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{{short description|Hindu and Buddhist deity}}
{{other}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2016}}
{{use Indian English|date=April 2016}}
{{Infobox deity
| type = Hindu
| image = [[File:Karnataka, periodo hoyasala, bhairava, xii secolo 01.jpg|180px]]
| caption = 12th-century Bhairava sculpture
| mantra = ॐ कालभैरवाय नमः ॥
oṁ kālabhairavāya namaḥ
| affiliation = [[Shiva]]
| weapon = [[Trishula]], [[Khaṭvāṅga]], [[Sword]], [[Kapala]], [[Sickle]], [[Vajra]], [[Noose]], [[Pinaka (Hinduism)|Pinaka bow]], [[Pashupatastra|Pashupatastra
arrow]], [[Vajra|Pestle]] and [[Damaru]]
| consort = [[Bhairavi]]
| mount = [[Dog]]
| festivals = [[Bhairava Ashtami]]
| number = [[33 (number)|33]]
| day = Tuesday and Sunday
}}
{{Contains special characters|Indic}}
{{Saivism}}

'''Bhairava''' ({{lang-sa|भैरव}}, {{lit|frightful}}), or '''Kala Bhairava''', is a [[Shaivism|Shaivite]] and [[Vajrayana|Vajrayāna]] deity worshipped by [[Hindu deities|Hindus]] and [[Buddhism|Buddhists]]. In [[Shaivism]], he is a powerful manifestation, or avatar, of [[Shiva]] associated with annihilation.<ref name=k1/><ref>{{cite book|title=India through the ages|url=https://archive.org/details/indiathroughages00mada/page/76|last=Gopal|first=Madan|year= 1990| page= 76|editor=Gautam, K.S. |publisher=Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.philhine.org.uk/writings/tt_wrathful.html|title=Bhairava: The Wrathful|access-date=13 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213012725/http://www.philhine.org.uk/writings/tt_wrathful.html|archive-date=13 February 2015|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> In [[Trika]] system ''Bhairava'' represents Supreme Reality, synonymous to [[Para Brahman]].<ref name=s1/><ref name="Tantra Illuminated">{{Cite book |last=Wallis |first=Christopher D. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=H0YwDwAAQBAJ&dq=trika+++bhairava&pg=PT228 |title=Tantra Illuminated: The Philosophy, History, and Practice of a Timeless Tradition |date=2013-08-15 |publisher=Mattamayura Press |isbn=978-0-9897613-6-9 |language=en}}</ref> Generally in Hinduism, Bhairava is also called '''Dandapani''' ("[he who holds the] Danda in [his] hand"), as he holds a rod or [[Danda]] to punish sinners, and '''Svaśva''', meaning "whose vehicle is a dog".<ref name="Sehgal1999">{{Cite book|last= Sehgal |first= Sunil|title= Encyclopaedia of Hinduism: C-G, Volume 2|publisher= Sarup & Sons |year=1999|isbn=9788176250641|pages=491–492}}</ref> In [[Vajrayana]] Buddhism, he is considered a [[Fierce deities|fierce emanation]] of [[boddhisatva]] [[Mañjuśrī]], and also called [[Heruka]], [[Vajrabhairava]], and [[Yamantaka]].<ref>Whalen-Bridge, John; Storhoff, Gary (2009). [https://web.archive.org/web/20150911080216/http://www.ahandfulofleaves.org/documents/The%20Emergence%20of%20Buddhist%20American%20Literature_Whalen-Bridge_Storhoff.pdf ''The Emergence of Buddhist American Literature'']. State University of New York Press. p. 170. {{ISBN|978-1-4384-2659-4}}.</ref><ref>Davidson, Ronald M. (2003) ''Indian Esoteric Buddhism: A Social History of the Tantric Movement''. Columbia University Press. p. 211. {{ISBN|0231126190}}</ref>

He is worshipped throughout [[India]], [[Nepal]], [[Indonesia]], [[Sri Lanka]] and [[Japan]] as well as in [[Tibetan Buddhism]].<ref>{{cite q|Q55879169|last=Johnson|first=W. J}} {{ODNBsub}}</ref><ref>{{cite q|Q55919026|title=Bhairava}} {{ODNBsub}}</ref>

== Etymology ==
Bhairava originates from the word ''bhīru'', which means "fearsome". Bhairava means "terribly fearsome form". It is also known as one who destroys fear or one who is beyond fear. One interpretation is that he protects his devotees from dreadful enemies, greed, lust, and anger. These enemies are dangerous as they never allow humans to seek God within. 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.<ref>[[#Hiltebeitel|Hiltebeitel]]</ref>{{Full citation needed|date=May 2023}}

==Hinduism==
[[File:Shiva Slaying Andhaka sculpture in Cave 1 of Elephanta Caves.jpg|thumb|left|Bhairava depicted in [[Elephanta Caves]], mid-5th century.]]

