Masik Kalashtami is an important Hindu observance dedicated to Lord Kaal Bhairav, a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. Observed every month on the Krishna Paksha Ashtami (the eighth day of the waning moon), this day is highly significant for devotees seeking protection, spiritual growth, and relief from planetary doshas. In 2025, Masik Kalashtami will be observed twelve times, offering ample opportunities to perform rituals and seek divine blessings.
This comprehensive guide will cover the dates of Masik Kalashtami in 2025, its significance, puja rituals, fasting benefits, and legends associated with Lord Kaal Bhairav.
Masik Kalashtami 2025 Dates
| Event Date | Event Name | Event Tithi | Start Time | Start Date | Ends Time | Ends Date |
| January 21, 2025, Tuesday | Kalashtami | Magha, Krishna Ashtami | Begins - 12:39 ,PM | Jan 21 | Ends - 03:18 ,PM | Jan 22 |
| February 20, 2025, Thursday | Kalashtami | Phalguna, Krishna Ashtami | Begins - 09:58 ,AM | Feb 20 | Ends - 11:57 ,AM | Feb 21 |
| March 22, 2025, Saturday | Kalashtami | Chaitra, Krishna Ashtami | Begins - 04:23 ,AM | Mar 22 | Ends - 05:23 ,AM | Mar 23 |
| April 20, 2025, Sunday | Kalashtami | Vaishakha, Krishna Ashtami | Begins - 07:00 ,PM | Apr 20 | Ends - 06:58 ,PM | Apr 21 |
| May 20, 2025, Tuesday | Kalashtami | Jyeshtha, Krishna Ashtami | Begins - 05:51 ,AM | May 20 | Ends - 04:55 ,AM | May 21 |
| June 18, 2025, Wednesday | Kalashtami | Ashadha, Krishna Ashtami | Begins - 01:34 ,PM | Jun 18 | Ends - 11:55 ,AM | Jun 19 |
| July 17, 2025, Thursday | Kalashtami | Shravana, Krishna Ashtami | Begins - 07:08 ,PM | Jul 17 | Ends - 05:01 ,PM | Jul 18 |
| August 16, 2025, Saturday | Kalashtami | Bhadrapada, Krishna Ashtami | Begins - 11:49 ,PM | Aug 15 | Ends - 09:34 ,PM | Aug 16 |
| September 14, 2025, Sunday | Kalashtami | Ashwina, Krishna Ashtami | Begins - 05:04 ,AM | Sep 14 | Ends - 03:06 ,AM | Sep 15 |
| October 13, 2025, Monday | Kalashtami | Kartika, Krishna Ashtami | Begins - 12:24 ,PM | Oct 13 | Ends - 11:09 ,AM | Oct 14 |
| November 12, 2025, Wednesday | Kalabhairav Jayanti | Margashirsha, Krishna Ashtami | Begins - 11:08 ,PM | Nov 11 | Ends - 10:58 ,PM | Nov 12 |
| December 11, 2025, Thursday | Kalashtami | Pausha, Krishna Ashtami | Begins - 01:57 ,PM | Dec 11 | Ends - 02:56 ,PM | Dec 12 |
Significance of Masik Kalashtami
Masik Kalashtami is observed to honor Lord Kaal Bhairav, the guardian deity of time and the protector against evil forces. The significance of this vrat includes:
- Seeking Protection: Lord Kaal Bhairav shields devotees from negativity, black magic, and malefic planetary effects.
- Overcoming Fear & Anxiety: Worshipping him on this day helps in removing mental fears and stress.
- Pacifying Kaal Sarp Dosha & Shani Dosha: People suffering from these doshas observe the vrat to mitigate their effects.
- Ensuring Spiritual Growth: Devotees believe that fasting on Masik Kalashtami leads to spiritual awakening and a disciplined life.
- Blessings for Success & Prosperity: Businessmen and professionals worship Kaal Bhairav for career growth and financial stability.
This vrat is especially beneficial for those struggling with obstacles, delays, or financial instability.
Masik Kalashtami Puja Vidhi (Rituals)
1. Early Morning Rituals
- Devotees wake up early, take a holy bath, and wear clean clothes.
- Clean the puja area and place an idol or image of Lord Kaal Bhairav.
2. Sankalp (Pledge for the Vrat)
- Take a vow to observe the vrat with sincerity and devotion.
- Offer black sesame seeds, mustard oil, flowers, and coconut to the deity.
3. Kaal Bhairav Puja
- Light a diya (lamp) using mustard oil and incense sticks.
- Offer bhog (prasad) such as coconut, black sesame ladoos, and kheer.
- Chant the Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam and Bhairav Chalisa to seek divine protection.
4. Masik Kalashtami Vrat (Fasting)
- Some devotees observe a full-day fast, while others follow a partial fast (Phalahar vrat) by consuming fruits and milk.
- The fast is broken after the evening Bhairav Aarti.
5. Feeding Dogs
Dogs are considered the vehicle (vahana) of Lord Kaal Bhairav. Devotees feed black dogs with milk, roti, or sweets to seek his blessings.
6. Visiting Kaal Bhairav Temples
- Visiting temples like Kaal Bhairav Temple in Ujjain, Varanasi, and Delhi is considered auspicious.
- Offering liquor as prasad to Lord Bhairav is a unique tradition in certain temples.
Legends Associated with Masik Kalashtami
1. Kaal Bhairav and Lord Shiva
According to Shiva Purana, when Lord Brahma grew arrogant, he insulted Lord Shiva. In anger, Lord Shiva created Kaal Bhairav, who beheaded one of Brahma’s five heads.
This act led to Kaal Bhairav being cursed with Brahma Hatya Dosha, and he roamed the earth for redemption. Finally, he was freed in Varanasi, where he is worshipped as the city's guardian deity.
2. The Story of a Devotee Saved by Kaal Bhairav
A devoted Brahmin was falsely accused and imprisoned. He prayed to Kaal Bhairav on Masik Kalashtami, and miraculously, the king realized his innocence and set him free. This story highlights the deity’s role in removing injustices and saving devotees from difficulties.
Benefits of Observing Masik Kalashtami Vrat
1. Protection from Evil & Negative Energy
Performing Kaal Bhairav puja protects against black magic, evil spirits, and negative energies.
2. Relief from Planetary Doshas
This vrat helps in reducing the effects of Kaal Sarp Dosha, Pitra Dosha, and Shani Dosha.
3. Success in Career & Business
Devotees believe that worshipping Kaal Bhairav removes obstacles in business, career, and financial matters.
4. Mental Peace & Spiritual Growth
Observing the vrat reduces stress, fear, and anxiety, providing mental clarity and spiritual discipline.
5. Resolution of Legal Issues
People facing court cases, debts, or disputes observe this vrat to seek favorable outcomes.
Famous Kaal Bhairav Temples in India
- Kaal Bhairav Temple, Ujjain – One of the most revered shrines dedicated to Kaal Bhairav.
- Kaal Bhairav Temple, Varanasi – The guardian deity of Kashi, worshipped by devotees worldwide.
- Kaal Bhairav Temple, Delhi – Known for its unique tradition of offering liquor as prasad.
- Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain – A Jyotirlinga shrine where Kaal Bhairav is worshipped alongside Lord Shiva.
Conclusion
Masik Kalashtami 2025 offers twelve opportunities to seek Lord Kaal Bhairav’s blessings for protection, success, and spiritual growth. Whether through fasting, puja rituals, or feeding dogs, observing this vrat helps remove obstacles, reduce doshas, and bring prosperity.
Make the most of these auspicious days in 2025 and invite divine energy into your life by worshipping Kaal Bhairav with devotion!