Devaraja Form of Bhairava is a highly significant and powerful manifestation of Lord Bhairava, one of the fierce forms of Lord Shiva. Bhairava is often considered a protector and a destroyer of negative energies, symbolizing the fierce aspect of the divine. Among the eight forms of Bhairava, collectively known as Ashtabhairavas, Devaraja Bhairava is distinct for his role in the battle against the demon Andhakasura and his embodiment of divine energies.
Importance of Devaraja Bhairava:
Devaraja Bhairava is revered for his association with divine energy, protection, and destruction of evil. According to Vamana Purana, this form of Bhairava emerged during Shiva’s battle with Andhakasura, a demon who represented ignorance and darkness. In this incarnation, Devaraja Bhairava is said to have drawn upon the collective energies of all the Devas (gods) and exhibited a dazzling, beautiful form, radiant with immense power. His form was capable of wielding both known and unknown forces of the universe, making him a powerful force in the cosmic balance.
Symbolism of Devaraja Bhairava:
- Embodiment of Divine Energies: Devaraja Bhairava represents the combined strength of the gods and the ultimate power of divinity. His form is symbolic of Shiva's ability to control all aspects of creation, preservation, and destruction.
- Illusion (Maya): Devaraja Bhairava's ability to create illusion on the battlefield reflects the concept of Maya, the illusionary power that keeps the universe in motion. By casting illusions, he not only defeats his enemies but also reminds devotees of the transient nature of the material world.
- Victory over Evil: Devaraja Bhairava's victory against Andhakasura symbolizes the triumph of knowledge, light, and divine order over ignorance, darkness, and chaos.
Stories Associated with Devaraja Bhairava:
The primary narrative of Devaraja Bhairava is centered on his confrontation with the powerful demon Andhakasura. According to legends:
- Andhakasura, born from a drop of Shiva’s sweat, was granted the boon of invincibility, leading him to arrogance and tyranny. He desired to conquer the heavens and even attempted to seize Goddess Parvati.
- Lord Shiva engaged in a fierce battle with Andhakasura, and during this confrontation, he manifested his Bhairava forms, including Devaraja Bhairava.
- Devaraja Bhairava played a critical role by using divine illusions to confuse Andhakasura’s armies and ultimately aid Shiva in subduing the demon.
Similar Forms of Bhairava:
Devaraja Bhairava is one of the Ashtabhairavas, each of whom governs a particular direction and has their own attributes:
- Asitanga Bhairava – Represents the eastern direction.
- Ruru Bhairava – Presides over the south-eastern direction.
- Chanda Bhairava – Controls the southern direction.
- Krodha Bhairava – Governs the south-western direction.
- Unmatta Bhairava – Presides over the western direction.
- Kapala Bhairava – Rules the north-western direction.
- Bheeshana Bhairava – Controls the northern direction.
- Devaraja Bhairava – Governs the northeastern direction and symbolizes divine energies, protection, and illusion.
Symbolism of the Ashtabhairavas:
The Ashtabhairavas, including Devaraja Bhairava, symbolize different aspects of cosmic forces such as time, destruction, creation, and transformation. Together, they protect the devotee from all directions, ensuring safety from dangers and negative forces. They are also considered guardians of the eight directions (Ashta Dikpalas).
Mantras and Prayers for Devaraja Bhairava:
Chanting mantras dedicated to Devaraja Bhairava invokes his protective energy and grants the devotee spiritual strength, courage, and clarity. A popular Bhairava mantra is:
"Om Hreem Devaraja Bhairavaya Namah"
This mantra is believed to protect the devotee from fear, evil spirits, and negative energies, while also bringing clarity and protection.
Devotees can also chant the general Bhairava mantra:
"Om Bhairavaya Namah"
It is believed that regular chanting of this mantra, especially on Ashtami tithi (eighth lunar day) or during Rahu Kalam, can bring immense spiritual benefits, protection, and success.
Worship of Devaraja Bhairava:
- Offerings: Devotees offer flowers, incense, oil lamps, black sesame seeds, and sweets during worship. Black dogs are also associated with Bhairava, and feeding black dogs is considered an act of reverence.
- Favorable Days: The most auspicious days for worshipping Bhairava are Kalabhairava Ashtami, observed on the eighth day of the waning moon in the Hindu month of Margashirsha (November-December).
- Worship Rituals: Devotees perform Bhairava Puja to seek protection from obstacles, illness, and enemies. A special ritual involves offering oil lamps to Lord Bhairava and reciting mantras dedicated to him. Devotees also offer wine or specific herbs like Bilva leaves during Bhairava worship.
Benefits of Worshipping Devaraja Bhairava:
- Protection: Devaraja Bhairava is a powerful protector against evil forces, negative energies, black magic, and physical dangers.
- Courage and Fearlessness: Worshipping Devaraja Bhairava instills courage, removes fear, and grants the devotee strength to face challenges.
- Success and Prosperity: By invoking the divine energies of Devaraja Bhairava, one can attain success in career, business, and financial ventures. He is often worshipped by those seeking prosperity and wealth.
- Spiritual Growth: Devaraja Bhairava aids in the destruction of ignorance, leading to spiritual enlightenment and the removal of obstacles on the path of self-realization.
- Protection from Illusion (Maya): Since Devaraja Bhairava is associated with the power of illusion, his worship helps the devotee see through the deceptions of the material world and attain clarity of thought and purpose.
Devaraja Bhairava is a form of Bhairava that epitomizes divine strength, beauty, and the ability to control the forces of both light and illusion. He stands as a symbol of protection and guidance for devotees, offering them the wisdom and power to overcome obstacles, face challenges, and attain spiritual progress. Worship of this form of Bhairava brings immense benefits, including protection, prosperity, and spiritual awakening.