Mahakala-Bhairava Ashtami Celebrations,
in Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas, on 25th & 26th November 2013

The Mahakala-Bhairava Mandir in Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas, shining in the night.

Mahakala-Bhairava Mandir is a most beautiful Temple of Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas on the top of a hillside, in Muni-ki-Reti, via Rishikesh, with view over the Himalayan foothills and the Ganga. The sweetly smiling and powerful Lord Mahakala-Bhairava watches as Kshetrapal, as a divine Protector, over the whole Temple complex of the Headquarters of Omkarananda Ashram with its other lovely Temples like Omkarananda-Shanta-Durga Mandir, Omkara-Mahaganapati Mandir, Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi Mandir, Omkarananda-Hanuman Mandir, etc.

On 25th November 2013, in the night around 8 PM, the Mahakala-Bhairava Ashtami Celebrations started in Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas. In front of the Garbha-Griha of Shri Mahakala-Bhairava a temporary Hawana Kunda and special Altar had been established and beautifully decorated by the Priests of Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas, along with the Utsava Murti of Mahakala-Bhairava, Yogeshwara and Yogeshwari, and photos of Sant Shri Prabhuji and Gurudev Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati. Also a special Swarnaakarshana Yantra was made with 108 small Kalashas, filled with holy Ganga water.

Special Puja at the beginning of Kala-Bhairava Ashtami by the Chief Priest Suresh Shastriji.

Sankalpa by Shri Swami Satchidananda Saraswati.

A powerful Yajna in front of the Garbha-Griha of Lord Mahakala-Bhairava
by Priests of Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas.

The celebrations commenced with Ganapati Puja, Guru Puja, Yogeshwara and Yogeshwari Puja, Mahakala-Bhairava Puja and Yantra Puja. This was followed by a special Yajna for Mahakala-Bhairava, which continued till almost midnight. The whole environment of the headquarters of Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas was enveloped in the wonderful fragrance of this Hawana.

In the morning of 26th November 2013 the celebrations continued with the completion of the Yajna by offering of Purnahuti, followed by Kalasha Yatra and Abhisheka for Mahakala-Bhairava with items of pure Cow Milk, Curd, Honey, Sugar, Ghee and a special fragrant Bhasma. After that the Ganga water of the 108 Kalashas of the Swarnaakarshana Yantra was also used for Abhisheka of Lord Mahakala-Bhairava.

The Priests are ready with the Kalashas, containing the holy Water for Abhisheka of Lord Mahakala-Bhairava.

Kalasha-Yatra around Mahakala-Bhairava Mandir.

The Utsava Murti of Mahakala-Bhairava (in the middle) along with
Yogeshwara and Yogeshwari during Mahakala-Bhairava Celebrations.

This divine event culminated in a beautiful Kala-Bhairava Arati and Prasad Distribution.

During this whole celebration Bhajans and Hymns with sweet melodies, dedicated to Lord Mahakala-Bhairava, were resounding in the whole area of Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas.