Shree Kaal Bhairav Temple Darshan around basantapur

Shree Kaal Bhairav Temple evening pray

The Kala Bhairav Temple, a prominent feature of Kathmandu Durbar Square's Hanuman Dhoka complex, is a dedicated shrine to a formidable aspect of Lord Shiva. This open-air sanctuary houses a colossal 12-foot-tall stone sculpture of Kala Bhairav, carved in the 6th century and regarded as the largest such statue worldwide.

The temple's stone structures, including the idol, were sculpted during the 5th century. King Pratap of the Malla dynasty unearthed the temple in the 17th century, amidst paddy fields. A belief once prevailed that prostrating oneself before the idol granted liberation from earthly constraints, though this is not necessarily verifiable.

Kala Bhairav, a terrifying manifestation of Shiva, is also known as the Lord of Time and Death. Hindus revere him as the guru of Lord Shani, associated with the planet Saturn. In Vajrayana Buddhism, he is recognized as Manjusri, Heruka, Yamantaka, and Vajrabhairava. The statue depicts Kala Bhairav in a fierce posture, standing over a deceased body and holding a decapitated head.

Post by Heemal | Apr 23, 2025