Ashta Bhairava

The Ashta Bhairava (Sanskrit: अष्टभैरव, romanized: Aṣṭabhairava, lit. 'eight Bhairavas') are the eight manifestations of the Hindu god Bhairava,[1] a ferocious aspect of Shiva. They are regarded to guard and control the eight cardinal directions. Each of the Ashta Bhairava is regarded to preside over eight subordinate Bhairavas, totalling 64 Bhairavas.[2] The Ashta Bhairva are described to be subordinate to Kālabhairava, who is considered the supreme ruler of time in the universe and the chief form of Bhairava.

Sculpture of Bhairava, Tamil Nadu, early 13th century

Description
Form Attributes Consort Direction Planet Mount Shrine Asterism Deity
Asitāṅga[3] White-complexioned; four arms; japamala, kamandalu, sword, and skull cup Brahmani[4] East Jupiter Swan Sattanathar Temple, Sirkazhi[5] and Brahma Sira Kandeeswarar Temple, Thirukandiyur[6] Pushya Vishnu[7]
Ruru Light blue-complexioned; four arms; deer, axe, sword, and bowl Maheshvari Southeast Venus Ox Rathnagiriswarar Temple, Thirumarugal Kṛttikā/Uttarada/Uttara Brahma
Caṇḍa Fair-complexioned; four arms; bow, arrow, sword, and bowl Kaumari South Mars Peacock Vaitheeswaran Koil Mrigashīrsha/

Chitrā/Dhanishta

 Surya
Krodha Dark blue-complexioned; four arms; conch, discus, mace, and bowl Vaishnavi Southwest Saturn Eagle Thiruvisanallur, Thirunaraiyur[8] Rohini/Hasta/Shravana Rudra
Unmatta Golden-complexioned; four arms; sword, skull cup, pestle, and shield Varahi West Mercury Horse Thiruveezhimizhalai Indra
Kāpāla Shining yellow-complexioned; four arms; thunderbolt, noose, sword and bowl Indrani Northwest Moon Elephant Thiruvirkudi, Thirupanthuruthi Bharani/

Pūrva Ashādhā/

Pūrva Phalgunī

 Chandra
Bhīṣaṇa Blood red-complexioned; four arms; sword, skull cup, trident, and pestle Chamunda North Ketu Lion Rameswaram, Piranmalai Ardra, Svati, Shatabhisha, Ashvini, Magha, Mula Yama
Saṃhāra Lightning-yellow-orange-complexioned; ten arms; trident, drum, conch, mace, discus, sword, bowl, skull-topped staff, noose, and goad Chandi Northeast Rahu Dog Thiruvenkadu, Kolli Malai, Vairavanpatti,[9] Hosur Ashlesha, Jyeshtha, Revati Para Brahman

Temples

All eight of the Ashta Bhairava are featured at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sattainathar Temple, Sirkazhi, Aragalur Sri Kamanada Eswar Temple, the Shri Mahabairavar Rudra Aalayam, and Chengalpattu.

References
  1. Payne, Richard K.; Witzel, Michael (2015-10-22). Homa Variations: The Study of Ritual Change across the Longue Durée. Oxford University Press. p. 330. ISBN 978-0-19-935159-6.
  2. Saravanan, V. Hari (2014-01-01). Gods, Heroes and their Story Tellers: Intangible cultural heritage of South India. Notion Press. ISBN 978-93-84391-49-2.
  3. vdocuments.mx_the-kubjika-upanishad-egbert-forsten-56885839dd6b9. p. 7.
  4. Singh, Rana (2009-10-02). Cosmic Order and Cultural Astronomy: Sacred Cities of India. Cambridge Scholars Publishing. p. 143. ISBN 978-1-4438-1607-6.
  5. Kanniks Kannikeswaran. "Sirkali Bhramapureeswarar -Thoniappar Temple - Shivastalam". Templenet.com. Retrieved 2012-09-01.
  6. "Thiru Kandiyur". Temples of Tamilnadu. 30 April 2010. Retrieved 2012-09-01.
  7. Gopinatha Rao, T. A. (1914). Elements of Hindu iconography. Cornell University Library. Madras : Law Printing House. p. 28.
  8. "Navagraha Temples|Tamilnadu Temples Information website|". Kumbakonam-temples.blogspot.sg. Retrieved 2012-09-01.
  9. Krishnan, Shamala (2009-02-10). "Ancient Temples of India: kundrakudi and Vairavan temple, Thirupathore, Madurai". Ancientindiantemple.blogspot.sg. Retrieved 2012-09-01.

See also
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