bhairav

Bhairav, also Bhairava, is a fearsome form of the Hindu god Shiva. In Hinduism and its tantric and folk traditions, Bhairav is regarded as a fierce protector who destroys evil and governs aspects of time and space, including the eight directions. He is often invoked to remove fear, safeguard travelers, and ensure justice. In many Shaiva traditions, Bhairav is a guardian deity who presides over temples and sacred precincts.

The name Bhairav derives from Sanskrit bhairava, meaning terrifying or awe-inspiring. The figure takes various forms in different regions; Kal Bhairav is a common epithet associated with time, death, and city guardianship, especially in places such as Varanasi and Nepal.

Iconography typically depicts Bhairav with a fierce countenance, often with three eyes, and a garland of skulls. He may hold a trident and a skull cup (kapala) and is usually shown with a dog or jackal as his vehicle. Some depictions place him standing on or near a corpse, symbolizing mastery over death. The forms and accompanying guardians vary by tradition and locality.

Worship and regional importance: Bhairav is widely revered in India and Nepal. In Nepal, numerous towns feature Bhairav shrines, and Bhairav Jayanti is celebrated in his honor. In several traditions, he is identified with Kal Bhairav, the guardian of time and the protector of cities, with distinctive rites and chants.

Bhairav serves as a symbol of the threshold between fear and courage, the destruction of evil, and the protective grace of Shiva. His worship reflects the diverse Shaiva practices addressing life, death, and moral order.