Learning Kala Bhairava Ashtakam chanting (Adi Sankaracharya)

This is App for learning Kalabhairavashtakam chanting. Kalabhairavashtakam by Adi Sankaracharya is the hymn of praise of Kalabhairava (form of Shiva). This song is sung by Bhanu Didi (Bhanumati Narasimhan), Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's sister. For learning (memorization), one sloka is usually listened to once and then it is repeated three times.
This record was played on Gurudev’s 'Vigyaan Bhairav' (Unveiling Infinity) course.

Chanting of Kala-bhairava-ashtakam with devotion brings benefits (see 9th shloka). Even just listening to this stotra is auspicious [with the blessing of the Guru].

Note: This practice, like any other yoga practices, is recommended to learn and do under the guidance of a guru (teacher). If you are not trained in chanting mantras or not passed the "The Art of Living" programs, it is proposed to find a guru (teacher) at first and pass training programs.

There are translations from Sanskrit into English and Russian. Sanskrit text is from sanskritdocuments.org .
Links:
1) Kalabhairava Ashtakam - In sanskrit with meaning (greenmesg.org) ,
2) Kalabhairava-attacka (wiki.shayvam.org) ,
3) Kalabhairava Ashtakam - Spiritual Symbolisms of the Ferocious form of Shiva (artofliving.org) ,
4) Kaala Bhairava Ashtakam Chanting | Art of Living Live (artofliving.org),
5) The knowledge given by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (youtube.com)

"Kaala Bhairava is the Lord of Time. And time itself is the Divinity.
Do you know what the vehicle of Kaala Bhairava is? It is Shwana (dog). Shwa means yesterday or tomorrow, Na means not. So, Shwana means, not yesterday, nor tomorrow; it means now.

So, where does Kaala Bhairava reside? In the ‘now’!
" Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Frequently Asked Questions

(from live.artofliving.org)

Q. What is the Kaala Bhairava Ashtakam?
A. The Kaala Bhairava Ashtakam is a hymn that glorifies the various aspects of Kaala Bhairava, a form of Lord Shiva. This hymn was composed by Adi Shankaracharya more than a thousand years ago.

Q. What are the benefits of chanting the Kaala Bhairava Ashtakam?
A. Chanting the Kaala Bhairava Ashtakam daily brings peace to the mind, shields from misfortunes and makes one healthier and wealthier.

Q. Do I need to know Sanskrit to learn to chant?
A. No.

Q. Who can chant Kaala Bhairava Ashtakam?
A. Anybody can chant the Kaala Bhairava Ashtakam.

Q. How often should I chant the Kaala Bhairava Ashtakam?
A. You can chant the Kaala Bhairava Ashtakam on a daily basis.

Q. When should I chant the Kaala Bhairava Ashtakam?
A. You can chant the Ashtakam in the morning and evening.

Q. Can I chant the Ashtakam silently or do I need to chant it out loud?
A. You can start by chanting loudly. Once you’ve perfected the pronunciation, you can start chanting silently.

How to install app on iOS (iPhone/iPad)

To install the app on iOS, you need to open this Progressive Web Application in Safari and add an icon to the Home screen. In Safari, click the "Share" button and then select Add to Home Screen:

The application icon will appear on the screen.

How to install PWA on Android

To install the app on Android, you need to open this PWA app in Chrome, click the (...) button and then click "Add to Home screen":

You can also install the native application for Android (preferred).

How to install PWA on Windows

To install the app on Windows, you need to open this PWA app in Chrome or in Microsoft Edge and then in the address bar, click the "Install application" button:

This is PWA (Progressive Web Application) and it will work even in Offline mode (without internet).

More apps:

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Гимн Калабхайраве

Hymn to Kalabhairava

śrīkālabhairavāṣṭakaṃ

श्रीकालभैरवाष्टकं

देवराजसेव्यमानपावनांघ्रिपङ्कजं
व्यालयज्ञसूत्रमिन्दुशेखरं कृपाकरम् |
नारदादियोगिवृन्दवन्दितं दिगंबरं
काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे || १ ||

1.1: dēva-rāja-sēvyamāna-pāvana-aṅghri-paṅkajaṃ
1.2: vyāla-yajña-sūtram-indu-śēkharaṃ kṛpākaram |
1.3: nārada-ādi-yōgi-vṛnda-vanditaṃ digambaraṃ
1.4: kāśikā-pura-adhinātha-kālabhairavaṃ bhajē ||

