Kaal Bhairav Temple Guide: Seeking Permission from the Guardian of Kashi

In Varanasi, before you seek the blessings of Lord Shiva, you must first seek permission from the city's fierce guardian: Kaal Bhairav. Known as the Kotwal of Kashi (Chief Police Officer of Varanasi), Kaal Bhairav is a fearsome manifestation of Lord Shiva. It is believed that no one can stay in Varanasi without his approval, and his blessings are necessary to remove obstacles and fears.

1. Temple Timings & Location

• Location: Visheshwarganj, Varanasi. It is situated in the dense, narrow alleys about 1.5 km from the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
• Timings:
  Morning: 5:00 AM to 1:30 PM
  Evening: 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM
• Aarti Timings: Mangala Aarti occurs at 5:00 AM, and Shayan Aarti at 9:30 PM.

2. Rituals & Prasad

Unlike other temples, the prasad offered to Kaal Bhairav is unique. Devotees offer mustard oil, sesame oil, and sometimes liquor (sold by licensed shops outside) to the deity.

The Black Thread (Kala Dhaga): The most important ritual here is acquiring the black thread, which is energized by the priests. It is tied around the wrist or neck to protect against evil eyes, negative energies, and fear.

3. How to Reach via Taxi

The temple is located deep within a very congested market area (Visheshwarganj/Maidagin).

• Drop Point: Your local taxi will have to drop you at the Maidagin crossing. From Maidagin, it is a 10-15 minute walk through the bustling market to the temple.
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning (around 6:00 AM) is best to avoid the heavy midday market traffic.