In this world, the supreme form of energy is Adi Parashakti.
It is for the protection of this divine energy that the Ashta Bhairavas were created.
This wondrous history reveals the deep philosophy of the union between Shiva and Shakti.
Incarnation of Dakshayani
Separated from Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati was born as the daughter of Prajapati Daksha, the mind-born son of Brahma.
She was known as Dakshayani (Sati).
At a young age, her devotion towards Shiva transformed into love.
Against Daksha’s wishes, she married Lord Shiva.
Daksha’s Yajna and Sati’s Sacrifice
Due to the incident where Brahma’s head was severed, Daksha developed anger towards Shiva.
He decided to conduct a grand yajna.
But —
he did not invite Shiva or Dakshayani to the yajna.
Hearing this, Sati was deeply hurt.
She went to the yajna, and unable to bear the insult of her father,
she sacrificed herself in the sacrificial fire.
Shiva’s Rage and Cosmic Destruction
The death of Sati shocked Lord Shiva.
In anger, he destroyed Daksha’s yajna.
Then, carrying Sati’s body, he wandered across the universe.
That pain – that love – that state of cosmic dissolution…
Origin of Shakti Peethas
Seeing Shiva’s sorrow, Lord Vishnu decided to free him from that illusion.
Using his Sudarshana Chakra, he cut Sati’s body into pieces.
Those body parts fell at various places on Earth.
They are what we now worship as the Shakti Peethas (Shakti Peethas).
Bhairavas as Divine Guardians
To protect these Shakti Peethas
and to safeguard the devotees who come there,
Lord Shiva manifested his fierce form as Bhairavas.
Each Shakti Peetha was assigned one Bhairava as its guardian deity.
Ashta Bhairavas – Guardians of the Eight Directions
These Bhairavas are believed to reside in the eight main directions.
They are:
Asitanga Bhairava
Ruru Bhairava
Chanda Bhairava
Krodha Bhairava
Unmatta Bhairava
Kapala Bhairava
Bhishana Bhairava
Samhara Bhairava
Together, they are known as the Ashta Bhairavas.
Why Should We Worship Ashta Bhairavas?
Worship of Ashta Bhairavas:
🔸Removes evil eye
🔸Resolves planetary doshas
🔸Eliminates enemies and hidden problems
🔸Provides spiritual protection
🔸Brings courage and progress in life
Slaying of Tarakasura and Protection
After the formation of the Shakti Peethas,
there arose a need to protect them from demons.
At that time, Lord Murugan destroyed Tarakasura
and protected the Devas and sages.
Even after that,
Bhairavas continue to remain the eternal guardians of the Shakti Peethas.
Ashta Bhairavas are not merely fierce forms.
They are:
- Guardians of Shakti
- Protectors of devotees
- Divine forces that destroy suffering
By worshipping these Bhairavas,
who stand as guardians of the Shakti Peethas,
our lives become protected and empowered.