Bhairav Ashtakam (Opening Verse)
भैरव अष्टकम् (प्रथम श्लोक)
देवराज सेव्यमान पावनांघ्रिपङ्कजं । व्यालयज्ञसूत्रमिन्दुशेखरं कृपाकरम् । नारदादियोगिवृन्द वन्दितं दिगम्बरं । काशिकापुराधिनाथ कालभैरवं भजे ॥
Transliteration
Devaraja-sevyamana-pavananghri-pankajam · Vyala-yajna-sutram-indu-shekharam kripakaram · Naradadi-yogi-vrinda vanditam digambaram · Kashika-puradhinatha kalabhairavam bhaje
Machine pronunciation — real recitation arriving soon
Meaning
I worship Kaal Bhairav — sovereign of Kashi — whose holy lotus feet are served by Indra, who wears a serpent as the sacred thread, who bears the crescent moon, the compassionate one, praised by Narada and the great yogis, robed only in the directions themselves.
When & why
Composed by Adi Shankaracharya. Eight verses — this is the opening. Recite on Saturday or Bhairav Ashtami.
Traditional benefits
Said to dissolve sins of speech, thought and action; brings the protection of Kashi's guardian.
Source: Adi Shankaracharya · Kalabhairavashtakam
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