If you are in Kashi and truly want to experience the city’s raw, untamed spiritual energy, a visit to the Kal Bhairav Temple in Varanasi is absolutely essential. Known as the Kotwal (guardian) of Kashi, this ancient and powerful shrine holds a unique place in the spiritual heart of the city. Devotees firmly believe that no one can enter, live in, or leave Varanasi without the blessings of Lord Kal Bhairav, the fierce and divine protector of Kashi.
As you walk through the narrow temple lanes, the atmosphere changes instantly. The air feels intense, charged, and deeply sacred. This is not a peaceful, silent temple visit — it is bold, energetic, and transformative. The rhythmic chants, ringing bells, and unwavering faith of devotees create an experience that stays with you long after you leave. This powerful aura is exactly why millions of pilgrims and spiritual seekers visit Kal Bhairav Temple every year.
In this detailed guide, you will find Kal Bhairav Temple Varanasi timings 2026, complete aarti schedule, best time to visit, important rituals, dress code, traditional offerings, major festivals, and travel information. Everything is explained in a simple, natural, and easy-to-understand way, making this guide perfect for first-time visitors, devotees, and spiritual travelers planning a meaningful visit to one of Varanasi’s most powerful temples.
About Kal Bhairav Temple, Varanasi
Kal Bhairav Temple is one of the most powerful and respected temples in the old city of Varanasi. Located close to Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Godowlia Chowk, it is easy for devotees to include this temple in their spiritual visit to Kashi. The temple is dedicated to Lord Kal Bhairav, a fearless and strong form of Lord Shiva who stands for time, justice, protection, and courage.
Devotees strongly believe that Lord Kal Bhairav is the true guardian of Kashi. Ancient beliefs say that even Yamraj, the god of death, cannot enter the city without his permission. Because of this belief, Lord Kal Bhairav is known as the Kotwal of Kashi, meaning the divine protector who keeps watch over everyone who lives in or visits Varanasi.
The idol of Lord Kal Bhairav leaves a lasting impression on devotees. His form looks intense and commanding, showing his control over fear and time. One ritual that makes this temple truly special is the offering of liquor. Devotees offer it with deep faith, and later it is returned as prasad. This tradition is rare and is followed with full respect, setting this temple apart from most others.
Key Information About Kal Bhairav Temple, Varanasi
The table below gives clear and quick details about Kal Bhairav Temple Varanasi, helping visitors understand its importance at a glance.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Shri Kal Bhairav Temple |
| Location | Old city of Varanasi, near Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Godowlia Chowk |
| Main Deity | Lord Kal Bhairav, a fierce form of Lord Shiva |
| Spiritual Importance | Guardian and protector of Kashi |
| Popular Title | Kotwal of Kashi |
| Main Belief | No one can enter or leave Varanasi without Kal Bhairav’s blessings |
| Special Offering | Liquor offered and later received as prasad |
| Temple Vibe | Powerful, intense, energetic, and deeply spiritual |
Kal Bhairav Temple Varanasi Timings 2026
Knowing the correct Kal Bhairav Temple timings in Varanasi is very important for a peaceful and smooth darshan. The temple attracts heavy crowds almost every day, so planning your visit as per the timings helps you avoid long waiting hours and enjoy a more meaningful experience.
Kal Bhairav Temple remains open throughout the year, including weekends and special religious days. Devotees can visit the temple daily to seek the blessings of Lord Kal Bhairav, the guardian of Kashi.
Kal Bhairav Temple Darshan Timings
The daily darshan schedule of Kal Bhairav Temple is divided into morning and evening sessions with a short afternoon break.
| Darshan Details | Time |
|---|---|
| Temple Opening Time | 5:00 AM |
| Morning Darshan | 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM |
| Afternoon Break | 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 1:30 PM to 9:30 PM |
| Temple Closing Time | Around 9:30 PM |
| Special Days | Mondays, Sundays, Ashtami & festivals |
On Sundays, Mondays, Ashtami tithi, and major festival days, the temple may stay open for extended hours. The final closing time on such days depends on the number of devotees present and crowd movement.
Visiting early in the morning or late in the evening is usually better for those who want a calmer darshan.
Kal Bhairav Temple Aarti Schedule
The aarti rituals at Kal Bhairav Mandir Varanasi are known for their strong spiritual power. During aarti time, the entire temple area feels charged with devotion as the sound of drums, conch shells, bells, and Vedic chants fills the air. Many devotees feel a deep sense of energy and connection during these sacred moments.