1.1: Whose holy (pāvana) Lotus-Feet (aṅghri-paṅkajaṃ) is Served (sevyamāna) [by Indra,] the King of the Devas (deva-rāja).
1.2: Who has a Snake (vyāla) as His Sacrificial Thread (yajña-sūtram), Moon (indu) on His top of Head (śekharaṃ) and Who is Extremely Compassionate (kṛpākaram).
1.3: Who is Praised (vanditaṃ) by sage Narada (nārada) and other (ādi) many (vṛnda) Yogis (yogi), and Who is Digambara (digambara - 'Clothed by Sky' = quite naked, signifying that He is Ever-Free).
1.4: I honour (bhajē) to Sri Kalabhairava (kālabhairavaṃ) Who is the Supreme Lord (adhinātha) of the City (pura) of Kashi* (kāśikā). // * Kashi is the holiest of the seven sacred cities; 'Kashi' also means the third eye - full awareness of the present moment.

भानुकोटिभास्वरं भवाब्धितारकं परं
नीलकण्ठमीप्सितार्थदायकं त्रिलोचनम् |
कालकालमंबुजाक्षमक्षशूलमक्षरं
काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे || २||

2.1: bhānu-kōṭi-bhāsvaraṃ bhavābdhi-tārakaṃ paraṃ
2.2: nīla-kaṇṭham-īpsita-ārtha-dāyakaṃ trilōcanam |
2.3: kāla-kālam-ambuja-akṣam-akṣa-śūlam-akṣaraṃ
2.4: kāśikā-pura-adhinātha-kālabhairavaṃ bhajē ||

2.1: Who has the Brilliance (bhāsvaraṃ) of a 10 million (koṭi) Suns (bhānu), Who Rescues (tārakaṃ) [us] from the Ocean of Worldly Existence (bhavābdhi) and Who is Supreme (paraṃ).
2.2: Who has a Blue (nīla) Throat (kaṇṭham), Who Bestows us (dāyakaṃ) with Worldly Prosperity (ārtha) which we Wish (īpsita) for and Who has Three Eyes (trilocanam).
2.3: Who is the Time (kāla) of the Time (kālam) [i.e. beyond time/death], Who is Lotus-Eyed (ambuja-akṣam), Whose Trident (śūlam) Supports the Three Worlds (akṣa) and Who is Imperishable (akṣaraṃ).
2.4: I honour (bhajē) to Sri Kalabhairava (kālabhairavaṃ) Who is the Supreme Lord (adhinātha) of the City (pura) of Kashi (kāśikā).

शूलटंकपाशदण्डपाणिमादिकारणं
श्यामकायमादिदेवमक्षरं निरामयम् |
भीमविक्रमं प्रभुं विचित्रताण्डवप्रियं
काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे || ३||

3.1: śūla-ṭaṅka-pāśa-daṇḍa-pāṇim-ādi-kāraṇaṃ
3.2: śyāma-kāyam-ādi-dēvam-akṣaraṃ nir-āmayam |
3.3: bhīmavikramaṃ prabhuṃ vicitra-tāṇḍava-priyaṃ
3.4: kāśikā-pura-adhinātha-kālabhairavaṃ bhajē ||

3.1: Who has Trident (śūla), Hatchet (ṭaṅka), Noose (pāśa) and Club (daṇḍa) in His Hands (pāṇi) and Who is the Primordial Cause (kāraṇaṃ) of the Universe.
3.2: Whose Body (kāyam) is Dark (śyāma), Who is the Primordial (ādi) Lord (devam), Who is Imperishable (akṣaraṃ) and Who is beyond Diseases [of the World] (nir-āmayam).
3.3: Who is the Lord (prabhuṃ) with Terrific Prowess (bhīmavikramaṃ) and Who Loves (priyaṃ) the Strange (vicitra), Vigorous Tandava Dance (tāṇḍava).
3.4: I honour (bhajē) to Sri Kalabhairava (kālabhairavaṃ) Who is the Supreme Lord (adhinātha) of the City (pura) of Kashi (kāśikā).

