Kalashtami 2026 on February 9: Exact Date, Timings, Puja Vidhi

Kalashtami 2026 arrives on Monday, February 9, 2026, during Phalguna Krishna Paksha Ashtami, creating a rare spiritual alignment for worshipping bhagawan Kal Bhairav. This monthly observance dedicated to Shiva’s fiercest time-ruling form offers powerful remedies for Shani dev or Saturn afflictions, obstacle removal, and karmic cleansing. Monday’s association with Shiva amplifies the vrat’s potency for fearlessness and spiritual transformation.

Kalashtami 2026 February Date & Exact Timings

Panchang Details for February 9, 2026

Important Timing Notes:

✅ Fasting Period: Begin fasting from sunrise on February 9
✅ Puja Timing: Evening to midnight is most powerful (Nisha Kaal)
✅ Midnight Significance: 12 AM to 1 AM is peak time for Bhairav sadhana
✅ Breaking Fast: After sunrise on February 10 or during Pradosh Kaal on February 9 evening

Pro Tip: Since the tithi extends until 07:27 AM on February 10, serious practitioners can continue their vigil (jagran) throughout the night for maximum spiritual benefits.

Why Observe Kalashtami 2026 on February 9?

Spiritual Significance of Monday Kalashtami

When Kalashtami falls on Monday or Tuesday, it is considered especially auspicious for Kal Bhairav worship. Today, as these days are traditionally associated with Shiva and Bhairav respectively. This February’s Kalashtami 2026 offers enhanced Shiva-Bhairav energy through Monday’s alignment, making it ideal for karmic cleansing during the waning moon phase and worship of the supreme who conquered time itself to grant devotees control over life’s challenges.

Who Should Observe Kalashtami 2026?

• Those experiencing Shani Sade Sati or Shani Dasha
• People facing legal battles or court cases
• Anyone dealing with unexplained fears, nightmares, or anxiety
• Devotees seeking spiritual transformation and ego dissolution
• Those affected by Rahu Mahadasha or Kaal Sarp Dosha
• Individuals wanting protection from black magic or negative energies

Astrological Significance of Kalashtami 2026

In Vedic astrology, Kalashtami 2026 provides powerful relief from Shani (Saturn) related troubles including Sade Sati and Dhaiya periods, Rahu-Ketu doshas and Kaal Sarp Yoga, afflictions in the 8th house (sudden changes, inheritance issues, longevity concerns), Pitru Dosha (ancestral karmic debt), and protection from Akaala Mrityu (untimely death). The regular observance creates a protective shield around the devotee’s horoscope, neutralizing malefic planetary influences while strengthening beneficial transits.

Customs and Traditions of Kalashtami 2026

The most essential Kalashtami 2026 tradition is feeding black dogs with sweet rotis, milk, or curd rice, as the dog is Bhagwan Kal Bhairav’s vahana, making this act direct service to the deity.

Devotees light mustard oil lamps (preferably four-faced diyas), observe fasting from sunrise, perform midnight vigils (jagran) with continuous mantra chanting between 12-1 AM when tantric practitioners experience heightened spiritual energy, visit Bhairav temples for special darshan and aarti, and engage in charity by feeding the poor and offering clothes or food to Brahmins, creating a complete spiritual practice that combines devotion, discipline, and compassion.

Kalashtami 2026 Vrat Rules: Fasting & Food Guidelines

Devotees observing Kalashtami 2026 can choose between Nirjala vrat (complete waterless fast from sunrise Feb 9 until sunrise Feb 10 for experienced practitioners), Phalahari vrat (consuming only fruits, milk, water, and vrat-friendly items like sabudana once after evening puja, the most commonly followed method), or simple observance (light vegetarian meal with focused evening prayers for beginners, elderly, or those with health conditions).

