ASHTA BHAIRAVA

ashta

Sri Asitanga Bhairava

The Asitanga group includes Vishalaksha, Marttanda, Modaka-priya, Svacchanda, Vighna-santushta, Khecara and Sacharachara. They are all golden in color and well built, holding in their hands trishul (trident), damaru (drum) and khadga (dagger).

Consort : Brahmi
Vahana : Swan
Direction : East
Temple : Sattanathar Temple, Sirkazhi and Brahma Sira Kandeeswarar Temple, Thirukandiyur.
Nakshatram/Birth Star : Punarpoosam, Visakam, Purattadhi
Stone : Yellow Sapphire

ashta

Sri Ruru Bhairava

The group headed by Ruru includes the following Bhairavas: Kroda-damshtra, Jatadhara, Vishvarupa, Virupaksha, Nanarupadhara, Vajrahasta and Mahakaya. The color of the Bhairavas of this group is pure white; they are all adorned with jewels and carry in their hands akshamala (rudraksha mala), ankusha (an elephant driver's hook), a scroll (manuscript), and vina (musical instrument).

Consort : Maheshwari
Vahana : Ox
Direction : Southeast
Temple : Rathnagiriswarar Temple, Thirumarugal
Nakshatram/Birth Star : Karthikai, Uthiradam, Uthiram.
Stone : Ruby

ashta

Sri Chanda Bhairava

Canda, Pralayantaka, Bhumikampa, Nilakantha, Vishnu, Kulapalaka, Mundapala and Kamapala form the third group. They are beautiful. They are blue in color and hold agni, shakti, mace and cup in their hands.

Consort : Kaumari
Vahana : Peacock
Direction : South
Temple : Vaitheeswaran Koil
Nakshatram/Birth Star : Mrgaseersham, Chithirai, Avittam.
Stone : Coral

ashta

Sri Krodha Bhairava

The group headed by Krodha includes Pingalekshana, Abhrarupa, Dharapala, Kutila, Mantranayaka, Rudra and Pitamaha. They are all smoky in color and carry a dagger, shield, long sword and ax.

Consort : Vaishnavi, Lakshmi
Vahana : Eagle
Direction : South-West
Temple :Thiruvisanallur, Thirunaraiyur[3]
Nakshatram/Birth Star : Rohini, Astham, Thiruvonam
Stone : Pearl

ashta

Sri Unmattha Bhairava

The Unmatta-Bhairava group includes Vatukanayaka, Shankara, Bhutavetala, Trinetra, Tripurantaka, Varada and Parvatavasa. They are beautiful, their bodies are snow-white, they hold in their hands a cup, shield, mace and a short spear.

Consort : Varahi
Vahana : Horse
Direction : West
Temple : Thiruveezhimizhalai

ashta

Sri Kapala Bhairava

Kapala, Shashibhushana, Hasticarmambaradhara, Yogisha, Brahmarakshasa, Sarvajna, Sarva-devesha and Sarva-bhutahridi-sthita form a marching group and they are all yellow and carry the same weapons as in the previous group.

Consort : Indrani
Vahana : Elephant
Direction : North-West
Temple : Thiruvirkudi, Thirupanthuruthi
Nakshatram/Birth Star : Bharani, Pooram, Puradam
Stone : Diamond

ashta

Sri Bheeshana Bhairava

Bheeshana, Bhayahara, Sarvajna, Kalagni-Maharaudra, Dakshina, Mukhara and Asthira form the seventh group. They all carry the same weapons as the aforementioned group and are colored in red.

Consort : Chamundi
Vahana : Lion
Direction : North
Temple : Rameswaram, Piranmalai
Nakshatram/Birth Star : Thiruvadhirai, Swati, Sadayam, Ashwini , Magha, Mula

ashta

Sri Samhara Bhairava

In Samharabhairavas group there are Atiriktanga, Kalagni, Priyankara, Hriananda, Vishalaksha and Dakshasamsthita. These bhairavas are dazzling in color, reminiscent of lightning. They carry the same weapons as in the previous group.

Consort : Chandi
Vahana : Dog
Direction : North-East
Temple : Thiruvenkadu, Kolli Malai, Vairavanpatti, Hosur
Nakshatram/Birth Star : Ayilyam, Ketai, Revathi