Ashta Bhairava

Ashta Bhairavas ("Eight Bhairavas") are eight manifestations of the Hindu god Bhairava, a ferocious aspect of the god Shiva. They guard and control the eight directions. Each Bhairava has seven sub Bhairavas under him. All of the Bhairavas are ruled and controlled by Maha Kala Bhairava (shown in picture), who is considered the supreme ruler of time of the universe and the chief form of Bhairava.

Maha Kala Bhairava

Listed below are the Ashta Bhairava, along with their ruling goddesses, their vahana (mount), and the direction each guards. Also given are their lucky stones, and the consecrated temples in Tamil Nadu, India, where people born on the listed nakshatras get the Ashta Bhairava’s favours and Dosha Nivritti (remedies for problems).

The Ashta Bhairavas, all 8 of them, can be seen at Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sattainathar Temple, Sirkazhi & Aragalur Sri Kamanada Eswar Temple, Shri Mahabairavar Rudra Aalayam, Chengalpattu.

Asithanga Bhairava

This form is white complexioned and has four arms. In his four hands, he holds the rosary, kamandal, sword and skull cup.

Ruru Bhairava

This form is light blue complexioned and has four arms. In his four arms he holds the deer, axe, sword and bowl.

  • Ruling goddess/Consort: Maheshvari
  • Vahana: Ox
  • Direction: Southeast
  • Temple: Rathnagiriswarar Temple, Thirumarugal
  • Nakshatram/ Birth Star: Karthikai, Uthiradam, Uthiram
  • Stone: Ruby
  • Ruling god : Shiva
  • Governs Graha: Shukra (Venus)

Chanda Bhairava

This form is fair complexioned and has four arms. The bow, arrow, sword and bowl are held in these arms.

Krodha Bhairava

This form is dark blue complexioned and has four arms in which he holds the conch, discus, mace and bowl.

Unmatta Bhairava

This form is golden complexioned and has four arms in which he holds the sword, skull cup, pestle and shield.

Kapala Bhairava

This form has a shining-yellow complexion and has four arms in which he holds the thunderbolt, noose, sword and bowl.

  • Ruling goddess/Consort: Indrani
  • Vahana: Elephant
  • Direction: North-West
  • Temple: Thiruvirkudi, Thirupanthuruthi
  • Nakshatram/ Birth Star: Bharani, Pooram, Puradam
  • Stone: Diamond
  • Governs Graha: Chandra (Moon)

Bheeshana Bhairava

This form is blood-red complexioned and has four arms in which the sword, skull cup, trident and pestle are held.

Samhara 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.

References
  1. Kanniks Kannikeswaran. "Sirkali Bhramapureeswarar -Thoniappar Temple - Shivastalam". Templenet.com. Retrieved 2012-09-01.
  2. "Thiru Kandiyur". Temples of Tamilnadu. 30 April 2010. Retrieved 2012-09-01.
  3. "Navagraha Temples|Tamilnadu Temples Information website|". Kumbakonam-temples.blogspot.sg. Retrieved 2012-09-01.
  4. Krishnan, Shamala (2009-02-10). "Ancient Temples of India: kundrakudi and Vairavan temple, Thirupathore, Madurai". Ancientindiantemple.blogspot.sg. Retrieved 2012-09-01.
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