Mahabhairava, a significant manifestation of Bhairava, is one of the eight forms known as the Ashtabhairavas. These eight forms represent different aspects of Shiva’s destructive powers, each tasked with guarding different directions and realms. Mahabhairava's role is particularly prominent due to his intense ferocity and association with the destruction of evil forces.
Mythology and Appearance
According to the Vamana Purana, Mahabhairava manifested during Shiva's battle with the demon Andhakasura. Andhakasura symbolizes blindness and ignorance, and in his battle with Shiva, he used deceptive tactics to weaken Shiva. In response, Shiva transformed into Mahabhairava to completely annihilate Andhakasura. In this form, Shiva was depicted as extremely wrathful, with blazing fire emerging from his third eye. His mere gaze turned anything evil to ashes.
Mahabhairava’s appearance is awe-inspiring and fearsome:
- Three glaring eyes, with the third eye in the middle of the forehead, emanating fierce energy and fire.
- Elongated ears and a skull-adorned headdress, symbolic of his mastery over death and destruction.
- Snake coiled around his neck and ears, representing his control over time and the cycle of life and death.
Symbolism of Mahabhairava
Mahabhairava is an embodiment of divine rage directed against evil and ignorance. He represents:
- Destruction of ignorance and illusion (Maya): As seen in his battle with Andhakasura, Mahabhairava stands for the ultimate triumph of knowledge and truth over darkness.
- Purification through fire: The fire blazing from his third eye signifies the burning away of impurities and sinful tendencies in a spiritual sense.
- Time and Death: The skulls and snake often symbolize the inescapable nature of time (Kala) and death. Mahabhairava is a reminder that all creation is bound by time and must face dissolution.
Worship and Importance
Mahabhairava is particularly revered in Nepal, where his imposing statues and carvings adorn the entrances of many temples and shrines. These sculptures, often made of wood, depict Mahabhairava in his most terrifying form, and are central to many religious festivals.
During the Indra Jatra Festival, held in September, Mahabhairava is honored in a unique and ceremonious way. Devotees offer thvam or rice wine to the deity, and the wine is said to dribble from a tube in his mouth, symbolizing his acceptance of the offering. The devotees then drink this holy wine as a form of receiving blessings and divine protection.
In general, Mahabhairava is worshiped for:
- Protection from evil forces.
- Overcoming ignorance and attaining higher knowledge.
- Relief from fear and purification of negative influences in one’s life.
- Success in battles and overcoming obstacles.
Mantras and Prayers for Mahabhairava Worship
Devotees chant specific mantras to invoke Mahabhairava’s blessings, each meant to invoke his fierce energy for protection, guidance, and the destruction of obstacles. One of the popular mantras is:
“Om Hrim Bhairavaya Ksham Om Phat” This mantra is recited to invoke Bhairava's protection, courage, and the removal of negative influences.
In addition to this, chanting of the Ashtabhairava Mantras is common, where each of the eight Bhairavas is invoked, with Mahabhairava occupying a central place due to his role in guarding the cardinal direction of the east.
Symbolism in Nepali Temples and Festivals
In Nepal, Mahabhairava's large heads are displayed as guardians at temple entrances, where they symbolize the protection of the temple and devotees from evil forces. These heads are often highly decorated during festivals, with offerings of flowers, incense, and rice wine.
Mahabhairava is considered the primary protector of Kathmandu Valley, and the Indra Jatra Festival is one of the biggest celebrations in his honor. The festival itself is a mixture of celebration for the harvest and prayers for rain, but Mahabhairava plays a crucial role, symbolizing the protection of the city and its people.
Benefits of Worship
Devotees believe that worshiping Mahabhairava brings numerous spiritual and practical benefits:
- Protection from evil: Mahabhairava’s fierce energy is believed to destroy all evil, ensuring the devotee is safe from harmful influences.
- Purification: Mahabhairava's fire purges negativity and bad karma, helping devotees attain mental and spiritual clarity.
- Spiritual awakening: Worshiping this form helps overcome ignorance, ego, and attachment to the material world, leading to a deeper understanding of the self and the divine.
- Courage and strength: Mahabhairava grants the power to overcome challenges, face fears, and emerge victorious in difficult situations.
Similar Deities
Mahabhairava, being one of the forms of Bhairava, shares characteristics with other fierce deities across Hinduism and Buddhism:
- Kaal Bhairava: The most well-known form of Bhairava, representing time and death, and the destroyer of evil forces.
- Mahakali: Another fierce form of Shakti, the divine feminine counterpart of Shiva. Mahakali’s purpose, like Mahabhairava, is to annihilate ignorance and destroy demonic forces.
- Narasimha: Vishnu’s lion-headed incarnation, known for his ferocity in the destruction of the demon Hiranyakashipu. Like Mahabhairava, Narasimha represents divine wrath used to protect the righteous and destroy evil.
Mahabhairava’s fierce form serves as a reminder of Shiva's power to destroy negativity, ignorance, and evil in all its forms. His worship offers devotees spiritual protection, courage, and the energy to overcome obstacles, making him a highly revered and important deity, especially in regions like Nepal. His unique representations, festivals, and symbolism reflect his immense significance in the broader pantheon of Hindu deities.