śrī kālabhairavāṣṭakam

I sing praise of Kalabhairava, Who is the ruler of the city Kashi, Whose lotus-feet are served by Indra (the King of the Devas), Who has a snake as His sacrificial thread, Who has the moon on His head, Who is the abode of mercy, Who is praised by the host of yogis led by Sage Narada, and Who is wearing the sky as His garments (Digambara).

I sing praise of Kalabhairava, Who is the ruler of the city Kashi, Who is as radiant as millions of suns, Who helps us cross the ocean of worldly existence, Who is the supreme Lord, Whose throat is blue, Who bestows upon us our desired objects, Who has three eyes, Who is the death of death (Kala) itself, Whose eyes look like lotuses, Who wields a trident, and Who is the indestructible one.

I sing praise of Kalabhairava, Who is the ruler of the city Kashi, Who holds the trident, the hatchet, the noose, and the club in His hands, Who is the primeval cause of the universe, Whose body is dark, Who is the first deity, Who is imperishable, Who is free from disease, Who possesses terrible prowess, Who is the Lord, and Who loves the strange and wonderful Tandava dance.

I sing praise of Kalabhairava, Who is the ruler of the city Kashi, Who is the bestower of worldly enjoyment and liberation, Who has a highly praiseworthy and beautiful body, Who loves His devotees, Who is the form of the entire universe, and Whose waist shines beautifully with the jingling sound of beautiful golden bells.

I sing praise of Kalabhairava, Who is the ruler of the city Kashi, Who is the protector of the bridge of Dharma, Who destroys the path of Adharma, Who liberates us from the bonds of Karma, Who bestows great joy, Who is the all-pervading Lord, and Whose body is adorned with a beautiful golden-colored serpent.

I sing praise of Kalabhairava, Who is the ruler of the city Kashi, Whose pair of feet are made beautiful by the splendor of His gem-studded sandals, Who is eternal and non-dual, Who is the chosen deity (Ishta Devata), Who is free from all blemishes, Who destroys the pride of death, Whose terrifying teeth grant liberation.

I sing praise of Kalabhairava, Who is the ruler of the city Kashi, Whose loud roar destroys the succession of lotus-born Brahma's universes, Whose mere glance destroys the network of all sins, Whose commands are fierce, Who is the bestower of the eight supernatural powers (Ashta Siddhis), and Who wears a garland of skulls.

I sing praise of Kalabhairava, Who is the ruler of the city Kashi, Who is the commander of the host of ghosts and spirits, Who bestows immense glory, Who clears the sins and merits of the people living in Kashi, Who is the all-pervading Lord, Who is wise in the path of righteousness, Who is the most ancient one, and Who is the Lord of the universe.

Those who read this beautiful Kalabhairavashtakam, which is the source of knowledge and liberation, which increases various forms of righteousness, and which destroys grief, delusion, poverty, greed, anger, and heat (suffering), will surely reach the holy feet of Lord Kalabhairava.