Shri Kilkari Bhaironath Pandav Kalin Temple, New Delhi: A Must Visit for all Devotees

Traversing through the landscapes of India, one will find themselves overwhelmed by the multicultural display of beliefs and faith. The history, and the stories associated with different places of worship definitely leave one spellbound. 

The meaning is Bhairav is known to be the one who conquers ‘bhay’ (fear). It is believed that the three letters of Bhairav constitute the three powers of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. Bhairav Baba is believed to be the Kotwal of Kashi. One such popular and highly revered place of worship is Shri Kilkari Bhaironath Pandav Kalin Mandir, located near Purana Qila, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. 

History: 

The existence of Kilkari Bhaironath Temple is believed to be over 5500 years old. The folklore associated with the temple says that this temple dates from the time of the Pandavas. This temple is amongst the top Prachin (ancient) temples of Delhi. The aura of Bhairav Baba’s divine presence in this temple is such that devotees reach here in large numbers for their wish fulfilment. It is usually seen that liquor is amongst the offerings to Bhairaonath Baba across various Bhairav Nath temples. The mythological explanation behind this is that Kaal Bhairav  is believed to be the Devta of Tamasic nature, and when liquor is offered as a Prasad, hindrances and health related issues are resolved. 

Mythology: 

It is believed that for the protection of their fort, the Pandavas organised multiple yajñas, but the evil spirits and demons used to interrupt the holy practices every time. Lord Krishna then suggested bringing in Lord Bhairav for the protection of the Qila, after which Bhim travelled to Kashi to seek Bhairav Baba’s divine intervention as the protector of the Qila and that he would carry him on his shoulders. On this request, Baba replied with a condition for the protection, that wherever Bhim would place Baba Bhairav, Baba won’t shift his position. After agreeing to this condition, Bhim travelled with Baba back to the fort, upon which there came a situation of Bhim wishing to cater to laghushanka (nature’s call) in which Bhim had to place him down from his shoulders. Bhim requested Baba Bhairav to move along towards the qila, a plea which Baba refused and established himself right over there in that position. In order to revere Bhim, Baba chopped off a chunk of his ‘jatas’ (hair) and gave it to Bhim asking him to place the jatas within the fort. Baba assured Bhim that he would protect the fort right from this location by shouting ‘Kilkaris’ (loud sounds). This is how the name of the temple came about to be Kilkari Bhaironath Pandav Kalin Mandir. 

Pankha Yatra: 

On the second day of Paush Shukal Paksh (10th month of the Hindu calendar) corresponding to December/January, Bhairav Jayanti is celebrated. A grand procession Yatra, by the name of Pankha Yatra is carried out on this day, or on the next Sunday after this day. 

Dudhiya Baba Bhairav Nath Temple: 

Dudhiya Baba Bhairav Nath Temple is situated at a little distance from the Kilkari Bhaironath Temple, and is believed to be the place of Baba Bhaironath’s bal swaroop (child form). Milk is offered in the form of Prasad at this temple. The mythology behind this offer ring is that it is believed during the dwapar yug, Kunti is believed to have offered milk with a prayer of saving the honour of her sons. This plea was heard by Baba Bhairav Nath and he gave the boon of victory to the Pandavas. This Bhairavnath temple is known to only accept vaishno(all vegetarian) offerings as Prasad. 

While offering milk is believed to be a representation of success and prosperity, offering liquor to Bhaironath is believed to be a stating of the fact that the devotee offering the liquor stops the consumption of liquor in their own lives. 

The Temple Premises: 

Right at the entry of the temple complex you would find multiple vendors for offerings to Bhairav Baba. 

Devotees visiting the temple must note that photo/video capturing inside the temple complex is strictly prohibited. 

The Kilkari Bhaironath Temple usually sees an influx of devotees on Sundays. 

How to reach: 

Via Metro: Pragati Maidan is the nearest metro station to the temple complex. It is at a distance of 2 Kms. Once you’ve reached the Pragati Maidan metro station, you can opt for a rickshaw to reach the temple complex.