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Asitanga Bhairava: Form of Bhairava

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Asitanga Bhairava is a significant form of Lord Bhairava, associated with creation, new beginnings, and the primal creative force. Asitanga Bhairava is one among the Ashtabhairavas, the eight fierce manifestations of Bhairava, a form of Lord Shiva. These eight forms are powerful deities who govern different directions and represent different aspects of life and cosmic principles. Asitanga Bhairava, in particular, is connected with Brahma, the creator, symbolizing the aspect of initiation and creative energy.

Symbolism and Iconography of Asitanga Bhairava

Asitanga Bhairava’s iconography is rich in symbolism:

  • Direction: He is the guardian deity of the east, symbolizing new beginnings, sunrise, and the path of spiritual enlightenment.
  • Appearance: He is often depicted with three eyes, symbolizing his ability to see beyond time – past, present, and future. His appearance is youthful, and he exudes a gentle demeanor, embodying the calmness that nurtures creative energy.
  • Attributes: He holds various symbolic items:
    • A wine vessel, which represents the transcendence of worldly intoxications and spiritual liberation.
    • A sword, symbolizing the cutting through of ignorance and illusions, paving the way for clarity and truth.
    • A rosary (japamala), symbolizing devotion and the continuous cycle of spiritual practice.
    • A Kamandalu (water pot), representing purity, wisdom, and the sanctity of life-giving water.
  • Attire: Asitanga Bhairava is often depicted in minimal clothing, resembling an Avadhuta or ascetic, reflecting detachment from materialistic life. This also signifies a deep connection with spiritual simplicity and renunciation.

Importance and Significance of Asitanga Bhairava Worship

  1. Creativity and Innovation: Asitanga Bhairava embodies the aspect of Brahma, the creator. Devotees who worship him are blessed with creative energy, which can help in various fields of endeavor, whether it be art, music, business, or any form of innovation. He is invoked by those who seek to bring forth new ideas, projects, or creations into the world.

  2. Growth and Ascension: As the guardian of the east, the direction of ascension and growth, Asitanga Bhairava empowers devotees to rise above challenges and achieve higher states of spiritual and material success. His blessings help individuals in their journeys of self-improvement and professional achievement.

  3. Protection and Guidance: Asitanga Bhairava, like all forms of Bhairava, is a fierce protector. His worship removes obstacles from one's path, guiding them through the difficulties and trials of life. He provides the wisdom to navigate complexities, making the right choices that lead to success and growth.

  4. Spiritual Advancement: For spiritual aspirants, Asitanga Bhairava’s worship helps deepen their practice, fostering concentration, and insight. His connection to Brahma means he also supports the creation of new spiritual pathways and perspectives, aiding in inner transformation.

Stories and Legends

One of the most well-known legends involving Asitanga Bhairava comes from the Vamana Purana. During the battle between Lord Shiva and the demon Andhakasura, Asitanga Bhairava emerged to assist Shiva. Andhakasura represents blindness and ignorance (both literal and symbolic). Asitanga Bhairava, wielding the power of wisdom and creativity, helped to defeat this demonic force, symbolizing the triumph of enlightenment and truth over ignorance and darkness. His appearance in this battle solidifies his role as a guide who leads souls from the darkness of confusion to the light of clarity and understanding.

Worship of Asitanga Bhairava

Worshiping Asitanga Bhairava involves both daily rituals and special prayers or mantras. He is typically worshiped through:

  • Chanting Mantras: Mantras dedicated to Asitanga Bhairava can be chanted regularly to invoke his blessings.
    • Daily Chanting Mantra:
      "Om Asitanga Bhairavaya Namaha"
      This mantra is a simple invocation to honor Asitanga Bhairava and seek his protection and creative energy.
    • Mula Mantra:
      "Om Aim Hreem Am Asitanga Bhairavaya Namaha"
      This is a more powerful, seed (bija) mantra that can be used during deeper spiritual practices for invoking his presence and guidance.
  • Ritual Offerings: Devotees often offer flowers, incense, and sacred water to a deity or image of Asitanga Bhairava. Offerings of wine, symbolizing the transcendence of material intoxications, are also common.
  • Observing Fasts: Some devotees may observe fasts on special days associated with Bhairava (such as Bhairava Ashtami), seeking his blessings for protection, creativity, and spiritual progress.

Benefits of Worshiping Asitanga Bhairava

  1. Creativity and Success: Asitanga Bhairava provides the creative energy necessary for success in all worldly and spiritual pursuits. Worshiping him brings inspiration and new ideas, making him especially important for artists, writers, entrepreneurs, and creators.

  2. Overcoming Obstacles: His blessings help devotees overcome difficulties, offering guidance in challenging situations. He provides protection from both internal and external negative forces.

  3. Spiritual Growth: Asitanga Bhairava helps aspirants ascend to higher levels of spiritual practice. His worship leads to increased concentration, discipline, and a deeper understanding of spiritual truths.

  4. Protection: Bhairava in all forms is a powerful protector. Asitanga Bhairava guards devotees from physical, mental, and spiritual harm, ensuring their well-being as they navigate life’s challenges.

Similar Forms of Bhairava

As one of the eight forms of Bhairava, Asitanga Bhairava is part of a broader cosmology that includes:

  1. Krodhana Bhairava – the form associated with destruction and transformation.
  2. Unmatta Bhairava – the form that represents the frenzy of divine ecstasy.
  3. Kapala Bhairava – often depicted with a skull, representing death and the cyclical nature of life.
  4. Chanda Bhairava – fierce and aggressive, a protector from evil forces.
  5. Ruru Bhairava – associated with knowledge and teaching.
  6. Bheeshana Bhairava – fearsome, often invoked for removing fear and enemies.
  7. Samhara Bhairava – the form that presides over death and destruction, transforming energies into new beginnings.

Asitanga Bhairava is a vital form of Lord Bhairava, representing creativity, new beginnings, and spiritual growth. His gentle yet powerful disposition makes him a popular deity for those seeking to expand their horizons, both materially and spiritually. Whether through daily mantra chanting, meditation, or ritual offerings, worshiping Asitanga Bhairava can lead to profound benefits, including enhanced creativity, success in endeavors, and protection from harm. His worship is also a path to transcend ignorance, helping devotees rise above life’s challenges and ascend to greater heights.