Ashta Bhairav Yatra - Varanasi

Among trimurtis, lord shiva is known as the warrior god and destroyer of enemies. His manifestations are incredible !.His form  as Bhairava is ferocious.The 8 forms as Ashta Bhairava remain as the widely worshipped Bhairava aspects of Lord Shiva. Though they look similar they are unique godly beings with distinct characteristics of their own. They are said to represent the 5 fundamental elements such as air, water, fire, earth and space, and also the Sun, the Moon and Atma, the soul. Popularly known as Panchaboothas .Their Duties  to safeguard the cordinal points is unimaginable and beyond imagination !They are controlled by Kala Bhairava, and he is regarded as the supreme ruler of universal time. Visiting them during visit to eternal city Varanasi completes the yatra of lifetime !

Ashta Bhairav  Yatra  - Varanasi
Ashta Bhairav Temples in Varanasi
       It is said that a pilgrimage to Kashi is incomplete without darshan of Lord  Kaal Bhairav and seeking his blessings..Kaal Bhairav is considered the "Kotwal of Kashi " and is believed to be the ultimate authority.He who , removes obstacles, and ensures spiritual welfare. 
Of all 64 bhairavas each Bhairava has seven sub Bhairavas under him. All of the Bhairavas are ruled and controlled by Maha Kala Bhairava, who is considered the supreme ruler of time of the universe and the chief form of Bhairava.

Bhairav Temples are a part of Kashi Bhaira pilgrimage, as mentioned in Kashi Kand which is an important part of Pawan Path Yatra too. They are stationed at different directions and they are said to be the guardians of city.

The Guardian of creative expression
Guardian Direction - East
Celestial Vehicle - Swan
Consort - Brahmi
Asitanga Bhairava, also known as Bhairava, is a significant deity in Hinduism, particularly within the Shaiva tradition. He is often associated with the fierce aspect of Lord Shiva and embodies the concept of time and the cycles of creation and destruction. Asitanga Bhairava is depicted as a dark-skinned figure, often with a fierce expression, symbolizing his role as a protector and destroyer of evil forces.Worshiping Asitanga Bhairava can aid in the pursuit of spiritual liberation (moksha
Worshiping him can assist individuals in navigating life changes,away from negative forces and embracing transformation.

He is the one who Obliterates evil spirits and negativity
Direction - North
Celestial Vehicle - Lion
Consort - Chamundi

Bheeshana Bhairava, is said to terrible or horrifying.He is regarded as the fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. He wields a trident ( Trishoola ) and a mace, representing his power to destroy evil forces and provide protection for his devotees. He also holds a skull and a sword, representing his control over life and death, as well as his ability to cut through ignorance.

He is guardian deity of tantric texts & practices
Direction -  South - North East 
Celestial Vehicle - Dog
Consort - Bhairavi
Batuk Bhairav, a fierce form of Lord Shiva, is worshipped in tantric traditions of Hinduism. Depicted as a youthful deity with blue or black complexion, he symbolizes destruction and creation."Batuk" means child, and "Bhairav" refers to the fearsome aspect of Shiva, depicting him in a youthful form.

Child-Like Appearance

Batuk Bhairav is often depicted as a child with a blue or black complexion, three eyes, and four arms. He carries a trident (trishula), a drum (damaru), a skull, and a club (khatvanga).

Batuk Bhairav is also known as Kshetrapalaka, the temple's Protector and the traveller's defender. So, before beginning a journey, one can worship Lord Batuk Bhairav, especially if he or she is travelling at night. The 6th  bhairav is pradhan of all Bhairavas, and it has a  narration in kashi khand.He is believed to bless his devotees with knowledge, success and protection from save from difficulties in life.
Appears in white colour with many ornaments decked with rubies. Carries akshamala , the ankusha, a pustaka (book) and a veena and rides on a Bull ( Vrishabha )
One can visit the temple of Adi Bhairav in the temple premises as well.

