Sawan Kalashtami 2026: Know Puja Timings, Shubh Muhurat, Rituals and Powerful Mantras

On Kalashtami, it is customary to worship Kaal Bhairav, the fierce and protective form of Lord Shiva. According to religious beliefs, worshipping Kaal Bhairav ​​frees devotees from fear, trouble, and enemies.

Last Updated : Wednesday, 05 August 2026
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New Delhi: Sawan Kalashtami is a Hindu festival that is celebrated on the eighth day of the dark fortnight of every month, known as the Ashtami Tithi of the Krishna Paksha. This day, Kaal Bhairav, a fierce form of Lord Shiva is worshipped. The worship of Kaal Bhairav and fasting on this day washes away fear, anguish and negative energy of the devotee as per beliefs. It is also a very auspicious date for Tantra Sadhana and Bhairav worship. 

When is the Sawan Kalashtami?

As per the Hindu calendar, the Ashtami tithi of Krishna Paksha during the month of Sawan shall commence from 8:42 pm on August 5. The end of the Ashtami tithi shall fall on August 6 at 6:52 pm. Thus, Sawan Kalashtami shall be observed on the 5th of August.

What is the most suitable time for worship?

As the worship is performed on the Nishita Muhurta of the Kalashtami, the auspicious period of time for worship is from 11:30 pm to 12:30 am. You can worship Kaal Bhairav in this period.

What are the rituals of pujas?

  • Get up very early and take a bath in the morning.
  • Take a vow to fast in front of Lord Bhairav.
  • Keep Lord Bhairav photo or idol in the evening (or at night).
  • Do Abhisheka using Ganga Water, Milk, Curd, Honey and Ghee.
  • Serve kumkum, sandalwood seeds, black sesame seeds, flowers and jalebi/imarti.
  • Light a lamp with mustard oil.
  • Recite Bhairav Chalisa and at the end perform Aarti.

What is the importance of Kalashtami?

Kalashtami is the day when the worship of Lord Kaal Bhairav is done. Just by worshipping the lord on this particular day, one gets rid of the problems and hurdles. Chanting the Bhairav Chalisa, Bhairav Stotra or even Om Kaal Bhairavaya Nam mantra, especially at night, brings in good luck. Worship of Lord Kaal Bhairav with black gram dal, black sesame seeds, and sweets brings in good luck on this day.

What is Kaal Bhairav mantra?

  • Om Kaal Bhairavaya Namah
  • Om Hreem Vatukaya Apad Uddharanaya Kuru Kuru Bhairavaya Namah
  • Om Bhram Bhairavaya Namah 
  • Om Kaalakaaya Vidmahe, Kaalateetaya Dheemahi, Tanno Kaal Bhairavah Prachodayat