=== Legend ===
[[File:Shivalinga_LACMA_M.91.10_(6_of_8).jpg|thumb|left|Mahakala Bhirava on Chaturmukha lingam, 10th century]]
[[File:Akash Bhairab.JPG|thumb|Aakash Bhairab in Kathmandu.]]

The origin of Bhairava is traced back to a conversation between [[Brahma]] and [[Vishnu]] which is recounted in the [[Shiva Purana|Shiva Puranam]].<ref>The Śiva Purana, ''Śatarudra Samhita'', chapter 8, ''The Śiva Purana'', part III (English translation), Motilal banarsidass Publishers Private Limited, Delhi, reprint edition (2002), pp. 1097–1103.</ref> In it, Vishnu inquired of Brahma, "Who is the supreme creator of the Universe?" Arrogantly, Brahma told Vishnu to worship him as Supreme Creator. One day, Brahma thought "I have five heads. Shiva also has five heads. I can do everything that Shiva does and therefore I am Shiva." Brahma became a little egotistical as a result of this. Additionally, he began to forget the work of Shiva and also started interfering in what Shiva was supposed to be doing. Consequently, [[Shiva]] threw a small hair from his head which assumed the form of ''Kala Bhairava'' and casually went to cut off one of Brahma's heads. The skull ([[kapala]]) of Brahma is held in the hands of ''Kala Bhairava'', Brahma's ego was destroyed and he became enlightened. From then on, he became useful to himself and to the world, and deeply grateful to Shiva. In the form of the ''Kala Bhairava'', Shiva is said to be guarding each of these [[Shaktipeeth|Shakti Pitha]] (Shakti temples). Each [[Shakti Peetha|Shakti Pitha]] is accompanied by a [[temple]] dedicated to Bhairava.<ref>{{cite q|Q55879169|author= Johnson W. J.}}</ref><ref>Chalier-Visuvalingam, Elizabeth. "Bhairava's Royal Brahmanicide: The Problem of the Mahābrāhmaṇa", pp. 157–229 in [[#Hiltebeitel|Hiltebeitel]]</ref>

There is another school of thought that states that [[Shiva]] himself created Bhairava. It states that there was once an [[asura]] named Dahurāsura, who got a boon that he could be killed only by a woman. [[Parvati]] took the form of [[Kali]] to kill him. The wrath of Kali killed the asura. After killing the asura, her wrath metamorphosed as a child. Kali fed the child with her milk. Shiva made both Kali and the child to merge with him. From this merged form of Shiva, Bhairava appeared in his eight forms ([[Ashta Bhairava|Aṣṭāṅga Bhairavas]]). Since Bhairava was thus created by Shiva, he is said to be one of the sons of Shiva.<ref>Lorenzen, David. "New Data on the Kāpālikas", pp. 231–238 in [[#Hiltebeitel|Hiltebeitel]]</ref>

The [[Puranas]] also give a version of Bhairava. In this version there was a war between devas and asuras. To eradicate the asuras, Shiva created Kala Bhairava from whom [[Ashta Bhairava|Aṣṭāṅga Bhairavas]] were created. These Ashta Bhairavas married [[Matrikas|Ashta Matrikas]]. These Ashta Bhairavas and Ashta Matrikas have dreadful forms. From these Ashta Bhairavas and Ashta Matrikas, 64 Bhairavas and 64 [[Yogini]]s were created.<ref>Masilamani-Meyer, Eveline. "The Changing Face of Kāttavarāyan", pp. 69–103 in [[#Hiltebeitel|Hiltebeitel]]</ref>

=== Depiction ===
[[File:Ancient Indian stone sculpture Indian Museum Kolkata 20.jpg|thumb|Dancing Bhairava, Bengal, 12th century.]]

