Kala Bhairavar
Kala Bhairavar (also spelt Kala Bhairava) is a fierce and powerful manifestation of Lord Siva in Hindu tradition. He is associated with “Time” (kala), death, protection, and the annihilation of evil. His name can be translated as “the Terrifying Form of Time” or “Lord of Time and Death.”
Key aspects of Kala Bhairava:
1. Etymology and Meaning
- Kala means both "time" and "death" in
Sanskrit.
- Bhairava is derived from “bhiru” (fearful or terrifying),
signifying a dreadful form that destroys evil.
2. Origin
According to various puraṇic accounts, Kala Bhairava emerged
from Siva’s anger when Brahma lied about his supremacy. To humble Brahma, Siva
created Bhairava, who severed Brahma’s fifth head, an act symbolising the
destruction of ego and falsehood.
The origin of Bhairava is traced to a conversation between Brahma and Vishnu, as described in the Shiva Purana.
To resolve the dispute regarding superiority between Brahma and Vishnu, Shiva manifested Himself as a pillar of light. Brahma, dishonestly proclaiming his victory, asserted that he had discovered the upper extremity of the pillar. In punishment for his falsehood 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." Thereupon, Bhairava decapitated the fifth head of Brahma for uttering the falsehood. Vishnu interceded on Brahma’s behalf and sought mercy, whereupon both deities worshipped Shiva.
Having committed the sin of brahmahatya (the murder of a Brahmin) by severing Brahma’s head, Bhairava was pursued by the terrible female personification of the sin. The skull of Brahma remained affixed to his hand. In order to expiate himself of the sin, Bhairava roamed the three worlds. He visited Vaikuntha, where he was honoured by Vishnu and Lakshmi. Upon visiting Kashi, the city of the liberated, Bhairava was freed from brahmahatya, and the skull of Brahma was released from his hand.
In another purana, Brahma is said to have commanded Vishnu to worship him as the supreme creator of the universe. Observing that both Shiva and he possessed five heads, Brahma came to believe himself identical to Shiva and equal to His powers. When Brahma’s arrogance began to imperil the cosmic order, Shiva cast a lock of His hair upon the ground. This lock assumed the form of Bhairava, who thereupon decapitated one of Brahma’s heads. When the skull (kapala) of Brahma came to be held in Bhairava’s hand, the creator deity’s ego was destroyed, and he became enlightened. In the form of Bhairava, Shiva is said to guard each of the Shakti Pithas (a group of temples dedicated to the goddess Shakti). Each Shakti Pitha is accompanied by a temple dedicated to Bhairava, save for the Kamakhya Temple.
3. Role and Symbolism
- He is regarded as the guardian of time, reminding devotees
of the impermanence of life.
- A “protector of sacred spaces”, especially “temples and
pilgrimage routes”.
- Worshipped for “protection from untimely death”, “relief
from planetary afflictions (graha dosha)”, and success in ventures.
4. Iconography
- Often depicted as dark-complexioned, with a terrifying
visage, fangs, and flaming hair.
- Carries weapons such as trident (trisula), drum (ḍamaru),
and skull cup (kapala).
- Frequently shown accompanied by a dog, which is both his vahana
(vehicle) and a symbol of loyalty and alertness.
5. Temples and Worship
- Especially revered in South India, Nepal, and Kashi
(Varanasi).
- Worshipped particularly on Kalaṣṭami days (the eighth day
after the full moon).
- In some Saiva sects and Tantric traditions, Kala Bhairava
is a key deity for protection and inner transformation.
1. Siva Puraṇa
- Origin of Bhairava: In the Siva Puraṇa (Rudra Samhita, Sṛṣṭi
Khaṇḍa), when Brahma develops arrogance and falsely claims supremacy, Siva
creates Bhairava from his own body to punish Brahma. Bhairava severs Brahma’s
fifth head, symbolising the destruction of ego and false knowledge.
- This act is not out of wrath alone but to restore cosmic
balance, as Brahma had overstepped dharma.
“Tataḥ kopagnina dagdhaḥ kapalaṁ paṇina hṛtam |
Bhairaveṇa mahādevena brahmaṇaḥ sirasa saha ||”
Siva Puraṇa, Rudra Saṃhita
Translation: “Then, consumed by the fire of rage, Bhairava
seized and removed the skull along with Brahma’s head.
2. Kalika Puraṇa
- The Kalika Puraṇa extols Kala Bhairava as “Kṣetrapala –
the guardian of sacred territories. He is invoked to protect devotees entering
temples and performing Tantric rites.
- This Puraṇa also associates him with “Ugra-tattva”, the
fierce principle needed for inner purification and overcoming lower impulses.
Kalika Puraṇa, Chapter 31
Translation: “Bhairava is the eternal guardian of the field (kshetra), a portion of Siva Himself.”
3. Tantra Texts (e.g., Rudrayamala Tantra, Bhairava Tantra)
- In Tantric Saivism, especially in the “Kapalika and Kaula”
traditions, Kala Bhairava is a central deity.
- The “Rudrayamala Tantra” describes elaborate Bhairava sadhanas
(ritual worship), including mantras, yantras, and offerings. Bhairava is
invoked for mastery over time and space, and liberation from bondage (mokṣa).
1. Ritual Worship (Puja)
- Days of Worship: Kalaṣṭami (the 8th day of the waning moon
each month), especially during the Margasirṣa month (Nov–Dec), is considered
highly auspicious.
- Offerings:
- Mustard oil
lamps
- Black sesame seeds
- Flowers,
especially blue and red ones
- Ghee lamps and incense
The practice of offering alcohol and meat is strictly
forbidden.
2. Prayers and Hymns
- Kala Bhairava Aṣṭakam by Sri Adi Sankaracarya is a famous
devotional hymn:
“Deva-raja sevya-māna pāvanaṅghri-paṅkajaṁ
Vyāla-yajña sūtra-miṇḍu-śekharaṁ kṛpākaraṁ
Nāradādi yogi vṛnda vanditaṁ digambaraṁ
Kāśikā-pura adhinātha kāla-bhairavaṁ bhaje”
Translation: “I worship Kāla Bhairava, the ruler of Kashi, whose lotus feet are worshipped by Indra, who wears the sacred thread of snakes, who has the moon on his forehead, who is kind and is worshipped by sages like Nārada…”
3. Famous Temples
a. Kashi (Varanasi) – Sri Kala Bhairava Temple
- Considered the chief guardian (Kṣetrapala) of the sacred
city. No pilgrimage to Kashi is considered complete without visiting this
temple.
- The deity grants protection, guard against time-based
afflictions, and ensure spiritual discipline.
b. Adi Kailash (Tamil Nadu) – Adi Kailasanatha Bhairava Temple
- Revered in South Indian Saiva Siddhanta, with rituals
rooted in Agamic traditions.
Spiritual and Philosophical Significance
- Bhairava represents transcendence over death and ego.
- His form teaches devotees the necessity of time
consciousness, discipline, and fearlessness.
- He is often considered the inner guardian of yogic
consciousness, especially for those practising Aghora, Natha, or Kapalika
paths.
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