Kashi—an ancient city where devotion and spirituality intertwine, and the divine presence of Bhagwan Shiv fills every corner. The moment you set foot in this sacred city, you feel the divine energy surrounding you. To me, Kashi is not just my home; it is my soul, a place where my connection to the divine was nurtured from a young age.
Bhairav Ashtami is a sacred tithi that marks the birth of Baba Kaal Bhairav, the ferocious form of Bhagwan Shankar, who is one of the prominent deities in Varanasi who guards the city. Bhairav Ashtami holds immense importance for bhairav sadhaks for practicing specific Tantra Sadhnas. As a Banarasi, this day has always been a part of my life and holds a special place in my heart.
The Lesser-Known Kotwal of Varanasi: Baba Batuk Bhairav
Most people know that Baba Kal Bhairav is the Kotwal (guardian) of Kashi, watching over the entire city with his fierce energy. No one can enter or leave this city without the permission of the kotwal. However, what many don’t know is that Kal Bhairav specifically guards the Vishweshwar Khand of the city, whereas the protector of Kedar Khand, a sacred region known for its mystical and spiritual significance, is none other than Baba Batuk Bhairav.
Who is Baba Batuk Bhairav?
Bhairav is often known as the fierce and wrathful form of Bhagwan Shiv, embodying power and strength. However, Batuk Bhairav presents an intriguing contrast—he is the baal swaroop of Bhagwan Shankar, offering a rare combination of innocence and divine power, perched gracefully on his swan. He is not only offered traditional items of devotion but also playful tokens of childhood – toys, toffees, chocolates, – alongside tantric offerings like madira (alcohol) and eggs, which reflect his role in dispelling both worldly and otherworldly fears.
Celebrating Bhairav Jayanti in Kashi: My Bond with Batuk Bhairav
Growing up, my connection with Batuk Bhairav was profoundly personal. My late Nana Ji, Shri Vindheshwari Puri, and Late Mama, Shri Ravindra Puri, who served as the Mahant of the Batuk Bhairav Mandir situated at Kamacha, instilled in me a devotion to the child form of Bholenath – Batuk Bhairav. This swayambhu deity, who manifested after appearing in a dream to my Nana Ji’s great grandfather, has been a source of spiritual blessings for countless bhairav sadhaks & devotees.
Every year, on Bhairav Ashtami, I have watched the temple come alive with preparations. The day would begin with the Mangala Aarti, followed by rituals and prayers. My Nana Ji would lead these spiritual practices, while my Mama and other devotees would join in with their sadhanas, filling the temple with divine energy.
On this day, the temple is filled with offerings of cake and chappan bhog (56 varieties of food offered to the deity), making it a feast for the senses. The day is also important for performing tantra puja, which is done with great care and precision, adding a deeper spiritual layer to the celebrations.
One of the heartwarming gestures is carried out by my Masi, Shrimati Seema Giri. Every year, with immense love and devotion, she prepares food and feeds 108 children on the temple campus. The temple also hosts a Bhandara for the devotees, where everyone can partake in the prashad grahan, regardless of their background.
The Special Shringar and Devotion
On Bhairav Jayanti, the temple is beautifully decorated, and a special shringar (decoration) is done for Batuk Bhairav. The idol is adorned with fresh flowers, and the temple glows with the light of lamps and incense, creating an atmosphere of pure devotion.
A Spiritual Expedition with Bhairav Baba
For anyone embarking on a spiritual journey to Kashi, Bhairav Jayanti offers a rare glimpse into the city’s mystical depths. Beyond the grand temples, the narrow lanes of Varanasi echo with stories of divine interventions and timeless traditions. As you explore the khands, visit the Kaal Bhairav and Batuk Bhairav Temples, and participate in the fervor of the celebrations, you realize that Kashi isn’t just a place—it’s a divine experience.
As a Banarasi, I carry the soul of Kashi wherever I go. Bhairav Jayanti serves as a reminder of the city’s eternal bond with Shiva and the undying spirit of devotion that flows through its ghats, temples, and hearts of its people. This Jayanti, may Bhairav Baba guide you, protect you, and bless you with the wisdom to embrace the paradoxes of life, just as Kashi does.