Normally in Shiva temples, idols of Bhairava are situated in the north, facing Western direction. He is also called ''Kṣhetrapāla''. He appears in a standing position with [[Chaturbhuja|four hands]]. His weapons are drum, pāśa (noose), trident and skull. In some forms of Bhairava, there are more than four hands. He appears with a dog. His weapons, the dog, protruding teeth, terrifying looks, and a garland with red flowers all give him a frightening appearance.<ref>Shulman, David Dean. "Outcaste, Guardian, and Trickster: Notes on the Myth of Kāttavarāyan", pp. 35–67 in [[#Hiltebeitel|Hiltebeitel]]</ref><ref>Sontheimer, Gunther Dietz. "Between Ghost and God: A Folk Deity of the Deccan", pp. 299–337 in [[#Hiltebeitel|Hiltebeitel]]</ref>

In all Shiva temples, regular [[Shiva Puja|puja]] (reverence) rituals begin with [[Surya]] and end with Bhairava. Devotees offer what is understood to be favored by Bhairava: a ghee bath (''abhiṣeka''), red flowers, ghee lamp, unbroken coconut, honey, boiled food, fibrous fruits etc. If a Bhairava idol is facing west, it is good; facing south is moderate; facing east is not good. The right time to pray to [[Bhairavi]] is midnight. At midnight it is said that Bhairava and his consort [[Bhairavi]] will give ''darśana'' (appearance) to their devotees. The most appropriate time is a Friday midnight. There are eight types of flowers and leaves used in archana (अर्चन) to Bhairava.<ref>Visuvalingam, Sunthar. "The Transgressive Sacrality of the Dīkṣita: Sacrifice, Criminality, and Bhakti in the Hindu Tradition", pp. 427–462 in [[#Hiltebeitel|Hiltebeitel]]</ref><ref>Doniger O’Flaherty, Wendy. Siva: The Erotic Ascetic. New York: Oxford University Press, 1981</ref>

In [[Kashmir Shaivism]], Bhairava is the ultimate form of manifestation or pure "I" consciousness.

One of his forms is called ''Svarṇākarṣṇa Bhairava'' ; In this form, he has red or blue complexion and is clothed in golden dress. He has the moon over his head. He has four hands, one of which he holds a golden vessel. He gives wealth and prosperity. Performing ''pūja'' on Tuesdays gives quick results. In some of the ancient texts he is said to have thirty two hands, the shape of a bird, golden complexion, terrible teeth, and a human form above the hip. Worshipping him destroys enemies.<ref name=k1>Kramrisch, Stella (1994). ''The Presence of Śiva''. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press. p. 471. {{ISBN|0691019304}}</ref><ref>{{cite book | last=Parry | first=Jonathan | title=Death and the Regeneration of Life | chapter=Sacrificial death and the necrophagous ascetic | publisher=Cambridge University Press | date=1982 | doi=10.1017/cbo9780511607646.004 | pages=74–110| isbn=9780521248754 }}</ref>

Some forms of Bhairava are guardians of the eight cardinal points. There are 64 Bhairavas. These 64 Bhairavas are grouped under eight categories and each category is headed by one major Bhairava. The major eight Bhairavas are called [[Ashta Bhairava|Aṣṭāṅga Bhairavas]]. The Ashta Bhairavas control the eight directions of this universe. Each Bhairava has seven sub Bhairavas under him, totaling 64 Bhairavas. All of the Bhairavas are ruled and controlled by ''[[Mahākāla|Maha Kala Bhairava]]'' otherwise known as ''Kala Bhairava'', who is the supreme ruler of time of this universe as per some Śaiva tantric scriptures ([[Āgama (Hinduism)|āgamas]]). [[Bhairavi]] is the consort of ''Kala Bhairava.''<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hindupedia.com/en/Kala_Bhairava_Ashtakam|title=Kala Bhairava Ashtakam – Hindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia|website=www.hindupedia.com|access-date=2016-04-16}}</ref> The eight Bhairavas are said to represent five elements viz. ''ākāś'', air, fire, water and earth and the other three being sun, moon and ''ātman''. Each of the eight Bhairavas are different in appearance, have different weapons, different [[vahana|''vāhanas'']] (vehicles) and they bless their devotees with eight types of wealth representing [[Ashta Lakshmi]]s. Continuous worship of Bhairava leads the worshipper to a true [[Guru]]. There are separate mantras to all the eight Bhairavas.<ref>{{cite journal | last=Parry | first=J.P. | title=Death and cosmogony in Kashi | journal=Contributions to Indian Sociology | volume=15 | issue=1–2 | year=1981 | doi=10.1177/006996678101500118 | pages=337–365| s2cid=143517233 }}</ref>

Bhairava is also called upon as protector, as he guards the eight directions of the universe. In Shiva temples, when the temple is closed, the keys are placed before Bhairava. Bhairava is also described as the protector of women. He is described as the protector of the timid and in general women who are timid in nature.<ref>Erndl, Kathleen M. "Rapist or Bodyguard, Demon or Devotee: Images of Bhairo in the Mythology and Cult of Vaiṣṇo Devī", pp. 239–25 in [[#Hiltebeitel|Hiltebeitel]]</ref><ref>Sukul, Kubernath (1977). ''Vārānasī Vaibhava. Patna, India: Bihar Rastrabhasa Parisad''</ref>

It is generally believed that worshiping Bhairava gives prosperity, success and good progeny, prevents premature death and gives solution to debts and liabilities. Different forms of Bhairava evolve only from Śiva, who is called the ''Mahā Bhairava''.<ref>Lorenzen, David (1972). ''The Kāpālikas and Kālāmukhas: Two Lost Śaiva Sects''. Delhi: Thomson</ref><ref>Eck, Diana L. (1983) ''Banaras: City of Light''. London: Routledge and Kegan Paul.</ref><ref>{{cite journal | last=Parry | first=J.P. | title=Ghosts, Greed and Sin: The Occupational Identity of the Benares Funeral Priests|journal= Man |volume=15|issue=1|year=1980|pages=88–111| doi=10.2307/2802004 | jstor=2802004 }}</ref>

===Trika System===
[[Trika]] and [[Kashmiri Shaivism]] names the Absolute Reality ([[Para Brahman]]) as Bhairava. The [[Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra]] is a key Tantra text of the [[Trika]] System. Cast as a discourse between the god Bhairava and his consort [[Bhairavi]] it briefly presents 112 Tantric meditation methods or centering techniques ([[Dharana]]). The text is a chapter from the Rudrayamala Tantra, a Bhairava Agama. Bhairavi, the goddess, asks Bhairava to reveal the essence of the way to realization of the highest reality. In his answer Bhairava describes 112 ways to enter into the universal and transcendental state of consciousness. References to it appear throughout the literature of Trika, Kashmir Shaivism, indicating that it was considered to be an important text in the schools of Kashmir Shaiva philosophy and Trika.<ref name="Tantra Illuminated"/><ref name=s1>{{cite book | last=Singh | first=J. | title=Vijnanabhairava, Or Divine Consciousness: A Treasury of 112 Types of Yoga | publisher=Motilal Banarsidass | series=Tantra Series | year=2002 | isbn=978-81-208-0820-1 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2R2iSiMbuVwC&pg=PA1 | page=1}}</ref>

===List of Bhairavas===
[[File:Trikala Bhairava from Odisha, Eastern Ganga Dynasty, Clevelandart 1958.208.jpg|thumb|''"Trikala Bhairava"'', Eastern Ganga Dynasty, 10th century.]]

The list of manifestation of Shiva:<ref>{{cite web |title=Shaktipeeth Bhairava |url=http://zeenews.india.com/navratra2012/Shaktipeeth.html |access-date=29 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303210250/http://zeenews.india.com/navratra2012/Shaktipeeth.html |archive-date=2016-03-03}}</ref>{{Reliable source?|date=December 2022}}

{{Incomplete list|date=March 2020}}
{{Cleanup section|reason=The names of these manifestations are rendered in regional languages rather than the standard Sanskrit.|date=December 2022}}

