The name Ujjain means “city of Baba Mahakal.” Here is the third Jyotirlinga among the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, in the form of Baba Mahakal. Apart from this, there are many other temples in Ujjain, including Baba Kaal Bhairav Temple. According to the scriptures, Kaal Bhairav is the Rudra form of Lord Shiva. The temple of Baba Kaal Bhairav is quite old. On the banks of the Kshipra River, King Bhadra Sen built a temple dedicated to Kaal Bhairava. The main reason for the fame of Kaal Bhairav Temple is the liquor, which is offered as prasad to Baba Kaal Bhairav. Let us know about the secrets related to the Kaal Bhairav Temple of Ujjain.
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Kaal Bhairav Temple Ujjain
Also Read: Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga: A Unique Temple of Lord Shiva
It is said that the turban worn by Lord Kaal Bhairav is owned by Raja Scindia of Gwalior. The Shaiva sect, mainly practiced by the Kapalika and Aghor sects, includes the worship of Baba Kaal Bhairav. The unique tradition of this temple serving liquor as Prasad in Lord Kaal Bhairav Temple has made it famous all over the world. Lord Kaal Bhairav, also known as Kshetrapala, is also said to be the master of Tantra and Mantra.
It is believed that the angry form of Lord Shiva took human form and was born as Kalabhairava. One of the most famous temples in Ujjain is Baba Kaal Bhairav Temple. Thousands of devotees come here every day to have darshan of Lord Kaal Bhairav. Baba Kalbhairav of Ujjain is prominent among the Ashtabhairavs. Since the temples of Baba Kaal Bhairav are close to each of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, they are also known as Kotwal. The word “Bhairava” means “to defeat fear,” indicating that the devotees’ encounter with Baba Kaal Bhairava frees them from fear. This Baba Kaal Bhairav temple also has an interesting history.
It is said that Lord Kaal Bhairav keeps an eye and knows the coming time. Another name for Kaal Bhairav is protector of travelers. Since the dog is considered to be the vehicle of Lord Kaal Bhairav, it is believed that travelers should take the name of Baba Kaal Bhairav and feed the dog before starting their journey. This is why it is considered auspicious to feed dogs before leaving on a journey. Ujjain city is also under the protection of Baba Kaal Bhairav. It is believed that after visiting Baba Mahakaleshwar of Ujjain, one must visit Baba Kaal Bhairav.
Mythology of Kaal Bhairav Temple
Lord Kaal Bhairav is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva. There are beliefs about the origin of all Hindu gods and goddesses. Similarly, there is also a mythological belief that Baba Kaal Bhairav originated from Lord Shiva. This Siddha is the real concept of the medieval discovery of Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma and establishes the supremacy and importance of Lord Shiva as Bhakti, Bhakti, and Kaal Bhairava.
According to this legend, once there was a heated debate between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu regarding superiority and separation, and a dispute broke out between the two as to who was superior. Seeing the destructive form of Maratha between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu, the great Lord Shiva decided to intervene, and he decided to establish the importance of idol and devotion in Lord Brahma.
Brahma performed a grand yagya on the sacred ground of Dharma to establish himself as the supreme deity. Lord Shiva manifested Lord Kaal Bhairav for the purpose of devotion to Lord Brahma and examining the scriptures. Kaal Bhairav is near the Yagya of Lord Brahma in the form of a black dog. Lord Brahma created his remaining form. Yet that black dog, who himself transformed into Kaal Bhairav, attracted the sight of Lord Brahma. Lord Brahma once again ignored the dog due to his ego and was amazed by the divine vision of Lord Shiva.
To get rid of this arrogance and lack of awareness of Lord Brahma, the black dog took the form of a fearsome and awe-inspiring Lord Kaal Bhairav and cut off one of the five heads of Lord Brahma. Upon realizing his mistake, Lord Brahma sought forgiveness and salvation from Kaal Bhairav. Lord Shiva provided salvation and forgiveness to Lord Brahma through his artifacts. Since then, the temple of Kaal Bhairav, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, has been situated in Ujjain.
Why is liquor offered to Kaal Bhairav as Prasad?
The tradition of offering liquor to Baba Kaal Bhairav has been going on for hundreds of years. Here, worshipers buy flowers, coconuts, and liquor from shops outside the temple and place them in puja baskets. Every day, thousands of devotees offer liquor as Prasad to Baba Kaal Bhairav. The liquor is poured into a vessel by the priest and brought near the mouth of Baba Kaal Bhairav. As the cup is brought near the mouth, the liquor slowly evaporates, meaning that Baba Kaal Bhairav has drank the entire liquor.
Every day, around 2000 liquor bottles are offered to Baba Kaal Bhairav Temple. Actually, by offering liquor in the temple of Baba Kaal Bhairav, the followers give up their bad deeds and also see it as a sign of patience and determination. Many people believe that by offering liquor to Lord Kaal Bhairav, all the problems of life go away.
Mystery of Kaal Bhairav Temple
This Baba Kaal Bhairav Temple is a mysterious place. Here devotees offer liquor to Baba Kaal Bhairav, which is also accepted by Lord Kaal Bhairav. The distance between this temple and Mahakaleshwar temple is about 5 km. The fact that this temple is located in the middle of a Hindu graveyard is what makes it so mysterious.
Baba Kaal Bhairav Temple is situated at a place called Bhairav Parvat near Okhaleshwar Jagrut cremation ground. Despite their best efforts, scientists and archaeologists have been unable to determine where the wine was kept in the temple, even though the mouth of the statue appears to be closed. At present this mystery remains unsolved. As a result, followers believe that Lord Kaal Bhairav himself takes the prasad.
The secret of wearing Kaal Bhairav’s turban
The idol of Baba Kaal Bhairav is wearing a turban. The reason behind Baba Kaal Bhairav wearing a turban is a mystery. It is said that Raja Mahadji Scindia once prayed to Baba Kaal Bhairav for protection from his opponents and sought refuge from him. During the puja, he took off the turban of King Scindia and offered it to Kaal Bhairav and prayed for his victory. Since then Baba Kaal Bhairav is given a turban by the Scindia royal family and even today it has great importance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.Whose son is Kaal Bhairav?
Ans. Lord Kaal Bhairav was born as a result of the anger of Lord Shiva, who is one of his most fearsome and destructive forms.
Q. Why is liquor offered to Kaal Bhairav?
Ans. By offering liquor in the temple of Baba Kaal Bhairav, devotees renounce their bad deeds and also consider it a symbol of determination and strength. According to many beliefs, offering liquor to Lord Kaal Bhairav removes all kinds of problems in life.
Q. What is offered as prasad to Kaal Bhairav?
Ans. Liquor is offered as prasad to Lord Kaal Bhairav.
Q. How far is Kaal Bhairav Ujjain from Mahakaleshwar?
Ans. Kaal Bhairav Temple is about 5 kilometers away from the Mahakaleshwar Temple of Ujjain.
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