Kaal Bhairav Puja Vidhi: What Happens at the Ujjain Temple
By DevPravas Editorial Team · · 2 min read
Kaal Bhairav is a fierce form of Shiva and is traditionally regarded as the guardian of Ujjain. Many pilgrims visit his temple before or after seeing Mahakaleshwar. This guide explains the puja vidhi, the offerings, and what to expect. For the Kaal Bhairav tradition in Varanasi, see our guide to Kaal Bhairav puja for protection in Varanasi.
Who is Kaal Bhairav?
Bhairav is a ferocious form of Shiva. "Kaal" means time, and Kaal Bhairav is associated with time, protection and the removal of fear. In Ujjain he is considered the city's guardian, and devotees traditionally seek his permission and protection as part of a visit to the city.
Kaal Bhairav puja vidhi
Details vary by tradition and by the temple priest, but the usual sequence is:
- Sankalp. The priest states your name, gotra and intention before the deity.
- Invocation. Bhairav mantras are chanted to invoke protection.
- Offerings. Traditional offerings include flowers, oil, vermilion, urad dal and black sesame, and the customary liquor offering, which the temple priest makes.
- Mantra chanting. Mantras for protection and removal of obstacles are chanted.
- Aarti. The puja closes with aarti and a blessing.
Why is liquor offered?
At the Kaal Bhairav temple in Ujjain, offering liquor to the deity is a long-standing local tradition. It is a custom specific to this worship, and the priest makes it as part of the ritual. Taking part is optional, and nobody needs to arrange it themselves for an online booking.
Which day is Kaal Bhairav worshipped?
Sunday is traditionally associated with Bhairav worship, and many devotees also observe Ashtami, particularly Kaal Bhairav Jayanti, which falls on Margashirsha Krishna Ashtami. Your priest can suggest a suitable date.
Why do people book Kaal Bhairav puja?
Devotees commonly book it for protection from obstacles, fear and negative influences, and for matters involving disputes or legal concerns. As with any ritual, it is a matter of faith, and no outcome can be promised.
Kaal Bhairav puja cost
At DevPravas, Kaal Bhairav puja starts at ₹8,999 per sankalp, with live viewing included. The Live Stream package is ₹9,999. The price covers the sankalp in your name and gotra, the traditional offerings, a recording of the ritual, and prasad couriered to your home. See all prices on our pricing page.
Book Kaal Bhairav puja online
You can book Kaal Bhairav puja online and watch it live from the temple in Ujjain. If you are visiting Ujjain, you might also read about Ujjain online puja. Related rituals include Rudrabhishek and Kaal Sarp Dosha puja.
Share this article
Found this useful? Pass it on to a family member who is weighing the same question.