WHAT IS THE MYSTERY OF ASHTA-BHAIRAV?
THE MEANING OF ASHTA-BHAIRAV;-
03 FACTS;-
1-Bhairava originates from the word bhīru, which means "fearful". Bhairava means "terribly fearful 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. Bhairava protects his devotees from these enemies. These enemies are dangerous as they never allow humans to seek God within.
2-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.Bhairava is the ferocious form of Lord Shiva, the supreme God of destruction. He has the power to obliterate evil, destroy adverse energies and spread positivity around.
3-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. 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 Śhiva, who is called the Mahā Bhairava.
THE LEGEND OF BHAIRAVA ;-
04 FACTS;-
1-The origin of Bhairava can be traced to a conversation between Brahma and Vishnu which is recounted in the Shiva Mahapuranam. 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.
2-Additionally, he began to forget the work of Shiva and also started interfering in what Shiva was supposed to be doing.Consequently, Mahadeva (Shiva) threw a small nail from his finger 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 temples). Each Shaktipeeth is accompanied by a temple dedicated to Bhairava.
3-There is another school of thought which says that Shiva himself created Bhairava. There was one demon by name Dahurāsuraṇ 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 demon. After killing the demon, her wrath metamorphosed (to change into a completely different form) 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 (Aṣṭāṅga Bhairavas). Since Bhairava was thus created by Shiva, he is said to be one of the sons of Shiva.
4-Puranas too give different versions of Bhairava. In this version there was a war between gods and demons. To eradicate the demons, Shiva created Kala Bhairava from whom Aṣṭāṅga Bhairavas were created. These Ashta Bhairavas married Ashta Matrikas. These Ashta Bhairavas and Ashta Matrikas have dreadful forms. From these Ashta Bhairavas and Ashta Matrikas, 64 Bhairavas and 64 Yoginis were created.
THE IMPORTANCE OF ASHTA BHAIRAVA;-
06 FACTS;-
1-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 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 Maha Swarna Kala Bhairava otherwise known as Kala Bhairava, who is the supreme ruler of time of this universe as per some Śaiva tantric scriptures (āgamas).
2-Bhairavi is the consort of Kala Bhairava. 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 vāhanas (vehicles) and they bless their devotees with eight types of wealth representing Ashta Lakshmis. Continuous worship of Bhairava leads the worshiper to a true Guru. There are separate mantras to all the eight Bhairavas.
3-Ashta Bhairava (“Eight Bhairavas”) are eight manifestations of the Bhairava. They guard and control the eight directions. Each Bhairava has eight sub Bhairavas under him.Ashta Bhairavas are as follows:
3-1-Asithaanga Bhairava
3-2-Ruru Bhairava
3-3-Chanda Bhairava
3-4-Krodha Bhairava
3-5-Unmattha Bhairava
3-6-Kapaala Bhairava
3-7-Bheeshana Bhairava
3-8-Sanhaara Bhairava
4-Then there is a concept of Ashta-Matrikas which are as follows:
4-1-Brahmani
4-2-Vaishnavi
4-3-Maheshvari
4-4-Indrani
4-5-Kaumari
4-6-Varahi
4-7-Chamunda
4-8-Narasimhi
5-Normally in Shiva temples, idols of Bhairava are situated in the north, facing southern direction. He is also called Kṣhetrapāla. He appears in a standing position with four hands. His weapons are drum, pāśa (noose), trident and skull. In some forms of Bhairava, there are more than four hands. He appears without dress and with a dog. His weapons, the dog, protruding teeth, terrifying looks, and a garland with red flowers all give him a frightening appearance.
6-In all Shiva temples, regular puja (reverence) rituals begin with Surya and end with Bhairava. Bhairava likes 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.
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THE EIGHT MANIFESTATIONS OF KAAL BHAIRAVA(The Features):-
06 FACTS;-
1-Ashta Bhairav are eight manifestations of Kaal Bhairav. They are the guardians and controller of eight directions. Each Bhairav has eight sub Bhairavs under him. So there are 64 Bhairavs in total. All of the Bhairavs are ruled and controlled by Maha Kala Bhairava/Maha Swarna Kala Bhairava, who is considered the supreme ruler of time of the universe and the chief form of Bhairava.
2-Ashta Bhairava, the 8 famous forms of Bhiarava remain as the widely worshipped Bhairava aspects of Lord Shiva. Though they are normally taken together for many rituals and worships, they are unique Godly beings with distinct characteristics of their own. They are said to represent the 5 fundamental elements of air, water, fire, earth and space, and also the Sun, the Moon and Atma, the soul.
