Ashta Bhairav: The eight manifestations of Kaal Bhairav
Ashta Bhairav are eight manifestations of Kaal Bhairav. They are the guardians and controller of eight directions. Each Bhairav has eight sub Bhairavs under him. So there are 64 Bhairavs in total. All of the Bhairavs are ruled and controlled by Maha Swarna Kala Bhairava, who is considered the supreme ruler of time of the universe and the chief form of Bhairava.
The 8 Bhairavs:
Kaal Bhairav
1. Sri Asithaanga Bhairav
Sri Asithaanga Bhairav
Consort: Bhrami
Vahana: Swan
Direction: East
Worship Benefits: Gives creative ability.
2. Sri Unmatha Bhairav
Sri Unmatha Bhairav
Consort: Vaarahi
Vahana: Horse
Direction: West
Worship Benefits: Controls negative ego and harmful self talk.
3. Sri Bheeshana Bhairav
Sri Bheeshana Bhairav
Consort: Chamundi
Vahana: Lion
Direction: North
Worship Benefits: Obliterates evil spirits and negativity.
4. Sri Chanda Bhairav
Sri Chanda Bhairav
Consort: Koumaari
Vahana: Peacock
Direction: South
Worship Benefits: Gives incredible energy, cuts competition and rivals.
5. Sri Ruru Bhairav
Sri Ruru Bhairav
Consort: Maaheshwari
Vahana: Ox (Rishabam)
Direction: South-East
Worship Benefits: Divine educator.
6. Sri Krodha Bhairav
Sri Krodha Bhairav
Consort: Vaishnavi
Vahana: Eagle (Garuda)
Direction: South-West
Worship Benefits: Gives you the power to take massive action.
7. Sri Samhaara Bhairav
Sri Samhaara Bhairav
Consort: Chandi
Vahana: Dog
Direction: North-East
Worship Benefits: Complete dissolution of old negative karmas.
8. Sri Kapaala Bhairav
Sri Kapaala Bhairav
Consort: Indrani
Vahana: Elephant
Direction: North-West
Worship Benefits: Ends all unrewarding work and action.
Each of the Bhairava’s manifestations represent, Akash, air, fire, water and earth and the other three being sun, moon and atma. Each of the Bhairavs are different in appearance, have different weapons, different vahanas. They also represent the Ashta Lakshmis.