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Vedic deitiesBhairava

108 names of Bhairava in Sanskrit

Bhairava picture

Synopsis

Lord Bhairava, the fierce and awe-inspiring form of Shiva, embodies divine protection, destruction of evil, and transcendental wisdom. Revered in Śaiva, Tantric, and Yogic traditions, Bhairava represents the ultimate guardian of time (Kāla), dharma, and spiritual discipline. Reciting the 108 names of Bhairava is a powerful practice for seekers seeking inner strength, protection, and liberation.

Below is a sacred list of his 108 names, complete with correct Sanskrit, transliteration (IAST), English meanings, and brief explanations. These names reflect his cosmic aspects, symbolic attributes, and divine roles across various Purāṇic and Tantric texts. Ideal for daily worship, mantra recitation, and meditative reflection.

  1. ॐ भैरवाय नमः
    oṁ bhairavāya namaḥ
    Salutations to Bhairava
    Bhairava is the fierce and protective form of Śiva, symbolizing annihilation of evil and guardianship.
  2. ॐ भूतनाथाय नमः
    oṁ bhūtanāthāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Lord of beings
    He is the master of all bhūtas—spirits, elements, and beings, both seen and unseen.
  3. ॐ भूतात्मने नमः
    oṁ bhūtātmane namaḥ
    Salutations to the Soul of all beings
    Bhairava is the inner essence and soul (ātman) of all created beings.
  4. ॐ भूतभावनाय नमः
    oṁ bhūtabhāvanāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Nourisher of all beings
    He fosters and sustains all living entities across the cosmos.
  5. ॐ क्षेत्रज्ञाय नमः
    oṁ kṣetrajñāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Knower of the Field
    As described in the Gītā, He is the knower of the body-field (kṣetra) and its inner truths.
  6. ॐ क्षेत्रपालाय नमः
    oṁ kṣetrapālāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Guardian of the Sacred Space
    He protects sacred lands and thresholds, particularly cremation grounds and holy places.
  7. ॐ क्षेत्रदाय नमः
    oṁ kṣetradāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Giver of sacred realms
    He grants spiritual spaces and inner fields for transformation and worship.
  8. ॐ क्षत्रियाय नमः
    oṁ kṣatriyāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Warrior
    He embodies the strength, discipline, and valor of the kṣatriya (warrior) spirit.
  9. ॐ विराजे नमः
    oṁ virāje namaḥ
    Salutations to the Radiant One
    His brilliance is beyond compare—glorious, majestic, and awe-inspiring.
  10. ॐ श्मशानवासिने नमः
    oṁ śmaśānavāsine namaḥ
    Salutations to the One who dwells in cremation grounds
    He is the fearless dweller of śmaśāna (cremation grounds), symbolizing transcendence over death and ego.
  11. ॐ मांसाशिने नमः
    oṁ māṁsāśine namaḥ
    Salutations to the Flesh-Eater
    A fierce form consuming impurities—representing the destruction of tamas and ignorance.
  12. ॐ खर्वरोशिने नमः
    oṁ kharvarośine namaḥ
    Salutations to the One with terrifying roar
    His roar terrifies all evil forces, shaking the cosmic order into righteousness.
  13. ॐ स्मरांतकाय नमः
    oṁ smarāntakāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Destroyer of Kāma
    He burnt Kāma (desire personified) to ashes, showing mastery over desire and illusion.
  14. ॐ रक्तपाय नमः
    oṁ raktapāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Blood-Drinker
    Symbol of consuming karmic residues—He devours the seeds of impurity through spiritual fire.
  15. ॐ पानयाय नमः
    oṁ pānāyāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the One who drinks
    He accepts offerings in fierce rituals, symbolizing consumption of karma and ego.
  16. ॐ सिद्धाय नमः
    oṁ siddhāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Perfected One
    Bhairava is accomplished in all yogic and spiritual attainments.
  17. ॐ सिद्धिदाय नमः
    oṁ siddhidāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Giver of Siddhis
    He bestows siddhis (spiritual powers) upon sincere practitioners and ascetics.
  18. ॐ सिद्धिसेविताय नमः
    oṁ siddhisevitāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the One worshipped by the accomplished
    Great yogis and realized beings revere Him as the supreme guide.
  19. ॐ कंकालाय नमः
    oṁ kaṅkālāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Skeletal One
    Depicted with a skeletal form, He reminds of impermanence and the transcendence of bodily identity.
  20. ॐ कलाशमनाय नमः
    oṁ kalāśamanāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Subduer of Time
    He dissolves all units of time (kalā), demonstrating absolute power over temporal existence.
  21. ॐ कलाकाष्टाय नमः
    oṁ kalākāṣṭāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the One who transcends Time divisions
    “Kalā” and “kāṣṭhā” refer to measures of time. Bhairava is beyond all temporal limitations.
  22. ॐ तनये नमः
    oṁ tanaye namaḥ
    Salutations to the Divine Son
    He is regarded as the son or emanation of Śiva in certain Tantric traditions.
  23. ॐ कवये नमः
    oṁ kavaye namaḥ
    Salutations to the Poet-Seer
    Bhairava is a knower of all speech and wisdom—Kavi means both poet and enlightened sage.
  24. ॐ त्रिनेत्रात्र नमः
    oṁ trinetrātra namaḥ
    Salutations to the Three-Eyed One
    He possesses three eyes, symbolizing omniscience—past, present, and future.
  25. ॐ बहुनेत्राय नमः
    oṁ bahunetrāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Many-Eyed One
    He sees all directions and all realms with countless eyes—symbol of total awareness.
  26. ॐ पिङ्गल-लोचनाय नमः
    oṁ piṅgala-locanāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Tawny-Eyed One
    His eyes shine with reddish-golden hue, full of energy and divine fire.
  27. ॐ शूलपाणये नमः
    oṁ śūlapāṇaye namaḥ
    Salutations to the One holding a trident
    He holds a śūla (trident), symbolizing power over creation, sustenance, and destruction.
  28. ॐ खङ्गपाणये नमः
    oṁ khaṅgapāṇaye namaḥ
    Salutations to the Sword-Wielder
    Bhairava holds a sword (khaