If you’re in Kashi and truly want to understand the city’s spiritual power, then visiting the Kaal Bhairav Temple is a must. During my trip to Varanasi, this temple felt like the spiritual checkpoint of the city — fierce, raw, and deeply sacred. Devotees believe that no one can stay in Kashi without the permission of Kaal Bhairav Ji, and after visiting, I genuinely understood why.
Let me walk you through everything you need to know if you’re planning to visit this powerful shrine in 2025.
🛕 About Kaal Bhairav Temple, Varanasi
Located in the heart of the old city of Varanasi (just a few kilometers from the Kashi Vishwanath Temple), Shri Kaal Bhairav Mandir is dedicated to Lord Kaal Bhairav, a fierce form of Lord Shiva. He is considered the Kotwal (chief protector) of Kashi, and even now, locals believe that every resident and visitor in the city is under his divine watch.
Legend says that even death (Yama) cannot enter Kashi without his permission. The idol here is unique — Lord Kaal Bhairav is seen holding a trishul and is adorned with a garland of skulls. Unlike most temples, liquor is offered to the deity here as part of the ritual — something you won’t find in other Shiva temples.
🕰️ Kaal Bhairav Temple Timings 2025
The temple is open daily throughout the year. Here are the official darshan timings for 2025:
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Morning Opening: 5:00 AM
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Afternoon Break: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
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Evening Darshan Ends: 9:30 PM
🪔 Note: The temple sees heavy footfall on Sundays, Mondays, and on the 8th day of every lunar fortnight (Ashtami), which is especially sacred for Kaal Bhairav worship.
🔔 Aarti Schedule
The aartis at this temple are intense and powerful, filled with drums, conch shells, and chants that stir your soul.
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Mangala Aarti (Morning): ~5:30 AM
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Bhog Aarti (Noon): ~11:30 AM
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Sandhya Aarti (Evening): ~6:30 PM
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Shayan Aarti (Night): ~8:30 PM
🔱 Tip: If you’re spiritually sensitive, try to attend the Sandhya Aarti — the energy during twilight at this temple is truly something else.
🙏 Best Time to Visit
From my visit, I’d say the best time to visit Kaal Bhairav Temple is:
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Early morning (6:00–7:30 AM): Peaceful, with fewer crowds.
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Evenings (post 7:00 PM): The atmosphere is charged with energy.
🗓️ Special Days to Consider:
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Ashtami tithis
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Sundays & Mondays
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Kaal Bhairav Jayanti (expected: 6 December 2025) – Grand celebrations and huge rush.
🧣 Dress Code & Temple Rules
Kaal Bhairav Temple has a traditional, sacred vibe, and while there’s no strict dress code, modest attire is expected.
👕 Recommended:
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Men: Dhoti-kurta or simple full-length clothes
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Women: Saree, salwar-kameez, or long skirts
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Avoid shorts, sleeveless, and western outfits
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Footwear must be removed outside
🚫 No photography is allowed inside the sanctum, and please maintain silence and decorum inside.
🍶 You can bring liquor (usually country liquor) in sealed bottles as an offering — it is accepted by the priest and returned as prasadam.
🗺️ How to Reach Kaal Bhairav Temple, Kashi
📍 The temple is located in the Vishweshwarganj area of Varanasi, very close to the famous Godowlia Chowk and about 1.5 km from Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Nearest Railway Station:
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Varanasi Junction (BSB): ~3 km
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Manduwadih Station: ~5 km
Nearest Airport:
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Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS): ~25 km
🛺 Local Commute Options:
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Autos and e-rickshaws are easily available.
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For the final stretch, you might need to walk through narrow lanes (a typical Kashi experience!).
🎫 Online Darshan / Ticket Booking
There is no online darshan or VIP booking system for Kaal Bhairav Temple as of now. Entry is free, and darshan is available on a first-come-first-serve basis.
🔱 Pooja samagri (offering kits), including flowers, liquor bottles, etc. can be purchased right outside the temple premises.
📅 Important Festival Dates – Kaal Bhairav Temple 2025
Here are a few important dates when the temple sees a heavy crowd and special poojas:
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Kaal Bhairav Ashtami: 6 December 2025
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Mahashivratri: 26 February 2025
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Shravan Month Mondays: July–August 2025
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Chaitra & Kartik Ashtami: Auspicious for special worship
During these days, plan darshan early in the morning to avoid long queues.
🙋♀️ FAQs
• What are the darshan timings of Kaal Bhairav Temple in 2025?
→ 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 1:30 PM to 9:30 PM every day.
• When is the best time to visit Kaal Bhairav Temple, Kashi?
→ Early mornings or post 7 PM; avoid peak noon hours.
• Is there an online booking system for darshan/aarti?
→ No online system — darshan is free and on a walk-in basis.
• What is the dress code for Kaal Bhairav Temple?
→ Modest traditional attire is expected; no leather or footwear allowed.
• Are there any special poojas during festivals?
→ Yes, especially on Ashtami, Mahashivratri, and Kaal Bhairav Jayanti.
• How do I reach Kaal Bhairav Temple from Varanasi Junction?
→ It’s around 10–15 minutes by auto or e-rickshaw from the station.