Form · Shaiva · Pan-India

Bhairava

Also called: Kala Bhairava, Mahakala Bhairava

Shiva's terrifying form. In the Lingodbhava cycle he cuts off Brahma's fifth head and wanders with the skull until Kashi frees him (that story is filed with the Trimurti interactions); at Elephanta the slaying of Andhaka is carved with Shiva as Bhairava. Guardian of Kashi and of many Shakti Peethas.

terror beheading guardian

Sources: Lingodbhava — Wikipedia; Elephanta Caves — Wikipedia; Mahakala — Wikipedia · see Bhairava's web

Relations 5

Bhairava blessed by

Vishnu (God) Shaiva · Brahma's fifth head and the skull that would not fall
Feeds the skull-bearer blood from his own forehead; with Lakshmi honours him at Vaikuntha.

Bhairava cursed

Brahma (God) Shaiva · Brahma's fifth head and the skull that would not fall
Fifth head cut; the skull sticks to Bhairava's hand.

Bhairava dwells at

Kapalamochana tirtha (Place) Shaiva · Brahma's fifth head and the skull that would not fall
Kala Bhairava's temple stands on the bank of the tirtha where the skull fell.

Bhairava form of

Shiva (God) Shaiva

Bhairava slew

Vishvaksena (God) Shaiva · Brahma's fifth head and the skull that would not fall
Vishnu's gatekeeper slain at Vaikuntha, carried on the trident (Kankalamurti), revived at Kashi.

Stories 4

The fifth head and the skull that would not fall
Legend · as Shiva's emanation who cuts the head · 8 tellings
Calling Bhairav into the room
Folk tale · as fierce form of Shiva called into the gathering · 1 telling
The pillar of light
Origin · as executioner of the fifth head (some tellings) · 6 tellings
Brahma's fifth head and the skull that would not fall
Legend · as executioner, skull-bearer · 5 tellings

Cited

Lingodbhava — Wikipedia Encyclopedia
Elephanta Caves — Wikipedia Encyclopedia
Mahakala — Wikipedia Encyclopedia