Bhairava
Bhairava (Sanskrit: भैरव, lit. 'frightful'), or Kala Bhairava, is a Shaivite and Vajrayāna deity worshipped by Hindus and Buddhists. In Shaivism, he is a powerful manifestation, or avatar, of Shiva, associated with annihilation. In the tradition of Kashmir Shaivism, Bhairava represents the Supreme Reality, synonymous to Para Brahman. 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, "he whose vehicle is a dog". In Vajrayana Buddhism, he is considered a fierce emanation of boddhisatva Mañjuśrī, and also called Heruka, Vajrabhairava, and Yamantaka.
| Bhairava | |
|---|---|
12th-century Bhairava sculpture | |
| Affiliation | Shiva |
| Mantra | ॐ भैरवाय नमः ॥ oṁ bhairavāya namaḥ |
| Weapon | Trishula, Khaṭvāṅga, Sword, Kapala, Sickle, Vajra, Noose, Pinaka bow, Pashupatastra arrow, Pestle and Damaru |
| Day | Tuesday and Sunday |
| Number | 33 |
| Mount | Dog |
| Festivals | Bhairava Ashtami |
| Consort | Bhairavi |
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Bhairava is worshipped throughout India, Nepal, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Japan, as well as in Tibetan Buddhism.