भुक्तिमुक्तिदायकं प्रशस्तचारुविग्रहं
भक्तवत्सलं स्थितं समस्तलोकविग्रहम् |
विनिक्वणन्मनोज्ञहेमकिङ्किणीलसत्कटिं
काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे || ४||

4.1: bhukti-mukti-dāyakaṃ praśasta-cāru-vigrahaṃ
4.2: bhakta-vatsalaṃ sthitaṃ samasta-lōka-vigraham |
4.3: vi-nikvaṇan-manōjña-hēma-kiṅkiṇī-lasat-kaṭiṃ
4.4: kāśikā-pura-adhinātha- kālabhairavaṃ bhajē ||

4.1: Who is the Giver (dāyakaṃ) of Worldly Prosperity/Enjoyment (bhukti) and Liberation (mukti) and Who has an Auspicious (praśasta) Pleasing (cāru) Form (vigraha).
4.2: Who is Kind and Loving (vatsalaṃ) to His Devotees (bhakta) and Who Stands Firm (sthitaṃ) as the Deity (vigraham) of All (samasta) the Lokas/world (loka).
4.3: Who has Shining (lasat) Golden (hema) Bells (kiṅkiṇī) around His Waist (kaṭiṃ) which Jingles Creating a Variety (vi-) of Pleasing (manojña) Sounds (nikvaṇan).
4.4: I honour (bhajē) to Sri Kalabhairava (kālabhairavaṃ) Who is the Supreme Lord (adhinātha) of the City (pura) of Kashi (kāśikā).

धर्मसेतुपालकं त्वधर्ममार्गनाशकं
कर्मपाशमोचकं सुशर्मदायकं विभुम् |
स्वर्णवर्णशेषपाशशोभितांगमण्डलं
काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे || ५||

5.1: dharma-sētu-pālakaṃ tv-adharma-mārga-nāśakaṃ
5.2: karma-pāśa-mōcakaṃ su-śarma-dāyakaṃ vibhum |
5.3: svarṇa-varṇa-śēṣa-pāśa-śōbhita-aṅga-maṇḍalaṃ
5.4: kāśikā-pura-adhinātha-kālabhairavaṃ bhajē ||

5.1: Who Guards (pālaka) the Established Institution (setu) of the Eternal Dharma (dharma), but (tu) Destroys (nāśakaṃ) the Path (mārga) of Adharma (adharma) which are averse to the Eternal Dharma [by leading the devotee towards the Eternal Dharma].
5.2: Who is the Lord (vibhum) who Frees us (mocakaṃ) from the Fetters (pāśa) of Karma (karma) [binding impressions of work on our minds accumulated during several births] thereby Giving us (dāyakaṃ) [by Revealing] the Great Joy [of the Soul] (su-śarma).
5.3: Who is Adorned (śobhita) with Golden (svarṇa) Coloured (varṇa) Serpents (śeṣa) encircling (maṇḍalaṃ) His Body (aṅga).
5.4: I honour (bhajē) to Sri Kalabhairava (kālabhairavaṃ) Who is the Supreme Lord (adhinātha) of the City (pura) of Kashi (kāśikā).

रत्नपादुकाप्रभाभिरामपादयुग्मकं
नित्यमद्वितीयमिष्टदैवतं निरंजनम् |
मृत्युदर्पनाशनं करालदंष्ट्रमोक्षदं
काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे || ६||

6.1: ratna-pādukā-prabhābhi-rāma-pāda-yugmakaṃ
6.2: nityam-advitīyam-iṣṭa-daivataṃ nirañjanam |
6.3: mṛtyu-darpa-nāśanaṃ karāla-daṃṣṭra-mōkṣaṇaṃ
6.4: kāśikā-pura-adhinātha-kālabhairavaṃ bhajē ||

6.1: Whose Charming Beautiful (rāma) Pair (yugmakaṃ) of Feet (pāda) Shine (prabhābhi) with Sandals (pādukā) Studded with Gems (ratna).
6.2: Who is the Eternal (nityam), Non-Dual (advitīyam), Ishtha Devata (iṣṭa-daivataṃ) and Who is Stainless and Pure (nirañjanam).
6.3: Who Destroys (nāśanaṃ) the Pride (darpa) of Death (manifested as Fear within us) (mṛtyu) and Whose Large Terrible (karāla) Fangs (daṃṣṭra) Liberate us (from the Fear of Death) (mokṣaṇaṃ).
6.4: I honour (bhajē) to Sri Kalabhairava (kālabhairavaṃ) Who is the Supreme Lord (adhinātha) of the City (pura) of Kashi (kāśikā).

