Kalashtami May 2026: Date, timings, puja rituals and significance

Kalashtami is one of the most prominent days in Hindu religion. The day is purely devoted to Lord Kaal Bhairav, the most fiercest manifestation of Lord Shiva. On this auspicious day, devotees observe fast from dawn to dusk and worship Kaal Bhairav with pure intentions. Devotees perform various religious and spiritual activities on this specific day to appease Kaal Bhairav. Kalashtami falls every month of Ashtami tithi of Krishna Paksha. This month, Kalashtami is being observed today, on May 9, 2026.

Kalashtami in May 2026: Date and Time

Ashtami Tithi Begins - May 9, 2026 - 02:02 PM
Ashtami Tithi Ends - May 10, 2026 - 03:06 PM

Kalashtami 2026: Significance

Kalashtami is dedicated to honor Lord Kaal Bhairav and the day falls every month on Ashtami tithi of Krishna Paksha. On this auspicious day, devotees observe fast from sunrise till sunset and they offer their sincere prayers to lord Kaal Bhairav. Hindu scriptures state that those, who worship Lord Kaal Bhairav with great dedication and trust are truly blessed with the fulfillment of their desired wishes. He removes all the negative energies, fear, anxiety, and impediments from the life of devotees. As a guardian of time, he protects them from untimely death.

Many devotees worship him as Danda Pani, Kshetrapaal, and light diya to honor him on every important occasion. Kshetrapaal is referred to as the local guardian. During holidays like Holi, Diwali, or any other significant occasion, people go to a nearby temple or stand beneath a peepal tree or stand at a crossroads. There, they light a four faced diya with mustard oil and offer sweets as a token of appreciation for taking care of their home and the surrounding area.

It is believed that Lord Kaal Bhairav eliminates all negative aspects, including lust, greed, wrath, and attachment. He also eliminates negative energy, evil spirits, and negativity. To get rid of these issues, even those who are afflicted with black magic must offer puja to Lord Kaal Bhairav on each Kalashtami.

Kalashtami in May 2026: Puja Rituals

1. Take a holy bath as soon as you wake up.
2. Take a sankalp of fast observation.
3. Set an idol of Kaal Bhairav on a wooden plank and light a diya with mustard oil.
4. Decorate the idol with orchid flowers and offer meetha rott or poode as a bhog prasad and If you don't have the idol, place an idol of Lord Shiva because he is the manifestation of Shiva.
5. It is deemed meritorious to visit a temple on Kalashtami Day.
6. One effective method to ask Lord Kaal Bhairav for blessings is to chant mantras.

Mantra:

1. Om Kalakaalay Vidmahe, Tanno Kaal Bhairava Prachodayat..!!2. Om Hreem Batukaya Apaduddharanaaya Kuru Kuru Batukaya Hreem..!!3. Om Hreem Hreem Hreem Hreem Hreem Kshaem Kshetrapalay Kalbhairavaay Namah..!!