Temple📍 Visheshwarganj, Old City, Varanasi
Kal Bhairav Temple
The Ancient Kotwal (Guardian Protector) of Varanasi
Kal Bhairav is honored as the fierce form of Lord Shiva and the supreme Kotwal (spiritual police chief) of Kashi. Centuries-old tradition dictates that all who arrive in Varanasi must pay homage to Kal Bhairav to receive permission to reside or undertake pilgrimage in the holy city. Devotees receive black threads (ganda) and sanctified mustard oil as protective shields.
📍 Emplacement
Visheshwarganj, Old City, Varanasi
⏰ Horaires
5:00 AM – 1:30 PM, 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM daily
💰 Entrée
Free
Conseils d'initiés
- →Visiting Kal Bhairav is traditionally the first spiritual stop before undertaking the sacred Kashi Panchkoshi Yatra.
- →Priests tie a consecrated black thread around devotees' wrists as a sacred blessing for protection.
- →The temple is located within narrow heritage lanes; reach on foot or cycle-rickshaw from Maidagin Chowk.
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