Creation of Kalabhairava in Kashi

Kashi: Creation of Kalabhairava:

(Skanda Purana - Kashi Khanda - 31)

• Meditation: I meditate on Kashi which bestows liberation.

(Skanda telling about the greatness of Kashi to sage Agastya)

• Brahma declaring himself as the Supreme: Once on the peak of Mount Meru the great sages asked Pitamaha (Brahma) about the single Principle which is immutable? Deluded by Maya, Brahma declared himself as the origin of the Universe, the self-born Ishwara and the Absolute Brahman.

• Kratu declaring himself as the Supreme: While Brahma was declaring thus, Kratu (Yajna) who is a part of Narayana refuted Brahma and declared himself to be Supreme. Kratu said that the very existence of the worlds are not possible without him.

• Shrutis declaring Rudra as the Supreme: Then both Brahma and Kratu asked the Shrutis who was the authority of the Truth. The Shrutis declared Rudra as the Supreme. Rig Veda said that within Rudra all the Bhutas exist. Yajur Veda declared that Shiva alone is omniscient. Sama Veda declared that the entire Universe shines with the lustre of Tryambaka. Atharva Veda delared that Shankara is Kaivalya and is realized through devotion.

• Kratu and Brahma belittling Rudra: Hearing the words of the Shrutis, Kratu and Vidhi (Brahma) belittled Rudra saying that when did Rudra attain the status of the Supreme? Rudra is the Lord of Pramathas and sports in the cremation ground with Shivaa (Parvati). Rudra has matted hairs, wears desplicable dresses and is adorned with serpents.

• Pranava declaring Shiva and Shakti as non-different: Then Pranava declared that Shiva and Shakti are non-different. But the ignorance of Kratu and Brahma did not perish.

• Lord Shiva appearing as a great Refulgence: Then a great Refulgence appeared filling the space between Heaven and Earth. Lord Shiva in the form of Nilalohita was seen in the middle of the luminous orb.

• Fifth Head of Brahma disparaging Lord Shiva: Seeing Nilalohita, Brahma said that formerly he (Rudra) came out from the region of his (Brahma's) forhead. Since he cried, he was named as Rudra. Therefore, he should seek refuge at his Feet.

• Lord Shiva creating Kalabhairava: Seeing the arrogance of Brahma, Lord Shiva created Kalabhairava and told him to chastise Brahma. Lord Shiva named him as "Kalabhairava" (and also "Kalaraja") since even Kala will be afraid of him. Lord Shiva called him as "Bhairava" since he has the ability to bear (Bharana) the whole Universe. Since he will suppress the wicked-minded ones, he will be known as "Amardaka". Since he will eat up the sins of the devotees, he will be known as "Papabhakshana". Lord Shiva gave the over-lordship of Kashi to Kalabhairava.

• Kalabhairava cutting off the fifth head of Brahma: Kalabhairava then plucked off the fifth Head of Brahma (which censured Lord Shiva) with the nail of his finger of left hand.

• Kratu and Brahma eulogizing Shiva: Kratu and Brahma realizing their ignorance became humble and eulogized Lord Shiva. Brahma recited the Shatarudriya.

• Kalabhairava going around with a begging bowl: Lord Shiva became pleased and said that Kratu and Brahma are worthy of respect. Lord Shiva then told Kalabhairava to go around with the skull of Brahma as a begging bowl to dispel the sin of brahmana-slaughter. Lord Shiva also created a feminine form called Brahma-Hatya to follow Kalabhairava.

• Kalabhairava and Kapalamochana: Kalabhairava went around the three-worlds with the skull of Brahma as the begging bowl. His sin of brahmana-slaughter was finally dispelled in Kashi and the place became known as Kapalamochana.

• Worshipping Lord Kalabhairava: One should observe fast and worship Lord Kalabhairava on the Krishna Paksha Ashtami of the month of Margashirsha. Lord Kalabhairava is the "Papabhakshana" who eats up the sins of the devotees who worship him (with devotion and surrender).