Daily Aarti Timings at Kal Bhairav Temple
| Aarti Name | Time |
|---|---|
| Mangala Aarti | Around 5:30 AM |
| Bhog Aarti | Around 11:30 AM |
| Sandhya Aarti | Around 6:30 PM |
| Shayan Aarti | Around 8:30 PM |
Among all the rituals, Sandhya Aarti is considered the most powerful and spiritually intense. It is highly recommended for first-time visitors who want to experience the true energy of Kal Bhairav Temple.
Important Festival Dates at Kal Bhairav Temple 2026
Festivals at Kal Bhairav Temple Varanasi are celebrated with great faith and strong spiritual energy. On these special days, the temple becomes very crowded as devotees from different places come to seek blessings. Special poojas, extra rituals, and long darshan hours are common during festival time, so proper planning is very important.
If you are planning to visit Kal Bhairav Mandir on a festival day, reaching the temple early in the morning gives you a better chance of smooth darshan.
| Festival Name | Date or Period |
|---|---|
| Mahashivratri | 17 March 2026 |
| Shravan Month | July to August 2026 (Mondays are highly auspicious) |
| Kal Bhairav Ashtami | 24 December 2026 |
| Kal Bhairav Jayanti | 24 December 2026 |
| Chaitra Ashtami | Highly auspicious day (March/April, lunar calendar) |
| Kartik Ashtami | Highly auspicious day (October/November, lunar calendar) |
Among all festivals, Kal Bhairav Ashtami and Kal Bhairav Jayanti are considered the most important. On these days, devotees strongly believe that prayers reach the deity faster and blessings are more powerful.
Best Time to Visit Kal Bhairav Temple, Varanasi
Choosing the right time to visit Kal Bhairav Temple Varanasi can make your darshan peaceful and meaningful. Since this temple remains crowded on most days, visiting during the right hours helps you avoid long lines and feel the true spiritual power of Lord Kal Bhairav.
Ideal Timings for Darshan
• Early Morning (6:00 AM to 7:30 AM)
This is the best time for a calm darshan. The atmosphere is quiet, queues are shorter, and it is perfect for focused prayers and a peaceful temple experience.
• Evening After 7:00 PM
The temple feels very powerful in the evening. Devotional chants, ringing bells, and strong spiritual energy make this time special for many devotees.
• Avoid Afternoon Hours
Afternoon time usually has more crowd and waiting. If you prefer a relaxed visit, it is better to avoid peak afternoon hours.
Auspicious Days to Visit Kal Bhairav Temple
Certain days are considered highly sacred for visiting Kal Bhairav Mandir Varanasi. On these days, devotees believe that prayers are more effective and blessings are stronger.
• Ashtami Tithi (8th day of every lunar fortnight)
• Sundays and Mondays
• Mahashivratri
• Mondays during Shravan month
• Kal Bhairav Jayanti
On auspicious days, the temple sees very heavy crowds. Reaching the temple before sunrise is the best way to get smooth darshan and experience the powerful energy in a calm manner.
Online Darshan and Ticket Booking at Kal Bhairav Temple
At present, Kal Bhairav Temple Varanasi does not offer any online darshan booking or VIP ticket facility. All devotees can visit the temple freely through the regular darshan system without paying any entry fee.
Darshan at Kal Bhairav Mandir follows a walk-in method, where devotees join the queue and take blessings directly. For those who wish to perform special pooja, items like flowers, garlands, prasad, and liquor offerings are easily available at small shops located near the temple entrance. This makes it convenient for visitors, especially first-time devotees.
Why Kal Bhairav Temple Is a Must-Visit in Kashi
Kal Bhairav Temple is not just another temple in Varanasi. It is a place that reflects the true spiritual soul of Kashi. Devotees strongly believe that worshipping Lord Kal Bhairav helps remove fear, protects from negative energies, and clears difficulties from life.
Many people feel a strong sense of power and inner strength after visiting this temple. The belief that Lord Kal Bhairav watches over every soul in Kashi makes this temple deeply meaningful for both residents and travelers.
If you truly wish to understand why Varanasi is known as the city of liberation, your spiritual journey should begin with the blessings of Lord Kal Bhairav, the eternal guardian of time, truth, and justice. Visiting this temple is believed to bring courage, protection, and clarity in life.
How to Reach Kal Bhairav Temple, Varanasi
Kal Bhairav Temple Varanasi is located in the Vishweshwarganj area of the old city. The temple lies close to Godowlia Chowk and is about 1.5 km from Kashi Vishwanath Temple, making it easy to include in a spiritual walk through Kashi. Due to narrow lanes in the old city, the last part of the journey must be completed on foot.
