ॐ भैरवाय नम:
Om Bhairavaya Namah
ॐ भैरवाय नम:
Om Bhairavaya Namah
The legend of the origin of Bhairava is traced back to a conversation between Brahma and Vishnu described in the Shiva Purana.
Shiva manifested as a pillar of light to settle the dispute of superiority between Brahma and Vishnu. Brahma dishonestly proclaimed his victory, stating that he had discovered the higher end of the pillar of light.
To punish him for his dishonesty and arrogance, Shiva produced Bhairava from the region between his brows. When Bhairava sought instruction from Shiva, the deity directed him to, "worship Brahma with his sharp-pointed quick-moving sword". Bhairava decapitated the fifth head of Brahma for uttering the falsehood. Vishnu interceded on Brahma's behalf and sought mercy, and the two deities then worshipped Shiva.
Having committed the sin of Brahmahatya (the murder of a Brahmin) by decapitating Brahma, Bhairava was pursued by the terrible female personification of the sin. The skull of Brahma was still attached to his hand. To expiate himself of the sin, Bhairava roamed the three worlds. He visited Vaikuntha, where he was honored by Vishnu and Lakshmi. When Bhairava visited Kashi ( Banārasa or Kāśī ), the city of the liberated, Brahmahatya left him, and the skull of Brahma was released from his hand.
Asitanga Bhairava
Sri Asitanga Bhairava, the first of the eight manifestations of Lord Kala Bhairava is the remover of all curses.
Ruru Bhairava
Ruru Bhairava is the second deity in the Ashta Bhairava group within Sanatan Dharma traditions. Iconographically, he is typically portrayed with four arms and a fair complexion. In various temples and texts, Ruru Bhairava is associated with wisdom, strength, and teaching. The Rathnagiriswarar temple in Thirumarugal, Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to this deity. His grace bestows leadership qualities and intellectual prowess, guiding followers on their path to self-realization and worldly success.
Chaṇḍa Bhairava
Sri Chanda Bhairava, the third of the eight manifestations of Lord Kala Bhairava, is the repository of all power.
Krodha Bhairava
Sri Krodha Bhairava, the fourth of the eight manifestations of Lord Kala Bhairava, is the remover of all obstacles.
Unmattha Bhairava
Sri Unmattha Bhairava is the fifth of the eight manifestations of Lord Bhairava. He is depicted as white in colour, and carries kunda (jasmine), khetaka (shield), parigha (iron bludgeon), and bhindipala (javelin). He rides towards the West direction on a horse.
His consort is Goddess Varahi.
Kapala Bhairava
Sri Kapala Bhairava is the sixth manifestation of Lord Bhairava. He is depicted as yellow in complexion and carries a kunda (jasmine), a khetaka (shield), a parigha (iron bludgeon), and a bhindipala (javelin). He rides towards the Northwest direction on an elephant.
His consort is Goddess Indrani.
Mantra for worshipping Kapala Bhairava:
"Om Hreem Kreem Hreem Shreem Kapala Bhairavaya Namaha"
Bhīṣaṇa Bhairava
Sri Bhishana Bhairava is the seventh of the eight manifestations of Lord Bhairava. He is depicted as red in colour, and carries the same weapons as Sri Unmatta Bhairava and Sri Kapala Bhairava – a kunda (jasmine), a khetaka (shield), a parigha (iron bludgeon), and a bhindipala (javelin). He rides towards the direction North on a lion.
His consort is Goddess Chamundi.
Saṃhāra Bhairava
Sri Samhara Bhairava is the eighth and last manifestation of the Ashta Bhairava. He is depicted as lightning-blue in colour, and carries the same weapons as Sri Unmatta Bhairava – a kunda (jasmine), a khetaka (shield), a parigha (iron bludgeon), and a bhindipala (javelin).
He rides to the Northeast direction on a dog and his consort is Goddess Chandi.