The fast should strictly avoid non-vegetarian food, onion, garlic, alcohol (except as temple prasad), tamasic foods, and regular salt (use rock salt if eating), with the fast broken after sunrise on February 10 or during Pradosh Kaal on February 9 evening, first consuming water, then fresh fruit, followed by a light sattvic meal, always offering bhog to Bhairav before eating yourself. For complete vrat details and spiritual significance, read our comprehensive Kalashtami guide.

Kalashtami 2026 Puja Vidhi: Brief Overview

Preparation & Setup

Wake during Brahma Muhurta (before sunrise on Feb 9), take a purifying bath with Ganga jal if possible, wear clean black, blue, or white clothes, and set up your altar facing East or North with Kal Bhairav’s idol/photo on a wooden platform covered with red or black cloth. Gather essential items: mustard oil for diya, white flowers, bilva leaves, whole black urad dal, black sesame seeds, jaggery, kumkum, sandalwood paste, incense, camphor, panchamrit ingredients, and food offerings like sweet roti.

Important: Never offer turmeric (haldi) to Kal Bhairav, this is crucial.

Step-by-Step Puja Procedure

• Sankalp: Take sacred vow with water in right palm, stating intention to worship Kal Bhairav
• Ganesh Puja: Always invoke Lord Ganesha first to remove obstacles
• Invoke Bhairav: Light mustard oil lamp and incense, invite His divine presence
• Abhishekam: Pour water, then panchamrit, then water again over idol (if available)
• Alankaram: Apply kumkum and sandalwood, offer bilva leaves and white flowers
• Naivedyam: Offer sweet roti, urad dal, fruits, milk with jaggery, black sesame
• Mantra Chanting: Chant “Om Namah Shivaya” 108 times or speak heartfelt prayers
• Vrat Katha: Listen to or read the sacred story of Bhairav humbling Brahma
• Aarti: Perform aarti with camphor, bells, and traditional songs
• Pradakshina: Circle altar mentally/physically and offer full prostration
• Midnight Ritual (Optional): Special abhishekam and extended chanting between 12-1 AM
• Dog Feeding: Feed street dogs with love as service to Bhairav’s vahana
• Breaking Fast: Consume prasad after sunrise Feb 10 or during Pradosh evening

For detailed puja vidhi, mantras, and spiritual insights, visit our complete Kalashtami pillar guide.

Famous Kal Bhairav Temples for Kalashtami 2026

Top Temples to Visit on February 9, 2026:

• Kaal Bhairav Mandir, Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)
• Kal Bhairav Temple, Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh)
• Shri Kilkari Bhairav Mandir, Delhi
• Batuk Bhairav Temple, Chanakyapuri, Delhi
• Bhairav Baba Temple, Vaishno Devi (Jammu & Kashmir)
• Mangalwedha Ashtanga Bhairav Temple (Maharashtra)
• Unmat Bhairav Temple, Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)
• Prachin Baba Lal Bhairav, Vindhyachal (Uttar Pradesh)
• Ashta Bharava Temples (Uttar Pradesh)

Benefits of Observing Kalashtami 2026

Spiritual Benefits

✓ Ego destruction and self-realization
✓ Fear elimination (death anxiety, phobias, paranoia)
✓ Karmic cleansing and ancestral debt reduction
✓ Spiritual awakening and moksha path

Material & Worldly Benefits

✓ Financial relief and debt reduction
✓ Victory in legal matters and court cases
✓ Protection from enemies (visible and hidden)
✓ Health improvements for chronic ailments
✓ Accident prevention and travel safety
✓ Black magic and evil eye removal

Quick Kalashtami 2026 Checklist for February 9

February 8 (Day Before):

• Decide fasting level and gather puja items
• Shop for dog food offerings
• Clean puja space thoroughly

February 9 Morning:

• Wake before sunrise, bath with Ganga jal
• Wear clean clothes, take sankalp
• Set up altar with all items

February 9 Evening:

• Perform complete puja (6 PM onwards)
• Feed street dogs with devotion
• Listen to Kalashtami katha

Midnight (Optional):

• Special abhishekam and extended chanting
• Meditation on Bhairav’s form

February 10 Morning:

• Break fast after sunrise properly
• Distribute prasad and perform charity

Frequently Asked Questions About Kalashtami 2026

Q1: When is Kalashtami 2026 in February?

