine knowledge and liberation also provides a variety of virtues
(At the same time) Destroying the Sorrow, Delusion, Misery, Greed, Anger, and tapa
And moves you towards the divine feet of the God Kalabhairava
Ithi Srimad Shankaracharya Virachitha Kaalabhairva Ashtakam Sampoornam
Thus ends the Kalabhairava Ashtakam composed by Srimad Shankaracharya.
Kalabhairava Ashtakam Benefits
Reciting the Kalabhairava Ashtakam lyrics understanding its meaning and meditating on Lord Kalabhairava have immense benefits. The sorrow and the miseries that one who chants this Ashtakam will get vanished.
All the sins of those people will get destroyed and they will be bestowed with wealth and divine knowledge. They will not face any effect of the evil deeds of the enemies. Also, those who meditate on this divine hymn will get peace of mind and the mercy of Lord Kalabhairava.
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