Located in Adiyamankottai, Dharmapuri, the Dakshina Kasi Kalabhairava Temple is over 1,200 years old and is one of India’s most powerful Bhairava shrines. Known for granting relief from planetary doshas and warding off fear, the temple holds immense spiritual and astrological importance. It is revered as a sacred site where the Ashta Bhairavas are unified into one powerful deity.

Ancient Legacy of the Dakshina Kasi Kalabhairava Temple

The Dakshina Kasi Kalabhairava Temple, nestled in Adiyamankottai, Dharmapuri District, Tamil Nadu, is one of the most unique and powerful temples in South India. Built over 1,200 years ago, this temple is considered the second-oldest Bhairava temple in the country. Consequently, pilgrims from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana travel here, drawn by its spiritual potency and the promise of relief from Navagraha doshas.

Sthala Purana: Origins of the Shrine

During the Sangam Era, the region was known as Tagadur and was ruled by the great king Athiyamān Nedumān Ñci, one of the Kadai Ezhu Vallal (Seven Great Tamil Patrons). However, after facing repeated invasions and instability in his kingdom, the king was advised by astrologers to construct a temple dedicated to Kala Bhairava.

Therefore, stone carvings were prepared in Kashi, sanctified with Vedic rituals, and brought to Tagadur. Kala Bhairava was installed facing south, seated on a Padma Peetam with his vahana Ruru (Dog). Before heading to battle, the king would offer his sword at the deity’s feet — and eventually, peace was restored to his land. Interestingly, a replica of the sword still resides in the temple today.

Unique Architectural and Astrological Features

Moreover, the temple is renowned for several architectural and astrological marvels:

• The mandapa ceiling is divided into nine squares, each representing a Navagraha (planet). Devotees walk silently beneath each square, believing the grahas whisper “Thathastu” (So be it!) upon sincere prayers.
• The deity incorporates all Ashta Bhairavas (8 forms) into one unified form.
• Uniquely, both a Dog and Nandi are present before the deity — a rare sight in Bhairava temples.
• The deity holds a Trishul and Kapaalam, surrounded by fiery halos, yet radiates a compassionate presence.
• Only Kaala Bhairava is enshrined here — no other deities are present, except for a statue of a valiant warrior believed to have contributed to the temple’s construction.

Cosmic Significance of the Deity

Notably, all 27 nakshatras (stars) and 12 zodiac signs are believed to be embedded in the divine form of Bhairava. Worshippers are encouraged to focus on specific body parts of the deity aligned with their zod

iac sign:

• Aries (Mesha): Head flame
• Taurus (Rishabam): Face
• Gemini (Mithunam): Neck
• Cancer (Karkatakam): Chest
• Leo (Simham): Lower stomach
• Virgo (Kanya): Abdomen
• Libra (Tula): Genitals
• Scorpio (Vrischika): Thighs
• Sagittarius (Dhanush): Knees
• Capricorn (Makaram): Calves
• Aquarius (Kumbham): Feet
• Pisces (Meenam): Toes

Ashtami Worship & Special Rituals

Traditionally, the Krishna Paksha Ashtami of Margashirsha month is considered the most powerful, as it is when Lord Shiva manifested as Bhairava. In fact, all Ashtami days are considered auspicious for Bhairava worship.

Furthermore:

• Devotees light special lamps made of ash gourd and lemon in three types of oils.
• A powerful observance involves circumambulating the temple 18 times, either on three consecutive Ashtamis or over twelve successive Sundays.

Benefits of Worship

Importantly, sincere worship at this temple can yield:

• Relief from Navagraha Doshas, especially those linked to Rahu
• Freedom from fear, confusion, and delusion
• Favourable manipulation of time and karmic flow
• Protection from negative energies and ancestral burdens

Temple Timings

• Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Address

Dakshina Kasi Kalabhairava Temple
Athiyaman Kottai, Salem Bye-Pass Road,
Dharmapuri – 636705, Tamil Nadu, India

Contact Information

• Executive Officer: M. Shanmugam – 8778165925
• Office: 04342-244123
• Contact Person: R. Kirupakaran Gurus – 94432 72066
• Website: kalabairavar.dpi.net.in

How to Reach

Special buses from Hosur, Krishnagiri, Salem, and Dharmapuri regularly stop at the temple, ensuring smooth access for visitors from different states.

Final Word: A Gateway to Inner Time and Spiritual Protection

Indeed, known as Dakshina Kashi, this temple is not merely an ancient shrine but a living cosmic yantra — a divine blueprint of time, karma, and protection. A pilgrimage here often results in profound inner transformation and lasting external peace.

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