Bhairava is an angry manifestation of Lord Shiva, the great destroyer. He possesses the ability to eradicate evil, remove bad energy, and transmit fortunate vibrations across the universe. There are up to 64 Bhairavas, who are supposed to be the protectors of the cardinal points and directions. Kala Bhairava is considered the head of the Bhairavas as well as the supreme ruler of all time. The dog, who is also Bhairava’s buddy, serves as his transport.

Of the numerous Bhairavas, eight are particularly significant and are regarded as highly important incarnations of Shiva. These major forms are collectively referred to as Ashta Bhairavas or the eight-Bhairava aspects. They are thought to be the rulers of the eight directions. Samhara Bhairava is the eighth and last of the Ashta Bhairava aspects.

Bhairava’s Legend

One of the noteworthy traditions concerning Bhairava’s appearance is presented in the Shiva Purana.

Brahma and Vishnu once argued over who was the greater of the two gods. Lord Shiva was sent to mediate the situation, but he appeared to have a different agenda. He just changed himself into a massive pillar of light that reached beyond all bounds and towered above them. He then announced that whoever finds its ends will undoubtedly be the winner. Vishnu adopted the form of a wild boar and proceeded to dig for the bottom end, but he was unsuccessful. Meanwhile, Brahma took on the form of a swan and began soaring skyward in search of the upper end. But he, too, was unable to go anywhere near his target. While Vishnu realized his incapacity, Brahma began bragging about reaching the summit of that incredible column of light. To back up his claim, he displayed the Ketaki flower as proof of having reached the top and picked it up from there.

But in truth, the flower was only dropping from the top, and Brahma had only discovered it mid-way. Shiva then chose to tell the truth and came from the limitless light, declaring that Brahma’s claim was completely incorrect and chastising the creator for his dishonesty. From his third eye, he developed the terrifying Bhairava form. Bhairava, the furious God of Creation, punished him by simply ripping out his fifth head, which truly proclaimed the lie. Brahma was so appropriately reprimanded. He then apologized for his error and bowed before Shiva in sorrow for his deception and crime.

It is also believed that Brahma’s severed skull became firmly glued to Bhairava’s hands and that he had to move from place to place, seeking to get free of the humiliating weight. Bhikshadana, the mendicant, came to be known as Bhairava Shiva as he went around seeking alms in the severed skull so that it may get full and fall off his hands on its own. Lord Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi eventually supplied him with food that could fill the cranium and separate it from his hands. Bhairava was therefore fully free of his illness. As a result, this Lord is sometimes viewed as a roaming manifestation of Shiva.

The Characteristics of Ashta Bhairava

The eight prominent forms of Bhiarava, Ashta Bhairava, continue to be the most popularly worshipped Bhairava aspects of Lord Shiva. Though they are usually worshipped and ritualized jointly, they are nonetheless different divinities with distinct qualities. They are thought to symbolize the five basic elements of air, water, fire, earth, and space, as well as the Sun, Moon, and the soul, Atma. Asitanga Bhairava, Ruru Bhairava, Chanda Bhairava, Krotha Bhairava, Unmatha Bhairava, Kapala Bhairava, Bheeshana Bhairava, and Samhara Bhairava are the names of these eight Gods.

Bhairava Samhara

The eighth and last Ashta Bhairava is Samhara Bhairava. He has the appearance of lightning. Though he is represented in numerous ways, his ten-armed appearance is the most impressive. He wields many weapons and items commonly associated with other Gods, such as the trident, elephant-goad, conch, discus, mace, mini-drum, and so on. The dog serves as his horse, and he is looking northeast. Goddess Chandi is his consort.

The Swetharanyeswarar temple in Thiruvenkadu, Tamil Nadu’s Nagapattinam district, and the Vairavan Swamy temple in Vairavanpatti, Tamil Nadu’s Sivaganga district, are both temples devoted to Samhara Bhairava. People can come here to worship the Lord and get his blessings for their well-being.