We are all aware of the sin of Brahmahatya. While some legends say that we acquire the Brahmahatya sin when we kill a Brahmin, some legends say that we acquire the sin when we kill any person and not just a Brahmin. There is an interesting story behind how Bhairav, who was created from God Shiva’s third eye, absolved himself off his Brahmahatya sin and how the sacred place of Kapalmochan came into being.

According to the puranas, Bhairav, who was created from Lord Shiva’s third eye, had cut off God Brahma’s fifth head, on instructions from his creator. Since then, Bhairav had been roaming around all the three worlds, carrying the fifth head of God Brahma and seeking alms, to atone for his sin.

When he approached God Shiva to help him get rid of this sin forever, God Shiva created an ogress called Brahmahatya, and told Bhairav to reach Kashi before she did. Although Bhairav had asked Brahmahatya to leave him alone so he could reach Kashi before her, she still followed him, because according to her, she was fulfilling God Shiva’s orders. When Bhairav entered Kashi, Brahmahatya couldn’t follow him, because she was stopped by God Shiva’s mystical power and instead she went to Patala loka. Bhairav, on the other hand, entered Kashi and the second he entered Kashi, Brahma’s skull fell off his hands and Bhairav was absolved of his sins.

The spot at which God Brahma’s skull had fallen, became Kapalmochan, the most sacred pilgrimage spot.

For temples to visit to absolve yourself of the Brahmahathi dosha, visit http://www.ishtadevata.com/dosha-relief/brahmahathi-dosha-removal.html