21 Facts About Bhairava

1.

In Trika system Bhairava represents Supreme Reality, synonymous to Para Brahman.

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2.

Bhairava is worshiped throughout India, Nepal and Sri Lanka as well as in Tibetan Buddhism.

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3.

Therefore, Bhairava is the one who creates, sustains and dissolves the three stages of life.

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4.

Origin of Bhairava can be traced to a conversation between Brahma and Vishnu which is recounted in the Shiva Mahapuranam.

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5.

Since Bhairava was thus created by Shiva, he is said to be one of the sons of Shiva.

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6.

Normally in Shiva temples, idols of Bhairava are situated in the north, facing Western direction.

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7.

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

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8.

Bhairava has four hands, one of which he holds a golden vessel.

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9.

Bhairava is called upon as protector, as he guards the eight directions of the universe.

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10.

Bhairava is described as the protector of the timid and in general women who are timid in nature.

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11.

The Vijnana Bhairava Tantra is a key Tantra text of the Trika System.

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12.

Bhairavi, the goddess, asks Bhairava to reveal the essence of the way to realization of the highest reality.

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13.

The various buddhist forms of Bhairava are considered fierce deities and yidams in Tibetan Buddhism.

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14.

The tantric practices associated with Bhairava focus on the transformation of anger and hatred into understanding.

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15.

Temples or shrines to Bhairava are present within or near most Jyotirlinga temples.

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16.

The renowned Hindu reformer, Adi Sankara composed a hymn on Kala Bhairava called "Sri Kalabhairava Ashtakam" in the city of Kashi.

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17.

Bhairava Ashtami, commemorating the day Kala Bhairava appeared on earth, is celebrated on Krishna paksha Ashtami of the Margashirsha month of the Hindu calendar.

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18.

Bhairava is depicted as being ornamented with a range of twisted serpents, which serve as earrings, bracelets, anklets, and sacred thread .

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19.

Bhairava wears a tiger skin and a ritual apron composed of human bones.

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20.

Kala Bhairava is conceptualized as the Guru of the planetary deity, Shani .

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21.

In Karnataka, Lord Bhairava is the supreme God for the Hindu community commonly referred to as Vokkaligas .

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