Lord Kala Bhairava, known as the Lord of Time, derives his name from "Kal" meaning time and "Bhairava," a manifestation of Lord Shiva. The ideal day for propitiating Kala Bhairava is the eighth day after the full moon, known as Ashtami after Pournami. He is revered as Kshetrapalaka, the guardian of temples, and it is a tradition in many temples to ceremonially submit the keys to the temple to Lord Kala Bhairava at closing and receive them from him at opening.

Most Shiva temples house a shrine dedicated to Kala Bhairava, whose vehicle (vahana) is a dog. Devotees often show their reverence by feeding and caring for dogs.

The origin of Bhairava can be traced to the Shiv Mahapuran, where a conversation between Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma occurred. When Brahma arrogantly claimed to be the supreme creator, Mahadeva (Shiva) responded by creating Kala Bhairava, who severed one of Brahma's five heads to humble him and destroy his ego. Brahma, enlightened after this act, became deeply grateful to Shiva.

In his form as Kala Bhairava, Lord Shiva guards each of the Shaktipeeths, with a temple dedicated to Bhairava accompanying each Shaktipeeth temple. Kala Bhairava is depicted wearing ornaments made of twisted serpents, a tiger skin, and a ritual apron of human bones. His divine vehicle, the dog, is a symbol of loyalty and guardianship.

Kala Bhairava is also regarded as the Guru of the planetary deity Shani (Saturn), making him particularly significant for those undergoing the period of "Sade Sati" (seven and a half years of Shani’s influence). Worshipping Bhairava on Ashtami Tithi during the waning moon is considered especially powerful for them.

In Tamil, Bhairava is known as Bhairavar or Vairavar and is revered as a village guardian who protects devotees in all eight directions. In Sinhalese, he is called Bahirawa and is believed to protect treasures. Kala Bhairava, a unique manifestation of Shiva, represents time itself, a force that cannot be controlled. However, by tapping into certain dimensions of consciousness, one can transcend time, and this dimension is symbolized by Kala Bhairava.

Bhairava Ashtami is particularly auspicious when it falls on a Sunday or Tuesday, days dedicated to Bhairava. Devotees worship him for success, wealth, health, and to remove obstacles. Observing Bhairava Ashtami is said to free one from sin and the fear of death.

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