Kalashtami, or Maha kala Bhairavashtami Festival

Kalashtami, or Maha kalaBhairavashtami, is the most positive day dedicated to Lord Kala Bhairava. Lord kala Bhairava is a expression of Lord Shiva. Kala Bhairava is the God of Time – Kal means 'time' and 'Bhairava' the expression of Shiva. Ashtami after Poornima, the eighth day after full moon, is careful the ideal day to propitiate Kala Bhairava. In 2015, Kala Bhairavashtami is on Dec 03.
Lord Kala Bhairava is also known as Kshetrapalaka, the warden of the temple. In honor of this, keys to the temple are ceremonially submitted to Lord Kaala Bhairava at temple closing time and are received from him at opening time.

The vahana (vehicle) of Lord Kaala Bhairava is the dog. Feeding and taking care of dogs is another way of showing our devotion to Lord Kaala Bhairava.

There are eight types of Bhairavas and they are called ashta Bhairavas. They are Asithanga Bhairavar, Ruru Bhairavar, Chanda Bhairavar, Krodha Bhairavar, Unmatta Bhairavar, Kapala Bhairavar, Bhishana Bhairavar and Samhara Bhairavar. Apart from these eight forms there is yet another form called Swarna akarshana Bahiravar. Maha Bhairavar is said to be Shiva himself.

The Swarna akarshana Bhairavar has red nature and clothed in golden dress. He has moon in his head. He has four hands. In one of the hands he carries a golden boat. He gives wealth and wealth.