He is bestower of Freedom from Difficulties
 
Direction -  South East
Celestial Vehicle -  White Ox
Consort -  Maheshwari
 
Ruru Bhairava is considered to be one of the most powerful Bhairavas, and his worshippers receive many benefits through his grace. Through him, devotees can get freedom from their enemies, relief from diseases, and relief from various kinds of fears. Ruru Bhairava is the Bhairava who is believed to be the epitome of God Rudra and his consort is believed to be Maheshwari Matrika. He has Light blue complexion with Four arm carrying a  a deer, axe, sword, and bowl
 
His divine vehicle is a white ox while the divine vehicle of his consort Maheshwari Matrika is believed to be a grey crane.

He is god of strength and happiness

Direction -  West
Celestial Vehicle -  Swan
Consort -  Varahi
 
Unnmat Bhairav is at 8th number bhairav in pradhan Bhairavas, in the narration of kashi khand, there is a reference to unnmat bhairav in kashi khand.
Unmatt means "unconscious" or "ecstatic". This form of Bhairav represents the blissful state of a devotee who is immersed in divine love.
He is believed to help his devotees in controlling their harmful characters that may lead to negative impact. Unmatt Bhairav carries a sword, skull, pestle, and shield.Unmatt Bhairav is a young, peaceful, and bright-skinned form of Lord Bhairava with three eyes. He is said to have a yellow body and ride a horse.

Worshiping Unmatt Bhairav can help devotees control harmful elements in their lives, gain courage, strength, and happiness.

Destroyer of fear and evil forces
 
Direction -  North West

Celestial Vehicle -  Elephant

Consort -  Bhairavi
 
Kapal Bhairav is believed to help his devotees in thinking and working only towards rewarding actions. 
 
A flight of steps from bustling dusty street leads to a spacious place, which serves a vantage point.Snugly rwsting below the palmyra tree.He is also known as Laat Bhairav, Kapal Bhairava is often depicted with a snake coiled around his ears, three eyes like lotus blossoms, and a garland made from Brahma's bones. He is also shown with a trident and the severed fifth head of BrahmaKapal Bhairava is a form of Lord Shiva who is believed to help devotees think and act in a way that leads to rewards. 
He is also considered the guardian of the northwest direction.

Protector & saviour from evil happenings 
 
Direction -  South West
Celestial Vehicle -  Eagle
Consort -  Vaishnavi
 
Krodh Bhairava is a fierce and aggressive form of Lord Shiva who protects his devotees and liberates them from enemies.Krodha Bhairava (also spelled as Kurodhana Bhairavar) too is depicted holding a vessel which actually is a kabala (skull) in his hands and his vahana (vehicle) is Garuda (eagle).
Vaishnavi, the consort of Krodha Bhairava, holds the esteemed position as the fourth among the Ashta MatrikasKrodha Bhairava has the ability to subdue the evil effects caused by Shani Graha (Saturn).Individuals undergoing Shani Sade Sati (7 1/2 years of Saturn Dosha), Ashtama Shani (Saturn in the 8 house).

A god of Incredible energy and achiever
Direction -  South

Celestial Vehicle - Peacock

Consort -  Gowmari

Out of 8 significant Bhairavas, Chanda Bhairava is regarded the third position.He Is said to be a Trinetri (Three-Eyed), Kind and Young Form Of Lord Bhairava.He is Blue-Skinned And Believed To Possess Supreme Powers. It Is Believed That lord chand Bhairava Blesses His devotees With Incredible Energy So that they can win over their rivals. He Is Believed to be a guardian Of south direction.

He is depicted as blue in complexion and pleasant in appearance. He has 4 hands and holds in them things like a flame of fire, a spear, a mace and a bow and arrow. Coral is said to be the precious stone meant for him, which he is often adorned with. He is bestower of immense energy and enthusiasm, and shower them with great confidence that they will be able to beat back competition, win over enemies and succeed in endeavors. The famous temple of Vaitheeswaran Koil in the Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu is dedicated to Chanda Bhairava, where people can worship the Lord and earn his blessings.

Lord Shiva, one of the trimurtis is known as destroyer.He is known as Vishwanath, Dandapani, Bhairava and many more names.

Bhairava originates from the word bhīru, which means “fearsome”. Bhairava means “terribly fearsome form. It is also known as one who destroys fear or one who is beyond fear.

If you are planning  to visit Varanasi - Kashi Kshetra,willing to ,do darshan of Lord, have plans to visit less known temples including Navadurga , Bhairava,then give us a opportunity to be part of your lifetime journey to discover the cordinal points guarding the city with you.

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