๐บKaal Bhairav is a Hindu shrine located in Kathmandu, Durbar Square. Its a UNESCO World Heritage Site.๐บ
According to legend, the shrine was found at a paddy field and later it was placed at the Durbar Square by King Pratap Malla.
According to legend, the shrine was found at a paddy field and later it was placed at the Durbar Square by King Pratap Malla.
Kaal Bhairav is believed to have been sculptured from a single stone.
Kaal bhairav is a fierce manifestation of Bhagwan Shiv. In this form, he is depicted carrying the decapitated head, wearing an ornamental snake, tiger skin, and a ritual apron made of human bones.
Kaal bhairav is a fierce manifestation of Bhagwan Shiv. In this form, he is depicted carrying the decapitated head, wearing an ornamental snake, tiger skin, and a ritual apron made of human bones.
The place of worship is an open-air area in the complex and has a gigantic 12-foot tall idol of Kala Bhairav sculpted in the 6th century and is regarded as the largest in the world. The idol and the structures that surround it are made of stone and were carved in the 5th century.
It was discovered by King Pratap of the Malla dynasty amidst paddy fields in the 17th century.
Back in the time, people believed that anyone who would lie down in front of the idol would attain freedom from their lives. This may not be necessarily true.
Back in the time, people believed that anyone who would lie down in front of the idol would attain freedom from their lives. This may not be necessarily true.
However, locals still continue worshipping this grand and fierce incarnation of God Shiva with all their devotion. Kala Bhairav is the terrifying avatar of Shiva who is also called the God of Time and Death.
He is worshipped by Hindus as the guru of Shani who is ruled by the planet Saturn and as Manjusri, Heruka,Yamantaka & Vajrabhairava in Vajrayana Buddhism.The idol of Kala Bhairav is seen standing in a violent form,stepping over a dead body holding a decapitated head in one hand.
Kaal bhairav is the judge who does judgement. 8 Bhairavas (Astha Bhiaravas) are of special significance and are considered important manifestations of Shiva. These are:
-Asithaanga
-Ruru
-Chanda
-Krodha
-Unmatta
-Kapaala
-Bheeshana
-Samhaara
-Asithaanga
-Ruru
-Chanda
-Krodha
-Unmatta
-Kapaala
-Bheeshana
-Samhaara
They are collectively known as Ashta Bhairavas, the eight-Bhairavas. The chief among the Bhairavas is Kaal Bhairava, the dark and frightful aspect of Shiva.
About 50 meters from the Kaal Bhairava lies the giant sculpture of Swet Bhairava, the white Bhairava. Also known as Haath dyo by the locals, Swet Bhairava is another epithet of Bhairava with protruding teeth and large bulging eyes.
The Bhairava has a golden crown burning with raging blazes, decorated with skulls and a crescent moon.
Head of bhairav (Akash) in Basantapur Durbar Square by Sambid. Also known as the Aaju of Indrachowk, its believed that Akash Bhairava arrived Kathmandu flying through the sky.
Head of bhairav (Akash) in Basantapur Durbar Square by Sambid. Also known as the Aaju of Indrachowk, its believed that Akash Bhairava arrived Kathmandu flying through the sky.
Hence, he is called the โSky godโ or the Akash Bhairava.
Akash Bhairava is considered to be a calmer form of Bhairava and protector of children.
Akash Bhairava is considered to be a calmer form of Bhairava and protector of children.
The sky blue-colored deity is displayed to the public during the week-long Indra Jatra festival. Legend has it that the sculpture of Akash Bhairava is the head of Kirant King Yalambar of Nepal.
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