Bhairavagama, Bhairavāgama, Bhairava-agama: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Bhairavagama means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

In Hinduism

Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)

[«previous next»] — Bhairavagama in Shaivism glossary
Source: Shodhganga: Iconographical representations of Śiva

Bhairavāgama (भैरवागम) refers to one of the two classifications of the Dakṣiṇa division of the Śaiva division of Śaivāgamas: one of the three classes of āgamas (traditionally communicated wisdom).—The śaivāgamas represent the wisdom that has come down from lord Śiva, received by Pārvatī and accepted by Viṣṇu. The śaivāgamas are divided into four groups viz. Śaiva, Pāśupata, Soma and Lākula. Śaiva is further divided in to Dakṣiṇa, Vāma and Siddhānta. Dakṣina is again divided in to Bhairava and Aghora. Bhairava again divided in to Mahāvrata, Kālāmukha, Kāpāla and Pāśupata.

Source: SOAS University of London: Protective Rites in the Netra Tantra

Bhairavāgama (भैरवागम) refers to the “appearance of Bhairava”, according to the Netratantra of Kṣemarāja: a Śaiva text from the 9th century in which Śiva (Bhairava) teaches Pārvatī topics such as metaphysics, cosmology, and soteriology.—Accordingly, [verse 10.1-7ab, while describing the appearance and worship of Bhairava]—“Now, at this moment, I shall explain the distinct appearance of Bhairava [e.g., bhairavāgama-bhedita], [who] resembles an ointment [that clears the eye]. He has a nature that burns up and dissolves all things. Five-faced, atop a corpse, ten-armed [and] terrible, he resembles troops with demon mouths. [...] Having worshipped Bhairava, [the Mantrin] remembers being joined in union [with] him, [in the same way as] dissolution in fire”.

Shaivism book cover
context information

Shaiva (शैव, śaiva) or Shaivism (śaivism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshiping Shiva as the supreme being. Closely related to Shaktism, Shaiva literature includes a range of scriptures, including Tantras, while the root of this tradition may be traced back to the ancient Vedas.

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