{{Div col|colwidth=15em}}
* [[Batuk Bhairav|Batuk Bhairava]]
* Abhiru
* Akshobhya Bhairava
* Amar
* Ambar
* Amritaksha
* Asitanga Bhairava
* Bagh Bhairava
* Baidyanath
* Bhadrasen
* Bhava
* Bhiruk
* Bhishan
* Bhoothnath [[Vetal]] / [[Betal]] Bhairava
* Chakrapani
* Chanda
* Chandrashekhar
* Ghanteshwar
* Jogesh
* Kala Bhairava
* Kapalbhairav
* Kapali
* Kapilambar
* Kramadishwar
* Krodhish
* Ksheer Kantak
* Kshetrapaala Bhairava
* Lambkarna
* Maharudra
* Mahodar
* Marthanda
* Matang Bhairava
* Nakuleshwar
* Nandikeshwar
* Nimish
* Pachali Bhairava
* Patal Bhairava
* Rakshaseshwar (Nayanair)
* Rudra Mahadev
* Ruru
* Sambaranand
* Samhaar Bhairava
* Sanhar
* Sanwart
* Sarvanand
* Sarvanand
* Shai Bhairava
* Shri Khutkuni Bhairava
* Sthanu
* Swarnakarshan Bhairava
* Trayambak
* Tripuresh
* Trisandhyeshvara
* Tumbeswar
* Umananda or Bhayaanand
* Unmatta Bhairava
* Vakranath
* Vakratund
* Vamana
* Varaha (Baraha)
* Vatsnabh or Dandpani
* Vikrant Bhairava
* Vikritaksh
* Vimocanā
* Viśveśvara
{{Div col end}}

== Buddhism ==
[[File:Thangka Depicting Vajrabhairava, ca. 1740, Sotheby's.jpg|thumb|Thangka Depicting Vajrabhairava, c. 1740s.]]

Buddhism also adopted Bhairava (Tibetan: 'Jigs byed; Chinese: Buwei) as a deity and a [[dharmapala]] or dharma protector.<ref>{{cite book | last1=Buswell | first1=Robert E., Jr. | last2=Lopez | first2=Donald S., Jr. | title=The Princeton dictionary of Buddhism | publication-place=Princeton, NJ | date=2013 | isbn=978-1-4008-4805-8 | oclc=859536678 | chapter = Bhairava}}</ref> The various buddhist forms of Bhairava (variously called [[Heruka]]s, Vajrabhairava, [[Mahākāla]] and [[Yamantaka]]) are considered [[fierce deities]] and [[yidam]]s (tantric meditational deity) in [[Tibetan Buddhism]]. They also have their own set of [[Buddhist tantra]]s, the ''Vajrabhairava tantras.''<ref>Siklós, Bulcsu (1996) ''The Vajrabhairava tantras: Tibetan and Mongolian versions'', English translation and annotations, Institute of Buddhist Studies.</ref> According to Tibetan tradition, these tantras were revealed to Lalitavajra in [[Oddiyana]] in the tenth century.<ref>Kapstein, Matthew (2009) ''Buddhism Between Tibet and China''. Wisdom Publicationsv. p. 307. {{ISBN|0861715810}}</ref> These texts play a particularly important role in the [[Sarma (Tibetan Buddhism)|Sarma]] (new translation) traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, especially among the [[Gelug]] school where Vajrabhairava is one of the three central highest yoga tantra practices of the lineage.<ref name=":0">{{cite book|author=Skorupski, Tadeusz|url=https://www.academia.edu/15726724 |title=The Buddhist Forum|volume =4|pages=186–187}}</ref> Because of this, it is also popular in [[Mongolia]] as a protector deity and was also popular among the [[Manchu people|Manchus]].<ref name=":0" /> The deity is also central to [[Newar Buddhism]]. The tantric practices associated with Bhairava focus on the transformation of anger and hatred into understanding.<ref>Huntington, John C. and Bangdel, Dina (2003) ''The Circle of Bliss: Buddhist Meditational Art''. Serindia Pubns. p. 468. {{ISBN|1932476016}}</ref>

==Worship==
{{See also|Bhairava Ashtami}}
[[File:Kala Bhairava in the night.JPG|upright|thumb|[[Kaal Bhairav, Kathmandu|Kala Bhairava]] attended by devotees in Durbar Square, [[Kathmandu]]]]

Temples or [[shrine]]s to Bhairava are present within or near most [[Jyotirlinga]] temples. There are also the sacred twelve shrines dedicated to [[Shiva]] which can be found all across India including the [[Kashi Vishwanath Temple]], [[Varanasi]] and the [[Kal Bhairav temple, Ujjain|Kal Bhairava temple, Ujjain]]. The Patal Bhairava and Vikrant Bhairava shrines are located in [[Ujjain]] as well.<ref>{{cite book |title=Hindu Pilgrimage: A Journey Through the Holy Places of Hindus All Over India|author= Bansal, Sunita Pant |publisher=Pustak Mahal|year= 2008|isbn=978-8122309973 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lzPCOVQGP3wC&pg=PT94 }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Banaras: City of Light|author=Diana L. Eck |author-link=Diana L. Eck|publisher=Taylor & Francis|year=1982|isbn=0710202369 |pages=192–3 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cM09AAAAIAAJ&pg=PA193 }}</ref>

