Bhairav · भैरव

Bhairav is the fierce form of Shiva, worshipped as Kaal Bhairav, the guardian of Kashi, and as Batuk Bhairav.

Bhairav (Bhairava) is a fierce manifestation of Shiva. In the Puranic story, he cut off the fifth head of Brahma as punishment for a falsehood, and Brahma's skull stayed in his hand until he reached Kashi. His vehicle is a dog, and he has eight principal forms, the Ashta Bhairava. As Kaal Bhairav he is honoured as the lord and guardian of Kashi; the Kalabhairav Ashtakam and the Bhairav Chalisa call him the kotwal of the city.

Bhairav Ashtami, the eighth day of the dark half of Margashirsha, is observed as the day he appeared, and the eighth day of each dark fortnight (Kalashtami) is also kept for him. Practice varies by region and family.