Kalbhairav Temple

¤ Temple Also Associated With The Cult of Tantra

The city of Ujjain has numerous shrines dedicated to Bhairava, a fierce manifestation of Shiva, the Destroyer of the Universe.The Kalbhairava Temple is also believed to be associated with the cult of Tantra, an unorthodox secret cult with strong black magic overtones. Although Tantra practices on the sly are said to keep the enemy at bay, missing the target can spell doom to the practitioner.
Many sadhus or holy men with ash-smeared bodies and long matted hair may easily be spotted around this temple.

Pieces of sculptured stones depict deities from the Hindu pantheon along with Vishnu, the Preserver of the Universe. A Shiva linga (symbolic phallus of Shiva) is enshrinedunder a banyan tree inside the periphery of the temple opposite Nandi the Bull, who is said to have transported Shiva into battle against the demons. Nandi is the embodiment of power and loyalty. According to a legend, the bull was given to Shiva and Parvati as a wedding present from Daksha, Parvati’s father.


¤ Mahashivaratri Festival Celebrations

Like the beautiful lampstands of the Hara Sidhhi Temple,there are similar ones at Kalbhairava Temple. The temple comes alive especially on the festival of Mahashivaratri, when devotees flock to it in great numbers.
The legend of Lord Shiva commemorating his victory over the demon ruler of Tripura (the region around Ujjain) by changing the name of Tripura’s capital, Avanti to Ujjayini, is yet another reason you find innumerable temples of Shiva and his manifestations around Ujjain.