One of the ancient temples of Kala Bhairava is situated in Dhuri city (District [[Sangrur district|Sangrur]]), [[Punjab, India|Punjab]]. The idol of ''Kala Bhairava'' in the temple was found hundreds of years ago. The temple has been managed by "Baba Shri Pritam Muni Ji" for many years. It is believed that ''Kala Bhairava Ji'' resides here.

Gorat Kashmiris are known to worship Bhairava during [[Maha Shivaratri|Shivratri]].<ref>{{cite book |title=The Castes and Tribes of H.E.H. the Nizam's Dominions, Vol. 1|author=Ul Hassan, Syed Siraj |publisher=Asian Educational Services|year=1920|isbn=8120604881 |page=482 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lYSd-3yL9h0C&pg=PA482 }}</ref> The renowned Hindu reformer, [[Adi Sankara]] composed a hymn on ''Kala Bhairava'' called ''"Sri Kalabhairava Ashtakam"'' in the city of [[Varanasi|Kashi]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hindubhakti.blogspot.com/2011/08/kala-bhairava-ashtakam.html|title=Hindu Bhakti|work=hindubhakti.blogspot.com|date=27 August 2011|access-date=14 April 2015}}</ref>

==Observances==
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''[[Bhairava Ashtami]]'', commemorating the day ''Kala Bhairava'' appeared on earth, is celebrated on [[Krishna paksha]] [[Ashtami]] of the [[Margashirsh]]a month of the [[Hindu calendar]]. It is a day filled with special prayers and rituals.<ref>{{cite book |title=Religious Basis Of Hindu Beliefs|author =Dwivedi, Bhojraj |publisher=Diamond Pocket Books |year= 2006|isbn=8128812394 |page=172 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7wmqKuHFWWgC&q=Kal+Bhairav&pg=PA172}}</ref>

==Iconography==
Bhairava is depicted as being ornamented with a range of twisted serpents, which serve as earrings, bracelets, anklets, and sacred thread ([[yajnopavita]]). He wears a tiger skin and a ritual apron composed of human bones.<ref name="ASIA-SI">[http://www.asia.si.edu/collections/singleObject.cfm?ObjectId=27267 Bhairava statuette] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110130031628/http://www.asia.si.edu/collections/singleObject.cfm?ObjectId=27267 |date=30 January 2011 }} in copper from 15th–16th century Nepal, in collection of [[Smithsonian Institution]]. Accessed August 11, 2007.</ref> Bhairava has a [[Dogs in religion|dog]] ([[Shvan]]) as his divine ''[[vahana]]'' (vehicle). [[Bhairavi]] is a fierce and terrifying aspect of the [[Devi]] who is virtually indistinguishable from [[Kali]], with the exception of her particular identification as the consort of Bhairava.<ref>Christ, Carol P. (1989). "Symbols of Goddess and God in Feminist Theology", in Carl Olson (Ed.) ''The Book of the Goddess: Past and Present''. New York: Crossroads. {{ISBN|1577662733}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | last=Dalmiya | first=Vrinda | title=Loving Paradoxes: A Feminist Reclamation of the Goddess Kali | journal=Hypatia |jstor=3810514 | volume=15 | issue=1 | year=2000 | doi=10.1111/j.1527-2001.2000.tb01082.x | pages=125–150| s2cid=143596725 }}</ref>

Bhairava himself has eight manifestations i.e. [[Ashta Bhairavar|Ashta Bhairava]]:

* Asithaanga Bhairava
* Ruru Bhairava
* Chanda Bhairava
* Krodha Bhairava
* Unmattha Bhairava
* Kapaala Bhairava
* Bheeshana Bhairava
* Samhaara Bhairava

''Kala Bhairava'' is conceptualized as the Guru-Nath (Teacher and Master) of the planetary deity [[Shani]] (Saturn).<ref>[https://m.dinamalar.com/temple_detail.php?id=2699 பைரவரைப் போற்றும் தேவாரப் பதிகம்]</ref><ref>[https://temple.dinamalar.com/Slogandetails.php?id=2062 பைரவர்]</ref>

