2017-09-02 Sat

The fierce manifestations of Shiva, the protector of the Shakti Peethas is also known as Kala Bhairava. Philosophy and mythology portray him as the protector of the eight directions.

In iconography he is described in very freighting form, his four arms are adorned with a range of twisted serpents as earrings, bracelet’s, anklet’s, and sacred thread (yajnopavita). He wears a tiger skin with a ritual apron-composed of human bones. Bhairava has a dog (Shvan) as his divine vahana (vehicle). The scriptures talk about 64 Bhairav, but the eight Bhairav's is more important who protects the eight directions. The supreme leader of this bhairav's is called Kala Bhairav, his consort is called bhairavi.

Bhairav is worshipped in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. One can find the cult of bhairav worship in Nepal, Sri-Lank, Bangladesh. In Nepal both Shivites and Buddhist worship him.

To celebrate this divine form and belief of two different philosophies in one deity Nepal has issued a stamp in 1971 depicting Shvet Bhairav.

Interesting Fact

• It said that Kala bhairav created Astanga Bhairava ( 8 bhairava). These eight Bhairava married Ashta Matrikas and their union created 64 bhairvas and 64 Yoginis.
• In Indian, there are only four 64 yogini’s temples.
Do you know lord Shiva was also depicted on Indian coins; learn how commoners of the past saw this divine being.

To know more about Lord Shiva click here.