There are many mysterious characters in India’s mythology, whose stories give new interesting information over time. One of these stories is that of the demon, who was worshiped as God in Kalyug with the blessings of Lord Krishna in Dwapar Yuga. This is none other than Kalabhairava, who is worshiped as the incarnation of Lord Shani, whose relationship is directly related to the Mahabharata period.
Who was this demon?
According to mythological beliefs, this story is of the demon who received divine blessings in exchange for ‘devotion to Krishna’ and penance. If it was a demon, it was powerful and arrogant, but within it there was such a fire of devotion which also impressed Sri Krishna. The name of this demon was Kalnami.
Relations with Kalnemi and Mahabharata
According to the Mahabharata, Kalnemi was a demon that Kansa sent to kill Lord Krishna. He was powerful and elusive, but he did not move in front of Shri Krishna and Balaram and he was killed. But in moments of death, Kalnemi saw the great form of Lord Krishna and devotion was born in it.
He asked for a boon from Lord Krishna, who died, he should be born again in the next era and serve his religion by becoming a devotee. Sri Krishna blessed him and said that “You will be born from my part in Kalyug and will be worshiped as God and you will have an important role in the destruction of unrighteousness.”
Incarnation
It is said that with the blessings of Shri Krishna, Kalnemi incarnated as Kalabhairava in Kalyug. Kalabhairava is known as a fierce form of Shiva, but in many traditions he is considered a Kaliyugi representative of Shri Krishna, who protects religion and punish the unrighteous.
The nature of Kalabhairava is Rudra – they are considered black, trident holding, dog riders and masters of time. The meaning of ‘Kaal’ is time and ‘Bhairav’ means the destroyer of fear. In this form, he fulfills the boon given by Shri Krishna, because in Kali Yuga, he works as a guard of religion.
Why is Kalabhairava worshiped?
Kalabhairav is worshiped especially on Tuesday and Sunday. It is said that worshiping them brings freedom from fear, suffering, hindrance and sins. Devotees who worship Kalabhairava with true heart, never have to face fear and insecurity in life.
A major temple of Kalabhairava is located in Kashi, which is considered to be the abode of Kalabhairav Baba. It is believed that Kotwal of Kashi himself is Kalabhairava and no soul can reside there without his permission.
Sri Krishna’s blessings – a future role
The esoteric message of this story is that there is so much power in the devotion and remorse of God that demons can also become God. Shri Krishna saw the flame of devotion in Kalnami’s heart and determined his future as a religion protector.
This story also teaches us that although our actions can be wrong in the beginning, if we repent with a true heart in time and remember God, then we can also attain salvation.
conclusion
In the Dwapara Yuga, Lord Krishna gave a boon to a demon that he would be worshiped as a God in Kali Yuga. The same demon later protects religion by taking birth as Kalabhairava. In this legend, not only the power of devotion, forgiveness and change appears, but it is also proved that God gives opportunity to each of his devotees – no matter how big criminal he has been in the past.
So the next time you worship Kalabhairav, then remember this mythology – because these are not only the things of religion, but also the message of self -purification.
