Lord Bhairava – The Fierce Protector and Ultimate Reality
Lord Bhairava is a fierce and powerful manifestation of Lord Shiva, embodying destruction, transformation, and the ultimate truth. Known as the “Lord of Terror” (Bhairava), he represents the dissolution of illusion (Maya) and the protector of devotees.
Worshiped widely in Shaivism, Tantra, and Shaktism, Bhairava is both a destroyer of evil and a granter of spiritual liberation. His depictions often show him with a ferocious expression, a garland of skulls, and a trident (trishul), symbolizing his control over time, death, and fear.
The Origins and Legend of Bhairava
The Story of Bhairava’s Creation
According to Hindu mythology, Bhairava was born from Lord Shiva’s wrath. One popular legend states:
Brahma’s Fifth Head: When Lord Brahma grew arrogant with his power of creation, Shiva manifested Bhairava to cut off Brahma’s fifth head, symbolizing the destruction of ego.
The Sin of Brahmahatya: As Bhairava carried Brahma’s skull (Kapala), he was cursed to wander as a beggar until he attained purification in Varanasi (Kashi), where he became Kala Bhairava, the guardian of the sacred city.
The 64 Bhairavas and 8 Ashta Bhairavas
Bhairava has 64 forms, but the most significant are the 8 Ashta Bhairavas, each representing a different aspect of time, space, and cosmic energy:
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Asitanga Bhairava – The Dark-Limbed One
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Ruru Bhairava – The Merciful Protector
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Chanda Bhairava – The Fierce One
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Krodha Bhairava – The Wrathful One
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Unmatta Bhairava – The Intoxicated with Divine Power
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Kapala Bhairava – The Skull-Bearer
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Bheeshana Bhairava – The Terrifying One
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Samhara Bhairava – The Destroyer of Evil
Symbolism and Iconography of Bhairava
Discover the power of ancient Sanskrit verses dedicated to Lord Bhairava, sourced from revered scriptures and scholarly works. These shlokas are used for protection, spiritual awakening, and overcoming fear.
Sacred Shlokas & Hymns on Lord Bhairava
Bhairava Ashtakam (From “Bhairava Stotra Sangrah”)
*Attributed to Adi Shankaracharya, this 8-verse hymn praises Kala Bhairava as the Lord of Time and Kashi.*
देवराजसेव्यमानपावनांघ्रिपङ्कजं
व्यालयज्ञसूत्रमिन्दुशेखरं कृपाकरम् ।
नारदादियोगिवृन्दवन्दितं दिगंबरं
काशिकापुराधिनाथकालभैरवं भजे ॥“I worship Kala Bhairava, the Lord of Kashi, whose lotus feet purify the universe, who wears a serpent as a sacred thread, and who is praised by sages like Narada.”
Source: “Bhairava Ashtakam” commentary by Swami Chidananda (Gita Press
Kala Bhairava Mantra (From “Bhairava Tantra”)
A potent mantra for protection and fearlessness.
ॐ कालभैरवाय नमः
“Om Kalabhairavaya Namah”
Source: “Bhairava Tantra” (Translated by Swami Satyananda Saraswati)
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