3-These tremendous energies emphasize why it is important to honour Kala Bhairava, the Lord of Time. He is shown carrying Brahma’s decapitated head. Since he killed a Brahmin, Shiva was forced to carry this skull and roam as Bhikshatana until his sins were absolved in Kashi.
4-In the rural settings, Bhairava is a grama devata. In the South and among Tamil speaking bhaktas, He is known as Vairavar or Annadhani. He is the care-taker and punisher. Iconographically, Bhairava is accompanied by his dog, Shvan. His consort is Bhairavi, another fierce and terrifying aspect of Goddess Devi.
5-These Ashta Bhairava’s got married to Ashta Matrikas. These Ashta Bhairava’s and Ashta Matrika’s have dreadful forms. From these Ashta Bhairava’s and Ashta Matrika’s, 64 Bhairava’s and 64 Yogini’s were created.
6-MAHA SWARN KALA BHAIRAVA...Swarna Kala Bhairava is the ultimate form of manifestation or pure "I" consciousness. 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.The Swarna Akarshana Bhairava is a benevolent form whose name means Gold attracting Bhairava, i.e. when appeased this form of Lord Bhairava will grant the devotees with gold.Swarna Akarshana Bhairava is also known as Dhanakarshana Bhairava.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.
ASHTA BHAIRAVA;-
08 FACTS;-
1-SHRI ASITANGA BHAIRAVA;-
This form is white complexioned and has four arms. In his four hands, he holds the rosary, kamandal, sword and skull cup.The Asidanga Bhairava bestows one with creative ability.
Ruling goddess/Consort: Brahmi
Vahana: Swan
Direction: East
Temple: Sattanathar Temple, Sirkazhi and Brahma Sira Kandeeswarar Temple, Thirukandiyur.
Nakshatram/ Birth Star: Punarpoosam, Visakam, Purattadhi
2-SHRI RURU BHAIRAVA;-
02 POINTS;-
1-This form is light blue complexioned and has four arms. In his four arms he holds the deer, axe, sword and bowl. Ruru Bhairava is the second among the Ashta Bhairavas. He is depicted as fair-complexioned, is in a standing posture and is decorated with many ornaments, made predominantly of rubies. In his 4 arms, he holds things like rosary, book, veena, the musical instrument and an elephant goad.He acts as the divine educator.
2-There are also images that show him as holding the axe and the stag, just like Shiva. His mount is Rishaba, the Ox, while he is facing south-east. Goddess Maheshwari is his divine consort.Ruru Bhairava is regarded a divine teacher or a preceptor. It is believed that his grace can make people strong and influential, so that they can overcome enemies and hold sway over others.
Ruling goddess/Consort: Maheshvari
Vahana: Ox
Direction: Southeast
Temple: Rathnagiriswarar Temple, Thirumarugal
Nakshatram/ Birth Star: Karthikai, Uthiradam, Uthiram
3-SHRI CHANDA BHAIRAVA;-
This form is fair complexioned and has four arms. The bow, arrow, sword and bowl are held in these arms.Chanda Bhairava bestows one with incredible energy to overcome adversaries and rivals.
Ruling goddess/Consort: Kaumari
Vahana: Peacock
Direction: South
Temple: Vaitheeswaran Koil
Nakshatram/ Birth Star: Mrgaseersham, Chithirai, Avittam
4-SHRI KRODHA BHAIRAVA;-
This form is dark blue complexioned and has four arms in which he holds the conch, discus, mace and bowl.Kroda Bhairava grants one the power to take initiatives.
Ruling goddess/Consort: Vaishnavi
Vahana: Eagle
Direction: South-West
Temple: Thiruvisanallur, Thirunaraiyur
Nakshatram/ Birth Star: Rohini, Hastham, Thiruvonam
5-SHRI UNMATTHA BHAIRAVA;-
This form is golden complexioned and has four arms in which he holds the sword, skull cup, pestle and shield.Unmatta Bhairava helps an individual control their ego and arrogance, narcissism.
Ruling goddess/Consort: Varahi
Vahana: Horse
Direction: West
Temple: Thiruveezhimizhalai
6-SHRI KAPAALA BHAIRAVA;-
This form has a shining-yellow complexion and has four arms in which he holds the thunderbolt, noose, sword and bowl.Kapala Bhairava puts an end to all thankless work and action.
Ruling goddess/Consort: Indrani
Vahana: Elephant
Direction: North-West
Temple: Thiruvirkudi, Thirupanthuruthi
Nakshatram/ Birth Star: Bharani, Pooram, Puradam
Stone: Diamond
7-SHRI BHEESHANA BHAIRAVA;-
This form is blood-red complexioned and has four arms in which the sword, skull cup, trident and pestle are held.Bhishana Bhairava nullifies the evil influences, spirits and all negativity.
