Bhairava Sunday Vrat Katha

Once, before Lord Brahma who was seated on Mount Sumeru, the deities requested him to describe the indestructible element. Enchanted by the illusion (Maya) of Lord Shiva, Brahmaji, even while not knowing anything about that element, began to say - "I am the self-born, Ishwara, unborn, and the Supreme Brahman (Parabrahma) who creates this creation. I am the basis of inclination and cessation, and I am the ultimate element." On Brahmaji saying this, Lord Vishnu who was present there, explaining to him, said - "O Brahma! It is by my command that you have become the creator to perform the work of creation. Therefore, why are you insulting me by praising only your dominance?"

In this way, a dispute began between Lord Vishnu and Brahmaji to prove their own dominance. Both began to give examples of Vedic verses in support of their statements to prove themselves superior. At that same time, the four Vedas appeared there in personified form.

First, Rigveda said - "The one in whom all beings are inherent, from whom all moving and non-moving (Charachar) incline, and who is called the Supreme Soul (Paramatma), is none other than Rudra." Thereafter, Yajurveda said - "The one by whom even the Vedas are proved, who is remembered by all Yajnas and Yogas, is Lord Shiva himself, the seer of all." Samaveda said - "The one who makes all worldly people forgetful, whom the yogis seek, and by whose radiance the entire world is illuminated, is the one Tryambaka Shiva himself." Atharvaveda said - "The one whose devotion leads to realization and who is devoid of all types of happiness and sorrow, who is the manifest Brahman, is only Lord Shankar himself."

Hearing these words of the Vedas, Lord Vishnu and Brahmaji said - "Vedas! This is only your ignorance. How can one call the naked, bull-riding, detached, ash-smeared Shiva, who constantly enjoys with Shivaa (Parvati), as the ultimate element?" Hearing this dispute between Brahma and Vishnu, the Omkara Jyoti (Pranava) said - "Lord Shiva alone is the eternal and ancient Supreme Brahman. He is the playful one (Leeladhar), hence he keeps performing various plays. But undoubtedly, he alone is the Supreme Soul." But the intellect of Brahma-Vishnu, enchanted by Shiva's illusion, did not change.

At that same time, an eternal and infinite huge light (Jyoti) appeared between the two. Due to the radiance of that light, Brahmaji's fifth head began to burn. At that same time, the trident-bearing, blue-red (Nila-Lohita) Lord Shiva appeared there. Out of ignorance, Brahmaji began asking him to come under his refuge.

Hearing the insulting words of Brahma, Shiva became extremely angry. From this very intense anger of his, a person named Bhairava was born. Lord Shiva said to Bhairava - "Bhairava! You rule over Brahma and nourish the creation. You are like Time (Kaal) personified; therefore, you will be worshipped as Kalabhairava. O Kalraj! The salvation-granting city of Kashi is the best among all cities. I declare you the lord of Kashi city forever. Whoever is a sinner in that city, you will blacklist them."

Following Lord Shiva's command, Bhairava cut off Brahmaji's fifth head with the tip of the nail of his left finger. Brahmaji became extremely terrified and took refuge in Shiva while reciting the 'Shatarudri'. Both Brahma and Vishnu realized the truth and began to sing the praises of Lord Shiva. Seeing this, Shiva's anger subsided and he gave the boon of fearlessness to both the deities.

Due to his fierce form, he became known as Kalabhairava - the one who even terrifies Time (Kaal), and became established in all the worlds by the name of 'Papabhakshaka' (Sin-eater) for immediately destroying the sins of devotees. According to Lord Shiva's command, he became the lord of Kashi city.

Thereafter, Lord Shiva said - "Bhairava, respecting these Brahma-Vishnu, holding the skull (Kapala) of Brahma and taking refuge in it, go to Varanasi while practicing mendicancy. There, by the effect of that city, you will be freed from the sin of Brahma-hatya (killing a Brahmin)."

By Shiva's command, as soon as Bhairava started for Kashi with the skull in hand, Brahma-hatya began to follow him. Vishnu asked for a boon from Brahma-hatya not to be enchanted by her illusion. Vishnu asked Brahma-hatya the reason for following Bhairava; then Brahma-hatya said - "I am following Lord Bhairava for my own purity and liberation."

As soon as he arrived in Kashi, the tongs (Chimta) and skull (Kapala) fell from Bhairava's hand onto the earth. Since then, that place became famous by the name of 'Kapalamochana Tirtha'. According to religious scriptures, by performing Pindadaan and offering to deities and ancestors in this pilgrimage site with full rituals, a man is freed from the sin of Brahma-hatya. In this way, Lord Shiva had manifested Bhairava for the welfare of the creation. The story of Bhairava is recited on the day of Bhairava Ravivara Vrat.

॥ Thus ends the Bhairava Ravivara Vrat Katha ॥