Distance from Major Locations
Reaching Kal Bhairav Mandir is convenient from all major transport points in Varanasi.
• Varanasi Junction Railway Station (BSB) is around 3 km away
• Manduadih Railway Station is about 5 km from the temple
• Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) is approximately 25 km away
Local Transport Options
Local transport is easily available to reach close to the temple area.
• Auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws are widely available from all parts of the city
• Taxis and cab services can drop you near the main road
• The final stretch requires a short walk through the narrow and busy lanes of old Kashi
It is advised to wear comfortable footwear and keep some extra time in hand, especially during peak hours and festival days.
Dress Code and Temple Rules at Kal Bhairav Temple, Varanasi
Visiting Kal Bhairav Temple Varanasi is a deeply spiritual experience, and the temple follows traditional customs. Observing the proper dress code and rules ensures a respectful and smooth darshan for everyone.
Recommended Clothing for Devotees
• Men: Dhoti-kurta, full-length kurta-pajama, or simple traditional clothing
• Women: Saree, salwar-kameez, or modest long dresses
Avoid wearing: shorts, sleeveless tops, short skirts, or revealing outfits, as the temple expects modest attire out of respect for the sanctity of the place.
Other Important Temple Rules
• Footwear: Remove shoes before entering the temple premises
• Photography: Not allowed inside the sanctum or near the main deity
• Behavior: Maintain silence and show respect during darshan
• Follow Instructions: Listen to the temple priests during rituals and darshan
Following these simple rules helps maintain the spiritual environment of Kal Bhairav Mandir and ensures a peaceful visit for all devotees.
Offering Liquor at Kal Bhairav Temple, Varanasi
Kal Bhairav Temple in Varanasi is famous across India for its rare and unique ritual of offering liquor to the deity. This tradition makes the temple stand apart from most other Hindu temples and draws the curiosity and faith of millions of devotees.
Devotees bring sealed bottles of liquor, usually country liquor, as an offering to Lord Kal Bhairav. The priest does not open the bottle. Instead, it is symbolically offered to the deity during the ritual. After the pooja is completed, the same sealed bottle is returned to the devotee as prasad. This practice is followed with full belief and respect.
This ritual is deeply connected to ancient tantric traditions. It does not promote indulgence but represents something spiritual. Devotees believe that offering liquor to Lord Kal Bhairav is a way of surrendering fear, pride, and ego before the powerful guardian of Kashi. It shows complete trust in the deity and acceptance of his protection.
Many devotees feel that performing this offering brings relief from fear, protection from negative energies, and strength to face life’s challenges. This belief makes the ritual meaningful rather than symbolic, and it continues to be an important part of worship at Kal Bhairav Mandir.
Kal Bhairav Temple Varanasi FAQs
Q: What are Kal Bhairav Temple Varanasi timings in 2026?
The temple is open daily from 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 1:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
Q: Is Kal Bhairav Temple open every day?
Yes, Kal Bhairav Temple remains open all seven days of the week throughout the year.
Q: What is the best time to visit Kal Bhairav Temple in Varanasi?
Early morning between 6:00 AM and 7:30 AM or evening after 7:00 PM is considered best.
Q: Is there any entry fee for Kal Bhairav Temple?
No, entry and darshan at Kal Bhairav Temple are completely free.
Q: Does Kal Bhairav Temple have an afternoon break?
Yes, the temple closes briefly from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM.
Q: Are aartis performed daily at Kal Bhairav Temple?
Yes, multiple aartis are performed daily, including morning, evening, and night aarti.
Q: Can liquor really be offered at Kal Bhairav Temple?
Yes, offering sealed liquor bottles is a traditional ritual accepted at this temple.
Q: Is online darshan or VIP booking available for Kal Bhairav Temple?
No, there is no online booking or VIP darshan system available.
Q: What dress code should be followed at Kal Bhairav Temple?
Devotees are advised to wear modest, traditional clothing and avoid revealing outfits.
Q: Where is Kal Bhairav Temple located in Varanasi?
The temple is located in the Vishweshwarganj area, close to Godowlia Chowk and Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Q: Which day is most crowded at Kal Bhairav Temple?
Sundays, Mondays, Ashtami tithis, and festival days see the highest crowd.
Q: How far is Kal Bhairav Temple from Varanasi Junction?
The temple is approximately 3 km from Varanasi Junction railway station.