Bhairava is known as Bhairavar or Vairavar in [[Tamil language|Tamil]], where he is often presented as a [[Grama devata]] or village guardian who safeguards the devotee in eight directions (''ettu tikku''). Known in [[Sinhala language|Sinhalese]] as Bahirawa, he is said to protect treasures. Lord Bhairava is the main deity worshipped by the [[Aghori|Aghora sect]].<ref>Harper, Katherine Anne, and Brown, Robert L. (Eds) (2002). ''The Roots of Tantra''. Albany: State University of New York Press.</ref>

<gallery widths="200px" heights="200px">
File:Rakta Bhairava.jpg|Rakta Bhairava
File:Swetabhairabadhkl.jpg|Dancer dressed as Sveta Bhairava from [[Bhaktapur]], [[Nepal]].
</gallery>

==Temples==
{{main|List of Bhairava temples}}
[[File:SwetaBhairav-Sfxr.jpg|thumb|Reflection of blue sky on mask of Shwet Bhairava at Basantapur, Kathmandu, Nepal]]

Bhairava is an important deity of the [[Newar]]s. All the traditional settlements of Newars have at least one temple of Bhairava. Most of the temples of Bhairava in [[Nepal]] are maintained by Newar priests. There are several Bhairava temples in the [[Kathmandu]] valley.<ref>{{cite book|title=Encyclopedia of Hinduism|chapter=Hindus in Nepal|page= 554|editor1=Cush, Denise |editor2=Robinson, Catherine |editor3=York, Michael |year=2012|publisher= Routledge|isbn=9781135189792}}</ref>

In south [[Karnataka]], Lord ''Sri Kalabhairaveshwara'' is present as ''Kshetra Palaka'' in [[Adichunchanagiri Hills|Sri Adichunchanagiri Hills]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://shaligramrudraksha.com/?page_id=2024|title=Bhairav Temple – Lord Bhairo Baba|work=shaligramrudraksha.com|access-date=14 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150315002356/http://shaligramrudraksha.com/?page_id=2024|archive-date=15 March 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

''Kala Bhairava'' temples can also be found around [[Shakti Peethas|''Shaktipeeths'']]. 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. Traditionally, ''Kala Bhairava'' is the ''[[Grama devata]]'' in the rural villages of [[Maharashtra]], where he is referred to as "Bhairava/Bhairavnath" and "Bairavar". In Karnataka, Lord Bhairava is the supreme God for the Hindu community commonly referred to as [[Vokkaliga]]s ([[Gowda (caste)|Gowdas]]). Especially in the Jogi Vokkaliga, he is considered the caretaker and punisher.<ref>{{cite book | title=Bhairava in Banaras: Negotiating Sacred Space and Religious Identity |author1=Chalier-Visuvalingam, Elizabeth |author2=Sunthar Visuvalingam |name-list-style=amp | year=2006 | place=Wiesbaden, Germany|publisher= Harrassowitz}}</ref> [[Shri Kala Bhairava Nath Swami Temple]] of [[Madhya Pradesh]] is also popular.

==See also==
* [[Adichunchanagiri Hills]]
* [[Akash Bhairav|Akash Bhairava]]
* [[Bhairab Naach]]
* [[Kshetrapala]]
* [[Muthappan]]
* [[Sirkazhi]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Cited sources==
*{{cite book|ref=Hiltebeitel|editor=Hiltebeitel, Alf|year=1989|title=Criminal Gods and Demon Devotees: Essays on the Guardians of Popular Hinduism|place=Albany|publisher=State University of New York Press|isbn=0887069827}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Bhairava}}
* [http://www.npsin.in/mandir/Prachin-Kaal-Bhairav-Mandir Shri Kala Bhairava Mandir, New Delhi] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170129000042/http://www.npsin.in/mandir/prachin-kaal-bhairav-mandir |date=29 January 2017 }}

{{Shaivism}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Dogs in Hinduism]]
[[Category:Forms of Shiva]]
[[Category:Heavenly attendants in Jainism]]
[[Category:Hindu tantric deities]]
[[Category:Mythological dogs]]
[[Category:Newar]]
[[Category:Night gods]]

Bhairava - Revision history

LukasBeg27134: basic cleaned up structure to improve readability

Ajay Kumar: Created a new article