Kalashtami 2026 falls on Monday, February 9, 2026. The Krishna Paksha Ashtami tithi begins at 05:01 AM on February 9 and ends at 07:27 AM on February 10, 2026.

Q2: What time should I do Kalashtami puja on February 9?

Best puja time is evening (6 PM onwards) to midnight. The most powerful period is midnight (12 AM – 1 AM) when Bhairav’s energy is most accessible.

Q3: Can I observe Kalashtami 2026 without fasting?

Yes, absolutely. Even lighting a lamp, offering prayers with devotion, and feeding dogs brings Bhairav’s blessings. Fasting amplifies benefits but isn’t mandatory.

Q4: Is Monday Kalashtami more powerful?

Yes, Kalashtami falling on Monday or Tuesday is considered especially auspicious as these days are connected to Shiva and Bhairav, creating enhanced spiritual energy.

Q5: What should I feed dogs on Kalashtami 2026?

Offer sweet rotis (made with jaggery), milk, curd rice, or any vegetarian sattvic food. Feed with love and respect as direct service to Bhairav’s vahana.

Q6: Can women observe Kalashtami during menstruation?

Mental worship, mantra chanting, and feeding dogs can continue. Physical temple visits may be restricted in traditional practices, but Bhairav values sincere devotion above ritualistic purity.

Q7: Do I need a Guru to chant Kalashtami mantras?

Powerful beej mantras require Guru initiation. Simple prayers like “Om Namah Shivaya” or “Jai Kal Bhairav” can be chanted by anyone with pure devotion.

Q8: How many Kalashtami come in 2026?

There are 12 monthly Kalashtami observances in 2026. The most significant is Bhairava Jayanti on December 1, 2026 (Tuesday).

Q9: What’s the difference between monthly Kalashtami and Bhairava Jayanti?

Monthly Kalashtami occurs 12 times yearly. Bhairava Jayanti (December 1, 2026) is the annual main celebration marking when Kal Bhairav manifested, observed with greater intensity.

Q10: When should I break the Kalashtami 2026 fast?

Break the fast after sunrise on February 10 or during Pradosh Kaal on February 9 evening after puja. Start with water, then fruit, followed by light sattvic meal.

Upcoming Kalashtami Dates in 2026

Next Monthly Observances:

• January 10 (Saturday)
• February 9 (Monday) ← Current
• March 11 (Wednesday)
• April 10 (Friday)
• May 9 (Saturday)
• June 8 (Monday)
• July 7 (Tuesday)
• August 5 (Wednesday)
• September 4 (Friday)
• October 3 (Saturday)
• November 1 (Sunday)
• December 1 (Tuesday) – Bhairava Jayanti (Most significant)

Traditional scriptures recommend observing for at least 12 consecutive months for complete spiritual transformation and maximum benefits.

Conclusion: Embrace Bhairav’s Grace This Monday

Kalashtami 2026 on February 9 offers a rare Monday alignment for worshipping Lord Kal Bhairav with enhanced Shiva energy. Whether you’re a seasoned devotee or observing for the first time, remember that Bhairav values sincerity over perfection. Fast if you can, pray from your heart, feed those street dogs, and use this day to confront one fear and release one ego pattern.

On February 9, 2026, time itself pauses for those brave enough to worship its master.

For complete legends, detailed rituals, temple traditions, and deeper spiritual significance, read our comprehensive Kalashtami Pillar Guide.

ॐ कालभैरवाय नमः।
Om Kaal Bhairavaya Namah. 

Help Us Keep This Guide Accurate

At Temple Connect, we regularly update our content to ensure you receive the most relevant and authentic information. If you’d like to suggest improvements, share regional traditions, or report any updates, we’d love to hear from you at connect@templeconnect.com