You know how some deities whisper their wisdom? Not Lord Kaal Bhairav. He shows up in full throttle, skull garland, trident in hand, riding a howling black dog, eyes that have seen time melt into itself. That is the energy of Masik Kalashtami, a monthly vrat observed on the Krishna Paksha Ashtami, and this July, the intensity has dialled up. Masik Kalashtami is a declaration of strength, survival, and justice. It is for people who’ve been feeling psychically mugged by life lately, think: betrayals, sudden job losses, ancestral burdens, karmic weight you didn’t sign up for. Kaal Bhairav says, ‘Let’s sort this out.’

What is Masik Kalashtami?

Masik Kalashtami is the monthly sacred day dedicated to Lord Kaal Bhairav, Shiva’s most formidable and time-bending form. Think cosmic security guard meets dharma enforcer. He is the guardian of Kashi (Varanasi), feared by darkness, respected by yogis. On every Krishna Paksha Ashtami, devotees observe a fast, light mustard oil lamps, recite the Kaal Bhairav Ashtakam, and feed stray dogs (yes, that’s his vahana). And this is not just a myth. Many believe it protects against black magic, heals chronic legal woes, and neutralises planetary doshas like Kaal Sarp and Shani.

Mark your calendar: July 17, 2025, for Masik Kalashtami

The Shravana month’s Kalashtami is no ordinary checkpoint. Shravana, already potent for spiritual transformation and Shiva devotion, becomes electric when Kaal Bhairav steps into focus.

Tithi Begins: July 17 at 7:08 pm

Tithi Ends: July 18 at 5:01 pm

This is prime time to offer mustard oil, coconuts, and fierce prayers for justice, clarity, and closure.

How to observe the Kalashtami vrat?

Masik Kalashtami vrat isn’t your average fast. The fast is observed with a level of devotion that strips you raw, both emotionally and karmically. Some devotees go full-day nirjal (no water), others keep to fruits and milk. By evening, as the stars glimmer in the sky, it is time for the Bhairav Aarti, mantra chants, and a deep sigh of release. Oh, and if you are wondering why dogs are fed? Kaal Bhairav’s vahana is a black dog, often seen as the gatekeeper between worlds. Feeding him equals major karmic brownie points.

Masik Kalashtami is more than myth; it’s a legends that still sizzle

According to the Shiva Purana, when Brahma got a little too full of himself, Lord Shiva created Kaal Bhairav, who promptly removed one of Brahma’s five heads. This divine clapback resulted in Kaal Bhairav carrying the burden of Brahma Hatya Dosha, until he was liberated in Kashi. Today, he is worshipped as the protector of the city. 

And then there is this other wild story: Some poor Brahmin gets tossed in jail for something he didn’t even do. Total injustice. So what does he do? Goes on a hunger strike on Kalashtami, pours his heart out to Kaal Bhairav, and next thing you know, boom, the tables turn. The truth comes out, and the innocent guy walks free. Justice served.

Benefits of Masik Kalashtami that aren’t just spiritual sound bites

• Removes fear, anxiety and dark energy

• Dissolves negative karma and ancestral doshas

• Protects against accidents, theft, and legal issues

• Strengthens Saturn-affected charts

• Promotes detachment, intuition and shadow work

• Bonus: your nervous system gets a detox if you fast right.

Top spots to feel the Bhairav vibe IRL

• Kaal Bhairav Temple in Ujjain: The vibe is unreal. Flickering oil lamps everywhere, black dogs just hanging around, and those shlokas bouncing off the old stone walls? Gives you chills.

• Kaal Bhairav Temple, Varanasi: Then there is the Kaal Bhairav spot in Varanasi. Get this: booze as prasad. Yup, people offer liquor to the deity. Wild, right? 

• Kaal Bhairav Mandir, Delhi: This place is ancient and has got this brooding energy about it, like you are walking into a power zone where time just hits pause.

• Mahakaleshwar Corridor, Ujjain: This feels like walking through your rebirth.

Masik Kalashtami isn’t a feel-good, all-lights-on festival. It is an encounter with time, truth, and transformation. It gives your fears a name. Just believe and let Kaal Bhairav remove everything that no longer serves you.

Need clarity on your karmic patterns? Ask Agastyaa. Let AstroSure.ai help you align with your fierce protector.