Rudra-Shiva concept (Study)

by Maumita Bhattacharjee | 2018 | 54,352 words

This page relates ‘Kalabhairava incarnation’ of the study on the Rudra-Shiva concept in the Vedic and Puranic literature, starting with the concept of God as contemplated by the Rishis (Vedic sages). These pages further deal with the aspects, legends, iconography and eulology of Rudra-Shiva as found in the Samhitas, Brahamanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads Sutras and Puranas. The final chapters deal with descriptions of his greatness, various incarnations and epithets.

According to the Purāṇic literature, Kālabhairava is the earlier form of Śiva. One day listening to the greatness of lord Śiva from Viṣṇu, without knowing any fact, Brahmā who was proud of himself replied haughtily. Then a great flame manifested itself in the midst of Brahmā and Viṣṇu. A man of huge shape emerged from the middle of the mass of flame. That very man was none other than Śiva. On hearing the arrogant speech of Brahmā, lord Śiva became angry and created a man named Bhairava. He (Kālabhairava) was shining in great brilliance. Kālabhairava is also known as Bhairava. The reason behind the name of Bhairava is because he has a dreadful nature and he is capable of supporting the entire world. He suppressed the wicked and punished those who committed sins. Kālabhairava cut off Brahma’s fifth head with the tip of the nails of the fingers of his left hand.[1]

In the Varāha Purāṇa, it is mentioned that when Brahmā addressed Rudra as Kapālin, Rudra became angry and clipped off the fifth head of Brahmā by the nails of his (Rudra’s) left hand.[2]

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

Ibid., 3.8. 2-53

[2]:

Varāha-purāṇa, 1.97.2-7

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