It is believed that Bhairava manifestation of Shiva was
worshiped by gamblers as the deity to give them luck and success in gambling.
The form of Bhairava worshiped by gamblers was naked with three eyes and he
placed his head on his knee in despair.
It is believed that Shiva took this form after losing moon,
elephant and elephant hide to Goddess Parvati in a game of dice.
This form of Bhairava was only left with jata (matted locks),
bhasma (ash) and kapal (skull). He has smeared his body with ash and eats from
skull.
But even in this state Bhairava protects and feeds the
living beings in the universe.
Gamblers often ask for forgiveness from Bhairava for
gambling.
Gamblers compare the three eyes of Bhairava with the three
pieces of dice.
Bhairava as deity of gamblers is mentioned in the
Kathasaritsagara written by Pandit Somadeva between 1063 to 1081 AD. But Kathasaritsagara
is based on a much earlier work, Brihatkatha of Gunadhya written in Paishachi
language around first century AD.
So it is firmly concluded that Bhairava form of Shiva was
very popular among common people much before 1st century AD.