Kaal Bhairav Mandir, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Kaal Bhairav Mandir is a shiva temple located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh (a state in India). This temple is known for being one of the oldest Lord Shiva temples in India where the fierce form of Lord Shiva - Kal Bhairava is seen wearing a garland of skulls and carrying peacock feathers in the paintings. Even the idol of Lord Kala Bhairava was built in a similar form. Even though the exact origin was not found but it is said that the temple was built in the 17th century AD but was later destroyed by the Islamic reigns during the war.
There is a legend behind why people say that Kaal Bhairav is the temple that you need to visit to pardon your sins. The legend says that when Lord Brahma started with his 5th head at the pillar of light created by Lord Shiva for a long time, his head started to burn. Kaal Bhairav was created to decapitate Lord Brahma's 5th head, but during the process, the head got stuck to his hand. When Kaal Bhairav reached Varanasi, the head detached from his hand and fell on the ground. As Kall Bhairav's sins were pardoned in the city, it is said that one must visit and pray in the Kaal Bhairav Mandir to pardon their sins. It is also said that Kaal Bhairav can also solve all of the devotee's problems when they pray with pure heart, therefore, locals and tourists alike are seen at the Kaal Bhairav Mandir throughout the year.
Timings
Varanasi Kaal Bhairav Temple open at 05:00 AM to 01:30 PM and then from 03:30 PM to 10:00 PM