Kaal Bhairav Mandir, Varanasi, Hindu temple in Visheshwarganj, India.

Kaal Bhairav Mandir is a Hindu temple in Bharonath, Vishweshwarganj, Varanasi. In the inner sanctum a silver-faced idol of Kal Bhairav sits on his vahana, a dog, holding a trident; only the decorated face is visible through the doorway, the rest covered by cloth. A relief of a multi-armed deity with black skin, a skull-decorated crown and a sword stands in a dark arched stone border against a pale blue wall. The rear door carries an icon of Kshetrapal Bhairav.

The exact date of construction is unknown; the present structure is estimated to date from the mid-17th century AD. The temple is listed among the ancient shrines mentioned in the Kashi Khanda. Local belief holds that Baba Vishwanath appointed Kaal Bhairav as the Kshetrapal of Kashi, with authority to punish the city's residents.

The shrine bears the name of a form of Shiva revered as protector of the city. Pilgrims bring flowers and incense each morning, asking for blessings on their journeys through Varanasi.

The shrine lies about one kilometer from Kashi Vishwanath Temple and can be reached through narrow lanes by rickshaw or on foot from the ghats. Visitors should come early in the morning when crowds are smaller and morning services take place.

On Sundays and Tuesdays crowds fill the temple, and the sound of nagara drums, bells and damaru accompanies the arati. Devotees also bring large puri bread, liquor and pan as prasad, and children are given a black thread (ganda) to free them from fear.