BHAIRAV JAYANTI

Bhairava is a fierce manifestation of Shiva associated with annihilation. Generally in India, Bhairava is also called Dandapani (as he holds a rod or Danda to punish sinners). Bhairava originates from the word bhīru, which means "fearful". Bhairava means "terribly fearful form". It is also known as one who destroys fear or one who is beyond fear. There is also another interpretation: Bha means creation, ra means sustenance and va means destruction. Therefore, Bhairava is the one who creates, sustains and dissolves the three stages of life. Therefore, he becomes the ultimate or the supreme. Bhairava himself has eight manifestations i.e. Ashta Bhairava. The Ashta Bhairavas control the eight directions of this universe. Each Bhairava has seven sub Bhairavas under him, totaling 64 Bhairavas.

• Asithaanga Bhairava

• Ruru Bhairava

• Chanda Bhairava

• Krodha Bhairava

• Unmattha Bhairava

• Kapaala Bhairava

• Bheeshana Bhairava

• Samhaara Bhairava

other popular Bhairavas form are - in The Rudrayamala Tantra- Batuk bhairav, Swarnnakarshan Bhairav-the benevolent form , Kaal, Bhairav etc

Kala Bhairava is known as the Guru of the planetary deity Shani/ Saturn. It is said that Shiva allocated the job of guarding each of the 52 Shaktipeeths to one Bhairava. There are said to be 52 forms of Bhairava, which are considered a manifestation of Shiva himself. Krishna paksha Ashtami of Margshirsha / Agahan is celebrated as Bhairav Ashtami. In Buddhism also Bhairava (Tibetan: 'Jigs byed; Chinese: Buwei) is worshipped as a deity and a dharmapala or dharma protector. The Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra is a key text for Bhairava & Bhairavi, which talk about Tantric meditation methods and the way to realization of the highest reality.

The worship of this form of Lord Shiva does not cause fear of death and all the sufferings of life go away. It is believed that by worshiping them one can get rid of diseases and any kind of enemies.

Mantra: “Aum Bhram Kaalbhairavaye phat”

Dr Mrinalini, Agrim yoga.