Anurag Kulkarni and a chorus of vocalists deliver ‘Kaala Bhairava Ashtakam’ as a powerful divine summons. Featured in the film ‘Keshava’ starring Nikhil Siddharth, this version by composer Sunny Mr creates an atmosphere of awe and elemental force. Lyricist Krishna Chaitanya’s adaptation presents the traditional hymn with modern cinematic intensity.
The lyrics detail a deity who is both a protector and a destroyer. The verses identify him as the destroyer of injustice (‘Adharma Marga Nashakam’). He is also praised as the one who grants worldly joy and ultimate liberation (‘Bhukti Mukti Dayakam’).
Deva Raja SevyamanaHe is served by Indra, the king of all gods,
Pavangri PankajamAnd his sacred feet are like lotus flowers.
Vyala Yagna Sootra MainduHe wears a snake as his sacred thread,
Sekharam KrupakaramThe merciful one, with the moon on his head.
Naradadhi Yogi VrundaHe is praised by the sage Narada and other yogis,
Vanditam DigambaramThe ‘sky-clad’ one whom they all revere.
Kasiga Puradhi NadhaTo the lord of Kasi, the ancient city,
Kala Bhairavam BhajeI pray to Kaala Bhairava.
Bhanu Koti BhaswaramHe is as brilliant as a billion suns,
Bhavabdhithara KamparamAnd he helps us cross the ocean of worldly existence.
Neelakantha MeepsidarthaThe blue-throated Lord who grants all our desires,
Dayakam ThrilochinamThe generous one, with three divine eyes.
Kalakala MambujakshaHe is the death of death itself, with eyes like a lotus,
Makshasoola MaksharamHe is indestructible, holding a skull and a trident.
Kasika Puradhi NadhaTo the lord of Kasi, the ancient city,
Kala Bhairavam BhajeI pray to Kaala Bhairava.
Bhukti Mukti DayakamHe is the giver of both worldly joy and final liberation,
Prashasta Charu VigrahamAnd his beautiful form is worthy of all praise.
Bhakta Vasthalam ShivamHe is the auspicious one who dearly loves his devotees,
Samastha Loka VigrahamHis divine form encompasses all the worlds.
Vinikwanam Manojna HemaWith a charming girdle of gleaming gold,
Kinkini Lasith KatimAnd tiny bells that jingle around his waist.
Kasiga Puradhi NadhaTo the lord of Kasi, the ancient city,
Kala Bhairavam BhajeI pray to Kaala Bhairava.
Dharma Sethu PalakamHe is the one who protects the bridge of righteousness,
Tw Adharma Marga NashakamAnd the one who destroys the path of all injustice.
Karma Pasa MochakamHe is the one who frees us from the bonds of ‘Karma’,
Susharma Dayakam VibhumThe all-pervading Lord who grants true happiness.
Swarna Varna Sesha PasaHis radiant body is brilliantly adorned,
Shobhitanga MandalamBy a golden-hued serpent coiled around him.
Kasiga Puradhi NadhaTo the lord of Kasi, the ancient city,
Kala Bhairavam BhajeI pray to Kaala Bhairava.
Bhootha Sangha NatakamHe is the master of the spirits and the ghosts,
Vishala Keerthi DayakamThe one who grants great and far-reaching fame.
Kasi Vasa Loka PunyaFor all who live in Kasi, he is the purifier,
Papa Shodakam VibhumWho cleanses them of both their sins and virtues.
Neethi Marga KovidhamHe is the one who guides us on the path of justice,
Purathanam JagatpathimThe ancient and eternal master of the universe.
Kasiga Puradhi NadhaTo the lord of Kasi, the ancient city,
Kala Bhairavam BhajeI pray to Kaala Bhairava.
Kasiga Puradhi NadhaTo the lord of Kasi, the ancient city,
The refrain ‘Kala Bhairavam Bhaje’ anchors the hymn as a personal prayer to the Lord of Kashi. This act of complete surrender is central to the ‘Kaala Bhairava Ashtakam’ lyrics meaning. The hymn shows a full devotion to the deity who upholds cosmic order.
