MP's Ujjain Kal Bhairava temple: Where God
drinks liquor daily
The
6000-year-old Kal Bhairava temple in Ujjain has the unique and age-old
tradition of offering liquor to God the whole year. The temple also has a deep
stambh which devotees believe fulfills one's wishes
10.56: 22 am -May 04, 2023
C R Gowri Shanker
Hyderabad: The God who drinks liquor daily!
As one enters the famed Kal Bhairava temple in Ujjain,
the guardian deity of the city in Madhya Pradesh, one would be taken aback at
devotees including women carrying liquor bottles, liquor in small pots, and
glasses along with other pooja materials!
Once a tantric temple, it has the unique tradition of
offering liquor to God. Believe it or not, God drinks!
When a devotee offers liquor and other pooja material
to the priest, the priest opens the liquor bottle, pours a part of the liquor
on a small plate, and touches the mouth of Lord Kal Bhairava. The liquor
disappears!
This cycle continues with every devotee and so far,
none can crack the mystery of God drinking liquor. Priests and devotees assert
the liquor is consumed by Kal Bhairava!
In tune with the demand, liquor shops have come up
near the temple to cater to the needs of devotees and they are doing roaring
business along with other pooja materials offered to the God.
The 6000-year-old Kal Bhairava temple in Ujjain has
the unique and age-old tradition of offering liquor to God the whole year. The
temple also has a deep stambh which devotees believe fulfills one's wishes. The
temple is small, but famous in Ujjain. The temple complex also has the temple
of Lord Dattatreya, with a unique idol.
According to Pujaris, liquor is offered to God as it
forms one of the five rituals of tantra— Madira (liquor), Mudra (gesture),
Maithun (copulation), Maans (Meat), and Meen (Fish). Since ages, the 5 Ms were
offered to God.
Kal Bhairava, is the chief among the eight Bhairavas,
in the Shaivite tradition.
The temple is believed to be built by King Bhadresen
on the banks of river Shipra. The temple is mentioned in the Avanti Khanda of
the Skanda Purana.
Worship of the eight Bhairavas is a part of Saivite
tradition, especially among Kapalika and Aghora sects, for which Ujjain was
once famous for these two sects. Liquor is offered to God as part of the
ritual.
The temple used to adorn by beautiful paintings in
Malwa style which has withered away over some time. Temple has a cherished
history. The Pagdi (Crown) which Lord wears is of the King of Shinde or Scindia
of Gwalior.
Bhagwan Kal Bhairava is believed to be the
manifestation of Lord Shiva who is said to oversee the time ahead. As the
saying goes “Time lost is lost forever", it said one should make the best use
of time during the lifetime.
Kal Bhairava is also called Khetrapala and guardian of
the temple hence keys of the temple are kept on the temple premises at night
and are not carried outside.
Devotees believe that since Kal Bhairava is also the
protector of travelers, they should offer a garland of cashew nuts and
offerings for safe travel.
The temple is also known as Vam Margi Tantric Temple.
In ancient times, only “Tantriks” were allowed because of Tantrik activities at
the temple, but subsequently, it was opened to all. Earlier, there used to be
an animal sacrifice at the temple, but it has been banned now.
Temple priests say God accepts devotees’ liquor
through specific mantras and fulfills their wishes. Devotees assert their
wishes are fulfilled at the temple.
Kalashtami, also known as Kal Bhairav Jayanti, falls
in the month of Margashirsha.
It is believed Lord Shiva appears in the form of
Bhairava on this day. It is said Hindu Gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva once
argued. A remark made by Brahma made Shiva furious. Shiva took the form of
Mahakaleshwar and chopped the fifth head of Brahma. Since then, this form of
Lord Shiva has been worshiped as ‘Kal Bhairava’.
Worshiping Lord Kal Bhairava on the day of Kala Ashtami
can remove all the pain, suffering, pain, and negativity from the life of a
person.
During Bhairava Ashtami, around 1351 types of Bhog
(offerings) are present to God including a variety of liquors, Bhang, weed, and
cigarettes besides an array of eatables including sweets.
How to reach the Kal Bhairava Temple in Ujjain By Air:
Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport, Indore (53 km), Ujjain Railway station, and
connected by road.
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