Kalashtami 2023 April: Date ,Time, Significance, Kaal Bhairav Jayanti

The date of Kalashtami April 2023 is 13 April 2023.

Kalashtami (or Kala Ashtami) is an auspicious day that falls on the 8^th day of the waning phase of moon, i.e., on Krishna Paksha. Lord Kaal Bhairav is worshiped on this day who is a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. Since Kalashtami is observed on the ashtami tithi of every month, there are a total of 12 Kalashtami in a year.

Kalashtami that falls in the month of Margashirsha is the most significant of all and is celebrated as Kalabhairav Jayanti. Kalashtami when observed on a Sunday or Tuesday also has its special significance as these days are dedicated to Lord Bhairav.

Devotees who want to know more about Kalashtami 2023 like its pooja vidhi, vrat katha, etc can find the same in this article.

Kalashtami Vrat 2023 Date

The table below presents the date, day and time of Kala Ashtami vrat that falls in different months in the year 2023.

Month	Kala Ashtami	Date & Time	Day
January	Magha Kala Ashtami	14 January Start time- 7:22 PM, January 14, 2023 End time- 7:45 PM, January 15,	Saturday
February	Phalguna Kala Ashtami	13 February Start time- 9:45 AM, February 13 End time- 9:04 AM, February 14	Monday
March	Chaitra Kala Ashtami	14 March Start time- 8:22 PM, March 14 End time- 6:45 PM, March 15	Tuesday
Kalashtami 2023 April	Vaishakha Kala Ashtami	13 April Start time- 3:44 AM, April 13 End time- 1:34 AM, April 14	Thursday
May	Jyeshtha Kala Ashtami	12 May Start time- 9:06 AM, May 12 End time- 6:50 AM, May 13	Friday
June	Ashadha Kala Ashtami	10 June Start time- 2:01 PM, June 10 End time- 12:05 PM, June 11	Saturday
July Date	Shravana Kala Ashtami	9 July Start time- 7:59 PM, July 9 End time- 6:43 PM, July 10	Sunday
August	Shravana Kala Ashtami	8 August Start time- 4:14 AM, August 8 End time- 3:52 AM, August 9	Tuesday
September	Bhadrapada Kala Ashtami	6 September Start time- 3:37 PM, September 6 End time- 4:14 PM, September 7	Wednesday
October	Ashwin Kala Ashtami	6 October Start time- 6:34 AM, October 6 End time- 8:08 AM, October 7	Friday
November	Kartika Kala Ashtami	5 November Start time- 12:59 AM, November 5 End time- 3:18 AM, November 6	Sunday
December	Margashirsha Kala Ashtami	5 December Start time- 9:59 PM, December 4 End time-12:37 AM, December 6	Tuesday

Kalabhairav Jayanti Overview

Kalashtami that falls in Margashirsha month (normally November month as per the Gregorian calendar) is celebrated as Kalabhairav Jayanti as it is believed that Lord Kaal Bhairav was born on this day. As such this day is celebrated with utmost devotion by the devotees in different parts of the country. Kalabhairav Jayanti is also called as Bhairav Ashtami.

According to the Hindu legends, there was an argument going on in between Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Brahma made a remark during the argument which infuriated Lord Shiva and He took the form of Mahakaleshwar. He stood up at once and chopped fifth head of Brahma. From that day onwards, Lord Shiva started to be worshiped as ‘Kaal Bhairav’. Devotees who observe a fast on Kalashtami recite this story as Kala Ashtami vrat katha.

Significance of Kala Ashtami

Lord Kaal Bhairav, who is a manifestation of Lord Shiva is worshiped on Kalashtami. Devotees believe that by worshiping Kaal Bhairav all the sins of past and present life can be redeemed. It is also said that by worshiping Lord Kaal Bhairav on the day of Kala Ashtami can remove all the pain, sufferings, pain and negativity from life of a person. With this belief, Kalashtami is celebrated with full enthusiasm by the devotees.

Kalashtami Vrat Kaise Kare?

Kalashtami fasting should be observed on the day when Ashtami Tithi prevails during night. As such, sometime Kalashtami fasting is observed on Saptami tithi. On the day of Kalashtami, devotees should get up early in the morning and take a bath. Prayers, sweets and fruits are then offered to Kaal Bhairav and His blessing is sought. The devotees spend their day without eating and recite mantras to please Lord Shiva. Many people visit Kaal Bhairav temple in the evening and offers prayers to Mahakaleshwar.

Feeding black dogs on the day of Kalashtami is also a famous tradition as a black dog is considered as the vehicle of Lord Bhairav. Fasting is opened on the day after Kalashtami. People believe that those who observe a fast on kalashtami, Lord Kaal Bahirav showers his special blessings on them and fill their homes with prosperity and happiness. On Kalashtami, some people perform rituals to pay homage to dead ancestors during the morning.