Kal Bhairav Temple

Lord Bhairav is a fierce incarnation of Lord Shiva. The term Bhairva means “Terrific“. This temple is dedicated to the most terrifying aspect of Lord Shiva. The ancient temple is located near the Head post office at Vishwehwarganj .It is 1 Kilometer east of Kashi Vishwanath Temple. There are nine more temples dedicated to Kal Bhairav in varanasi. Kal Bhairav means “Black Terror” is also known as the Kotwal, the "police chief," of Kashi .It is believed that no one with out his permission can stay in Kashi.

The section of the city in which this temple is situated is known as Kotwalpuri. Only the silver face of Kal Bhairav garlanded with flowers is visible through the doorway of inner sanctum. The rest of the image is seated upon a dog, holding a trident-is hidden behind a cloth drapery. For many centuries, this temple was a spiritual center for the most severe Shiva believers known as “Kapalicas” or “Skull-Bearers" and their later descendants, the Gorakhnathis. But now the temple is patronized by common people and is no longer an exclusive domain of extremist yogis. It is believed that Lord Bhairav performs the duties of God of Death in Kashi and even death is afraid of Him.