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Bengali Version
Introduction to the Dasha Mahāvidyās
The Dasha Mahāvidyā, or Ten Great Wisdom Goddesses, are ten manifestations of Adi Shakti or the Divine Mother. They represent the supreme truth and cosmic powers that manifest through fierce, powerful, and transcendental forms. Each Mahāvidyā is a spiritual force, guiding the sadhaka from ignorance to ultimate realization. Among these, Bhairavi stands as the embodiment of ferocity, discipline, and transformative power.
Who is Goddess Bhairavi?
Bhairavi (भैरवी) is the fifth Mahāvidyā in the Dashamahavidya pantheon. She is known as "The Fierce Goddess", the Shakti of destruction of evil, inner purification, and transformation. Her name derives from the root "Bhaira" meaning terror or awe, and "vi" which implies 'to remove'. Thus, Bhairavi is "She who removes all fears and impurities through her terrifying, awe-inspiring form."
She is closely associated with Kālī, but while Kālī transcends time and space, Bhairavi is time itself (Kāla-shakti) — the devouring force of time (Kalāgni).
Iconography and Symbolism
Bhairavi's imagery is deeply symbolic:
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Complexion: Fiery red or blood-hued, representing energy (Shakti) and passion.
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Eyes: Three eyes glowing like suns, signifying her omniscient and all-consuming power.
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Weapons: She holds a trident (trishula), book, rosary (japa mālā), and skull-cap or kapala, combining spiritual knowledge with the destruction of ego and ignorance.
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Mount: Often depicted riding a lion or tiger, symbolizing royal authority and ferocity.
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Clothing: Dressed in red garments, or sometimes nude, emphasizing her transcendental nature and freedom from societal constructs.
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Posture: Seated in a meditative pose or in dancing fury, she reflects both the serenity and rage of the Divine Mother.
Scriptural References
Bhairavi is mentioned across various Tantric, Puranic, and Agamic texts. While much of her glory lies hidden in esoteric scriptures, several references illuminate her divine stature:
1. Rudra Yamala Tantra
One of the primary texts that describes the Dasha Mahāvidyās in detail. It associates Bhairavi with yogic and ascetic practices. She is said to grant siddhis (supernatural powers) to sincere sādhakas.
Quote:
"Bhairavīṁ bhayadāṁ caiva siddhi-svarūpa-dāyinīm..."
(“Bhairavi, the terror-giving one, the bestower of all supernatural attainments…”)
2. Tantra Sara (by Abhinavagupta)
Describes Bhairavi as the feminine energy of Bhairava. Without her, Bhairava is inert — thus she is Shakti in her full power.
Quote:
"Bhairavān na vina śaktir Bhairavī na prakāśyate"
(“Without Bhairava there is no Shakti; Bhairavi cannot shine without Bhairava.”)
3. Kalika Purana
Though primarily dedicated to Kālī, the Kalika Purāṇa also extols Bhairavi in her aspect as Tripura Bhairavi, where she is the presiding deity over the Muladhara Chakra.
Quote:
"Mulādhāre sthitā devī Bhairavī śakti-rūpiṇī."
(“In the root chakra resides Bhairavi, the embodiment of Shakti.”)
4. Devi Bhagavata Purana (Skanda 9)
Refers to Bhairavi as one of the powerful aspects of Devi Durga who appears to annihilate the asuras.
Quote:
"Bhayaṁ dātrī cha rakṣasāṁ vināśinī Bhairavī parā."
(“Bhairavi, the supreme destroyer of demons, the giver of fear to the wicked.”)
Mythological Origins and Stories
1. Manifestation During Sati's Sacrifice
According to Shakta tradition, after Sati immolated herself during Daksha’s yajña, Lord Shiva in his grief and rage created eleven forms of Divine Shakti from her scattered remains. Bhairavi is believed to have emerged from Sati's wrath, born of her burning will to destroy adharma.
2. The Slaughter of Chanda and Munda
In some versions, Bhairavi is conflated with Chamunda, a fierce form who emerges from the brow of Goddess Durga to slay the asuras Chanda and Munda. This act reveals her uncompromising, justice-delivering aspect.
Spiritual Significance and Worship
1. Bhairavi as Kundalini Shakti
Bhairavi is revered in Tantra and Kundalini Yoga as the force that rises from Muladhara (root chakra). She represents the ascending power of consciousness that annihilates ignorance and ego on its way to uniting with Shiva.
2. Role in Sadhana
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Sadhakas meditate on Bhairavi to overcome fear, lust, anger, and confusion.
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She is worshipped with red flowers, kumkuma, and blood sacrifices (in traditional Tantric rituals).
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She is also the Goddess of discipline, empowering the practitioner with resolve and inner strength.
Bhairavi in Yogic and Tantric Practice
Bhairavi is invoked in:
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Kaula Marga practices
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Bhairavi Mudra (Yogic technique where one concentrates inward)
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Sri Vidya where she is worshipped as Tripura Bhairavi, the mistress of the three cities (mind, speech, body).
In the Bhairava Tantra, she is the consort of Bhairava, not as a dependent spouse, but as his equal half — Chiti or Consciousness-force.
Temples and Shrines
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Chandi Devi Temple (Haridwar) – Worshiped as Bhairavi in some traditions.
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Kamakya Temple (Assam) – One of the Shakti Peethas where Bhairavi is revered.
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Tripura Bhairavi Peeth (Himachal Pradesh) – A sacred site for the Tantric upasakas of Bhairavi.
Conclusion: The Mother Who Destroys to Liberate
Bhairavi is not merely a fearsome goddess of destruction. She is the inner fire of tapas (spiritual discipline), the force of transformation, and the purifying flame that burns away illusion. Worshiping her demands courage, surrender, and a willingness to confront one's inner darkness.
In Bhairavi, the sādhaka does not find mere terror, but the light that dawns after annihilation — the dawn of truth, liberation, and eternal wisdom.
References
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Rudra Yamala Tantra
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Tantra Sara – by Abhinavagupta
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Kalika Purana – Chapters 57–58
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Devi Bhagavata Purana – Skandha 9
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Brahmanda Purana – Mentions Bhairavi in forms of Shakti
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Bhairava Tantra – Explores Bhairavi-Bhairava union
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Tripura Rahasya – Esoteric teachings on Tripura Bhairavi
