Kala-Bhairava Ashtami Celebration,
in Omkarananda Himalayas,
on 16th November 2022

Taking in consideration the correct and best timing for the Celebration of Kala-Bhairava Ashtami, on 16th November 2022, according to the Panchang (detailed Indian Calendar) for North India, Rishikesh, the Omkarananda Ashram Pandits started their extensive worship for Lord Mahakala- Bhairava, Whose beautiful Temple is situated on a hill-slope, in the area of the Headquarters of Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas. From there Lord Mahakala-Bhairava overlooks and protects the whole Ashram area, along with its many other Temples. Here one can see Shri Sanjay Panditji, performing Pujas at a specially established Altar, near the entrance to the Garbha Griha (Sanctum Sanctorum), with photos of Sadgurudev Shri Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati (left), Sant Prabhuji, a Saint from Pune (right), the Utsava Murti of Shri Mahakala-Bhairava and other Divinities. In front of this Altar the Swarna Akarshana Bhairava Yantra is visible, which consists of 108 small earthen Kalashas (pots). This Yantra is very auspicious.

Mahant Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda Saraswati, President, Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas, performs Arati. Next to Swamiji is standing Kumari Somashekhari, General Secretary, Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas and Indian Classical Dancer and Musician and behind her one can see Shri Suresh Joshiji, Chief-Priest of Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas.

After the extensive, preliminary Pujas, which took many hours, had been completed, the important Kalasha Yatra around the Mahakala-Bhairava Mandir could begin. The Priests were standing ready, with the holy Kalashas on their heads, and Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda and Kumari Somashekhari received the beautiful, shining masks of Lord Yogeshwara and Yogeshwari Devi.

Among joyous and dynamic chanting, the participants of the Kalasha Yatra have started their holy procession around the Temple, with Swami Vishveshwaranandaji taking the lead.

After having circumambulated the Mahakala-Bhairava Mandir three times, all are standing in front of the entrance to the Garbha Griha of Lord Mahakala-Bhairava. Before the holy masks and the Kalashas for Abhisheka for Mahakala- Bhairava are taken inside the holy Shrine, Shri Sanjay Panditji blesses everybody with Ganga Jal.

In the night the Omkarananda Ashram Priests conducted a very wonderful Yajna in front of the Garbha Griha of Lord Mahakala-Bhairava. The Temple and its close surroundings were decorated with shining lights.

Though it was night and quite cold outside, eight Omkarananda Ashram Priests took part in the Hawana for Lord Mahakala-Bhairava.

The Kala-Bhairava Ashtami Celebrations, in Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas, on 16th November 2022, were finally concluded in the late night with Arati by Sanjay Panditji, among beautiful chanting of all the present Priests.