Bhairava

Kala Bhairava · Kshetrapala · Batuka Bhairava

Shiva's fierce form, guardian of temples and the protector of Kashi.

Abode: Varanasi; temple gateways
Consort: Bhairavi
Vahana: Dog
Colour: Black or dark blue
Arms: 4

Bhairava is the fearsome form of Shiva, born from his anger to humble Brahma's pride. As Kala Bhairava he is the lord of time and the guardian (kotwal) of Varanasi, whom pilgrims visit before leaving the city. Many temples have a Bhairava shrine at the gate, keeping watch, often with a dog at his side.

Mantra

ॐ कालभैरवाय नमः

Om Kalabhairavaya Namaha

Salutations to Kala Bhairava, lord of time.

रूप और प्रतीक

How Bhairava is shown

A dark, fierce figure with fangs, wearing a garland of skulls, holding a trident and a skull bowl, a black dog beside him.

Dog: Loyalty and the guardian's watchfulness.
Skull bowl: Brahma's fifth head, which clung to his hand until he reached Kashi.
Trident and damaru: He is Shiva.

कथाएँ

Stories

Brahma's fifth head

When Brahma claimed to be supreme, Bhairava cut off his fifth head. The skull stuck to his palm and he wandered as a beggar until he entered Kashi, where it finally fell away. He has stayed there as its guardian.

Related forms

शिव
Shiva