According to the Hindu calendar, Kalashtami is celebrated on the Ashtami tithi (eighth day) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) of every month. This day is dedicated to ‘Kaal Bhairav’, a fierce form of Lord Shiva. Kaal Bhairav is worshiped as the master of Tantra and Mantra and the remover of all obstacles. It is believed that the devotees who observe fast on Kalashtami with full devotion are freed from the fear of untimely death, negative energies and all kinds of sorrows in their life.
**What to do during Kalashtami fast?**
On the day of fasting, wake up before sunrise, take bath and wear black or dark colored clothes.
Light a mustard oil lamp in front of the idol or picture of Lord Bhairav.
Offer them blue flowers and black sesame seeds (til).
Reciting *Shri Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam* or *Bhairav Chalisa* on this day is considered very auspicious.
Black dog is considered to be the vehicle of Lord Bhairav. Lord Bhairav becomes very pleased by feeding sweet bread or jaggery to a black dog on this day.
Don’t forget to light a lamp (Deepdan) in the temple or under the Peepal tree in the evening.
**Mistakes to avoid**
One should avoid lying on Kalashtami; Otherwise the spiritual virtue of fasting diminishes.
On this day, do not hurt any living creature or get angry at anyone.
During the fast, completely avoid eating meat, alcohol, garlic and onion.
Do not disrespect the elders of the house or any needy person.
**Miraculous benefits of fasting**
According to religious beliefs, observing this fast on this day with proper rituals and devotion frees one from sins committed unknowingly.
* Chanting mantras and worshiping on this auspicious day removes negative energy from both home and mind.
Keeping fast gives peace to the mind, which reduces mental stress.
Keeping a fast on this day strengthens the position of weak planets in a person’s horoscope and brings happiness and prosperity to the family. **Worship mantras**
Om Kalabhairavaya Namah.
Om Hreem Batukay Aapduddharanaya Kuru Kuru Batukay Hreem. Om, let us know the destroyer of time; Let us meditate on the One who lives beyond time; May Bhairav grant us knowledge.
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Disclaimer: The remedies, benefits, advice and statements mentioned in this article are given for general information purposes only. *Dainik Jagran* does not endorse the views or content presented in this particular article. The information given in it has been compiled from various sources, including astrologers, almanacs, spiritual discourses, traditional beliefs, religious texts and folklore. Readers are advised not to consider this article as absolute truth or any specific claim, and to use their discretion. *Dainik Jagran* opposes superstition.
