Bhairava

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions | 1997 | 463 words | Copyright

Bhairava (Skt.).
1. A ferocious form of Śiva, akin to Kālī, revered in Tantrism especially by the Kāpālikas and in Kashmir Śaivism. By meditating on this terrible form of the deity, the adept (sādhaka) eventually sees through the ferocity and apprehends the transcendent beyond form. He is accompanied by his śakti Bhairavī who is likewise terrible.

2. The name/title of one who seeks to enter a Tantric sect.

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JOHN BOWKER. "Bhairava." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

JOHN BOWKER. "Bhairava." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O101-Bhairava.html

JOHN BOWKER. "Bhairava." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O101-Bhairava.html

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