Sri Bhairaveshwara

Manifestation

Bhairavah means ‘frightful’ in Sanskrit. Bhairava is the fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. He has eight manifestations, which are known as Kala Bhairava, Asitanga Bhairava, Samhar Bhairava, Ruru Bhairava, Krodha Bhairava, Kapal Bhairava, Rudra Bhairava and Unmatt Bhairava. 

Physical Attributes

Bhairava is ornamented with a range of twisted serpents which serve as twisted earings, bracelets, anklets and sacred threads. He wears a tiger skin and a ritual apron made of human bones. His weapons are drum, a noose, trident and skull. Bhairava has a dog as divine Vahana (vehicle).

Qualities

• Fearless

• Destroys fear in devotees

• Ascetic

• Revered by Hindus and Buddhists

• Protects devotees

Ways of Worship and Types of Devotees

Bhairava is a protecting Guardian who helps and energizes any devotee who seeks his blessings to overcome any difficulties and challenges in this mortal life. Bhairava is worshipped with ghee bath (abhiṣeka), red flowers, ghee lamp, unbroken coconut, honey, boiled food, fibrous fruits etc. Best time to pray to Bhairava is Midnight. Best Day - Friday. In the Hindu Calendar, Kala-Bhairav-Jayanti (Bhairava’s birthday) falls on the eighth lunar day (ashtami) in the fortnight of the waning moon (Krishna paksha) in the Hindu month of Kartik (October/November).

Avatar of/Related to

Bhairava is manifestation of Lord Shiva.

Regions most worshipped

Bhairava is one of the most important deities in the region of Nepal, sacred both to Hindus and Buddhists. He is also worshiped throughout India, Shri Lanka and in Tibetan Buddhism. 

Well-Known Stories

• The story is of Sati, wife of Shiva. When insulted by her father King Daksha, Sati offers herself in a sacrificial fire. Shiva then carried her body around the land as a homage. Anywhere her remains fell, became a shaktipeeth (shrines). As per the story, Bhairava guards all Shaktipeetha. Each Shaktipeetha temple is accompanied by temple dedicated to Bhairava.

• Story of Shiva cutting Brahma’s fifth head in “Shiva Maha-Purana”: Brahma convinced himself he is as powerful as Shiva and became egotistical as a result. “Kala Bhairava” is shown carrying the amputated fifth head of egotistic and misguided Brahma, as a symbolism of cutting the ego and pride that resulted in conflict between the devas.     

Fascinating Facts

• Maha Kala Bhairava is supreme ruler of universe and master of time.  

• He is Guru (Teacher) of Planetary Deity “Shani” (Saturn).

• Revealed 112 ways of Tantric meditation for Dharana to steady mind.

• He is main Deity of Aghora sect/ Aghoris.

Other Popular Names

• Mahakaal Bhairava (Master of Universe and time)

• Dandapani (One who punishes sinners)

• Dharmapala (Protector of Dharma in Buddhism)

• Bhairavnath (Protector of village from all eight directions as Gram Devata)

• Kshetrapala (Protector)

Popular/Well-known Prayers

“Kalabhairava Ashtkam” composed by Adi Shankaracharya. 

https://youtu.be/BsEqI1NZA-E

http://greenmesg.org/stotras/shiva/kalabhairava_ashtakam.php