Shri Kalbhairav ​​Temple India Nagar, Latur, uka. Latur

Latur in Marathwada is considered a significant region from a religious and cultural perspective. Situated in this city, the Kalbhairav Temple is a place of deep faith for many devotees. Kalbhairav is considered a fierce form of Lord Shiva. He is the symbol of the concept where ‘Kaal’ means ‘Time’ and ‘Bhairav’ means ‘Protector’. Thousands of devotees visit this Kalbhairav temple every year for darshan. In the sanctum sanctorum of this temple, built in the 20th century, resides a four-armed idol of Kalbhairav, carved from a single Shaligram stone. The day of Kartik Vadya Ashtami is celebrated here with great enthusiasm as Kalbhairav Jayanti.

Kalbhairav is also known as the ‘Kotwal of Kashi’ (Guardian of Kashi). His other names include Papabhakshan, Amardak, and Kalraj. According to mythology, Kalbhairav originated from the anger of Lord Shiva on Margashirsha Krishna Ashtami. Once, Lord Brahma insulted Shiva, which enraged Him. From that fire of anger, the black-complexioned Bhairav was born, and he severed the head of Brahma that had insulted Shiva. However, this act resulted in the sin of Brahma-hatya. Despite visiting all the holy pilgrimage sites, his sin was not absolved. Finally, he attained liberation from the sin in Kashi, where the head of Brahma fell from his hand. The place where Kalbhairav placed Brahma’s head is known as ‘Kapalmochan Tirth’.

The Kalika Purana narrates that due to Parvati’s curse, Mahakal, a Gana, was born in the form of Bhairav. Having become free from sins after bathing in the holy waters of Kashi, Kalbhairav became the Kotwal, or protector, of Kashi. Thus, Kalbhairav is considered the protector of cities and villages. There are many Kalbhairav temples in India, with the temples in Ujjain and Varanasi being the most prominent. In Maharashtra, Sonari, Mhaswad, Khursundi, Veer, Kodit, and Abapuri are considered the Siddha Peethas of Bhairav. Kalbhairav temples are mostly associated with Tantric traditions. His worship is performed in three ways: Sattvic, Rajas, and Tamas. The Tamas method of worship is considered extremely fierce and is forbidden for those following the householder’s life. However, in this Kalbhairav temple in Latur, worship is performed in a Sattvic manner. Sundays, Tuesdays, and the Ashtami and Chaturdashi of the Krishna Paksha are considered auspicious and fruitful for the worship of Kalbhairav.

It is said that the Bhairav devotee of the Latur region, Saint Nivruttinath Maharaj Chincholikar, had a vision of Kalbhairav. He carved this idol from a Shaligram stone in the exact form he saw in his vision. Later, in 1980, he built this temple and consecrated the idol. Located in a densely populated area, this place is also referred to as ‘Nath Ashram’. Even though it is surrounded by houses, the temple’s unique shikhar (spire) catches the eye from a distance. The temple, which features modern construction, has a compact premises. As the temple faces east, the sun’s rays fall directly on the feet of the Kalbhairav idol in the months of November and January. Devotees believe that the idol perspires during the summer.

The temple structure consists of an open assembly hall (sabhamandap) and a sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha). In the assembly hall, in front of the entrance to the sanctum, there is an idol of Nandi on a pedestal. On the front wall of the sanctum, above the entrance, are idols of Hanuman, Ganpati, and other deities. Inside the sanctum, on a Vajra-peetha, is the approximately two-foot-tall, four-armed idol of Kalbhairav carved from Shaligram stone. The idol has matted hair (jata) on its head, earrings in its ears, serpents around its neck and arms, and a garland of skulls on its shoulders. In the deity’s upper right hand is a damru and in the lower right hand is a sword, while in the upper left hand is a trident and in the lower left hand is the head of Brahma. It is believed that this head is used as a vessel. The idol, adorned with a waistband (mekhala) and bracelets on its hands and feet, is depicted as a mature figure with a mustache. An elephant is carved near the feet of the idol. It is considered the vehicle of ‘Swarnakarshan Bhairav’, the symbol of wealth. It is believed to be the only idol that combines all three forms: Kalbhairav, Batuk Bhairav, and Swarnakarshan Bhairav. In the courtyard adjacent to the temple is the Samadhi temple of Nivruttinath Maharaj. It is recorded that he passed away here on August 3, 1992. The tall shikhar of the temple features many niches containing idols of various deities.

The daily rituals in the temple include Dhup-arti every morning and Abhishekam on the idol at 8:30 AM. The Kalbhairav Janmotsav is celebrated at midnight on Kartik Vadya Ashtami, while ‘Vivahashtami’ is celebrated on Chaitra Vadya Ashtami. Vivahashtami is the main festival here. On this day, the wedding ceremony of the Lord and Mother Jogeshwari is performed. On the occasion of this festival, a Harinam Saptah is organized. Additionally, the death anniversary of Saint Nivruttinath Maharaj is celebrated on Nag Panchami. During the auspicious times of solar and lunar eclipses, mantra chanting and Havan are performed here. Sundays are special for devotees. Every Sunday, Mahaprasad is organized from 12 PM to 3 PM and at 8:30 PM. Also, on this day, guidance is provided to devotees regarding their problems. There is a ‘Vari’ (pilgrimage visit) at the temple on the Sunday following the full moon.

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

This sacred temple stands as a testament to deep spiritual devotion, ancient architectural grandeur, and rich local cultural traditions.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum houses the divine idol consecrated according to ancient Vedic traditions, surrounded by serene courtyards and traditional temple architecture.

Sacred Darshan Gallery