अट्टहासभिन्नपद्मजाण्डकोशसंततिं
दृष्टिपातनष्टपापजालमुग्रशासनम् |
अष्टसिद्धिदायकं कपालमालिकाधरं
काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे || ७||

7.1: aṭṭa-hāsa-bhinna-padmaja-āṇḍa-kōśa-santatiṃ
7.2: dṛṣṭi-pāta-naṣṭa-pāpa-jālam-ugra-śāsanam |
7.3: aṣṭa-siddhi-dāyakaṃ kapāla-mālikā-dharaṃ
7.4: kāśikā-pura-adhinātha-kālabhairavaṃ bhajē ||

7.1: Whose Loud (aṭṭa) Terrific Laughter (hāsa) Shatters (bhinna) the Continuity (santatiṃ) of the Sheath (kośa) of Creation [delusion of our mind] of the Lotus-Born Brahma (padmaja) from the Primeval Egg (āṇḍa).
7.2: Whose Terrific (pāta) Glance (dṛṣṭi) Destroys (naṣṭa) the Net (jālam) of the Powerful and Mighty (ugra) Rule (śāsanam) of Sins (pāpa) [in our mind].
7.3: Who Bestows (dāyakaṃ) the Eight (aṣṭa) Siddhis (siddhi) and Who Wear (dharaṃ) a Garland (mālikā) of Skulls (kapāla).
7.4: I honour (bhajē) to Sri Kalabhairava (kālabhairavaṃ) Who is the Supreme Lord (adhinātha) of the City (pura) of Kashi (kāśikā).

भूतसंघनायकं विशालकीर्तिदायकं
काशिवासलोकपुण्यपापशोधकं विभुम् |
नीतिमार्गकोविदं पुरातनं जगत्पतिं
काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे || ८||

8.1: bhūta-saṅgha-nāyakaṃ viśāla-kīrti-dāyakaṃ
8.2: kāśi-vāsa-lōka-puṇya-pāpa-śōdhakaṃ vibhum |
8.3: nīti-mārga-kōvidaṃ purātanaṃ jagatpatiṃ
8.4: kāśikā-pura-adhinātha-kālabhairavaṃ bhajē ||

8.1: Who is the Ruler (nāyaka) of Five Elements /Ghosts** (bhūta) and Who Bestows (dāyakaṃ) Great (viśāla) Glory (kīrti) to us [by revealing the Glory of the Self].
8.2: Who is the Lord (vibhum) who Purges (śodhakaṃ) both the Merits (puṇya) and the Sins (pāpa) of the Persons (loka) Dwelling (vāsa) in Kashi (kāśi) [thus revealing the Self in its pristine beauty].
8.3: Who is Skilled in Guiding (kovidaṃ) us in the Path (mārga) of Righteousness (nīti) and Who is the most Ancient [i.e. Eternal] (purātanaṃ) Lord of the Universe (jagatpatiṃ).
8.4: I honour (bhajē) to Sri Kalabhairava (kālabhairavaṃ) Who is the Supreme Lord (adhinātha) of the City (pura) of Kashi (kāśikā).

|| phala śruti ||

|| फल श्रुति ||

कालभैरवाष्टकं पठंति ये मनोहरं
ज्ञानमुक्तिसाधनं विचित्रपुण्यवर्धनम् |
शोकमोहदैन्यलोभकोपतापनाशनं
प्रयान्ति कालभैरवांघ्रिसन्निधिं नरा ध्रुवम् ||

9.1: kālabhairava-aṣṭakaṃ paṭhanti yē manōharaṃ
9.2: jñāna-mukti-sādhanaṃ vicitra-puṇya-vardhanam |
9.3: śōka-mōha-dainya-lōbha-kōpa-tāpa-nāśanaṃ
9.4: prayānti kālabhairava-aṅghri-sannidhiṃ narā dhruvam

9.1: Those (ye) who Read/Reciting the Eight Verses (aṣṭakaṃ) on Sri Kalabhairava (kālabhairava) with Devotion which is Heart-Stealing and Charming (manoharaṃ)
9.2: Will be Lead straight to the Goal (sādhanaṃ) of Knowledge (jñāna) and Liberation (mukti) and Will result in the Rise (vardhanam) of Various (vicitra) Auspicious Qualities (puṇya).
9.3: And Which Destroys (nāśanaṃ) [mental] Sorrows and Afflictions (śoka), Delusions and Infatuations (moha), Wretchedness and Depressions (dainya), Passions (lobha) and Anger (kopa) and [mental] Heat and Burns (tāpa).
9.4: And [these devotees] people (narā) walking along the path (prayānti) with Devotion will Surely (dhruvam) Attain (sannidhiṃ) the Feet (aṅghri) of Sri Kalabhairava (kālabhairava) [i.e. feeling the presence of Him].

ādi śaṅkarācārya

-= ॐ =-

Kala Bhairava AshtakamAboutStotra Text