Ashta Bhairava Yatra in Kashi Varanasi

Kashi has many yatras like Nava Durga Yatra, Nava Gauri Yatra that are mentioned in the Kashi Khanda of Skanda Purana. This time when I was staying for a longer duration in Kashi, I joined the Kashi Pradakshina darshan yatra samiti for couple of Yatras. First of these was the Ashta Bhairava Yatra that goes around the 8 Bhairava temples.

It is a joy to walk with the Kashi Vasis or the residents of Varanasi and some pilgrims to go on these Yatras. We were about 50 of us walking the length and breadth of sacred Varanasi.

Legend of Ashta Bhiarava in Kashi

Legend goes that Devi took the form of Durga to kill Durgasura. After killing the asura, she created nine shaktis known as Nava Durgas that occupies different directions in the city of Kashi to protect it. At the same time, she created 8 Bhairavas who would also spread themselves in 8 spaces in the sacred city of Kashi to protect its people and pilgrims.

These eight or Ashta Bhairava temples are now located across the city in different temples. Incidentally the famous temples of Bhairava like Kaal Bhairav, Laat Bhairava and Batuk Bhairava are not a part of these 8 or Ashta Bhairava temples of Varanasi. Having said that, you would go very close to both these famous Bharava temples during this yatra. Deities in Varanasi are never far from each other.

Why go on Ashta Bharaiva Yatra?

Bhairavas, a manifestation of Shiva himself, are protective deities and they give you protection from all kinds of fears. A person without fear and step ahead and achieve anything.

To give you Abhaya, or freedom from fear, they also take away your accumulated Papas.

We usually find a Bhairava associated with every prominent Devi temple.

You may carry Akshat, flowers, fragrance, and sweets to offer at these temples.

Ashta Bhairava Yatra of Kashi

I will narrate this yatra in the order in which we did it.

1. Chand Bhairava (चंड भैरव) – Durga Mandir Durga Kund

Durga Mandir located next to Durga Kund in the locality known by the same name. Built in bright red color this is a very famous temple also a part of the Nava Durga Yatra. Devi here represents Kushmanda form of Durga. The temple also has a small Kali temple on the side.

It is next to the Murti of Ma Kali that you see a small Murti of Chand Bhairava in black stone. You will see two Bhairava Murtis here, wrapped in black cloth. The smaller one is…