Ruling goddess/Consort: Chamunda
Vahana: Preta
Direction: North
Temple: Rameswaram, Piranmalai
Nakshatram/ Birth Star: Thiruvadhirai, Swati, Sadayam, Ashwini, Magha, Mula
8-SHRI SANHARA BHAIRAVA;-
This form has a lightning-yellow-orange complexion and has ten arms in which he holds the trident, drum, conch, mace, discus, sword, bowl, skull-topped staff, noose and a goad.Sanhara Bhairava helps to achieve complete dissolution of negative karmas of the past.
Ruling goddess/Consort: Chandi
Vahana: Lion
Direction: Northeast
Temple: Thiruvenkadu, Kolli Malai, Vairavanpatti, Hosur
Nakshatram/ Birth Star: Ayilyam, Ketai, Revathi
ASHTA BHAIRAV MANTRAS;-
There's nothing more precious than time. So intelligent humans should use every moment effectively, ane be conscious of the spiritual path. And those who want to do this, have the divine help of Lord Kala Bhairava, if they pray for it sincerely. Lord Kala Bhairava worship is very important in this Kali Yuga. Chanting of Bhairava mantras provide all the comfots to sadhaka. Please find below powerful Bhairav mantras :-
MOOLA MANTRAS;- 1) Asitanga Bhairava: Om Hreem Hraam Hreem Hrum Jam Klaam Kleem Klum Brahmi Devi Samethyaya Asithanga Bhairavaya Sarva Shaap Nivarthithaya Om Hreem Phat Swahaa
2) Ruru Bhairava: Om Hreem Shreem Kleem Shreem Shreem Kleem Shreem Sarva Raja Vashikaraya Sarva Jana Mohanaya Sarva Vashya Sheegram Sheegram Shreem Kleem Shreem Svaha
3) Chanda Bhairava: Om Hreem Sarva Shakti Ruupaya Neela Varnaya Maha Chanda Bhairavaya Namaha
4) Krodha Bhairava: Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Hreem Kleem Sarva Vighna Nivaranaya Maha Krodha Bhairavaya Namaha
5) Unmatta Bhairava: Om Hreem Vaaraahi Samethaya Maha Unmattha Bhairavaaya Hreem Om Svahaa
6) Kapala Bhairava: Om Hreem Kreem Hreem Sreem Kapala Bhairavaya Namaha
7) Bhishana Bhairava: Om Hreem Bheeshana Bhairavaya Sarva Saaba Nivaranaya Mama Vasham Kuru Kuru Svaaha
8) Samhara Bhairava: Om Namo Bhagavate Saṁhara Bhairavay Bhuta Preta Pisaca Brahma Rakṣasan Uccaṭaya Uccaṭaya Samharaya Samharaya Sarva Bhaya Chedanam Kuru Kuru Svaha |
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1-ॐ श्री बम् बटुक भैरवाय नमः “
2-ॐ ह्रीं बटुकाय आपदुद्धारणाय कुरु कुरु बटुकाय ह्रीं
3-ॐ क्रीं क्रीं कालभैरवाय फट
4-ॐ हं षं नं गं कं सं खं महाकाल भैरवाय नम:
5-ॐ काल भैरवाय नमः
6-ॐ श्री भैरवाय नमः
7-अतिक्रूर महाकाय कल्पान्त दहनोपम्, भैरव नमस्तुभ्यं अनुज्ञा दातुमर्हसि
इस मंत्र को रोज ग्यारह बार जपने से उसका अभीष्ट जरूर मिलता है। 8-ॐ भयहरणं च भैरव: ||
ये मंत्र समस्त प्रकार की बाधाओं के संहार में सहायक अति तीव्र भैरव मन्त्र है
9-ऊं ह्रीं बटुकाय आपदुद्धारणाय कुरूकुरू बटुकाय ह्रीं। शत्रु बाधा निवारण हेतु ये मंत्र बहुत कारगर है
10-ॐ भ्रां कालभैरवाय फट्
साधना विधि;-
काले रंग का वस्त्र पहनकर तथा काले रंग का ही आसन बिछाकर, दक्षिण दिशा की और मुंह करके बैठे तथा उपरोक्त मन्त्र की 108 माला रात्रि को करें।
लाभ – इस साधना से भय का विनाश होता है। ध्यान के बाद इस मंत्र का जप करने का विधान है।
...SHIVOHAM...