Chapter 41 - Bhairaveśvara (Bhairava-īśvara)

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

Īśvara said:

1-3. To the east thereof and to the south-east of Someśa, there is a Liṅga of great power, installed by Sarasvatī.

The Vāḍava fire kept in a pot in the form of Bhairaveśvara, was brought by the goddess near the sea.

She left it for a moment to take rest and then the Liṅga was installed. After worshipping it in accordance with the injunctions, she took the Vāḍava fire and cast it into the Sea with a desire for the welfare of the Devas.

4. Thereupon, the Devas became extremely pleased. They adored the goddess with showers of flowers and filled the sky with the sounds of Śaṅkha and Dundubhi drums.

5-6. The Suras named her Devamātā (Mother of the Devas) and said to her: “You have accomplished a terrific task that could not be accomplished by Devas and Dānavas and installed here the Liṅga of great power. You are the most excellent of all rivers and the destroyer of all sins. Hence this Liṅga will become famous by the name Bhairava.”

7-9. On being told thus, the goddess stationed herself in the form of an image to the south-east of Bhairaveśvara on the charming shore of the ocean.

A pilgrim should worship her as well as Bhairaveśvara in accordance with the injunction on the Mahānavamī day with great effort. After duly bathing and worshipping Sarasvatī, one becomes rid of all defects of speech.

If the Liṅga is adored after bathing it with milk, uttering the Aghora Mantra duly, one will get the benefit of the pilgrimage.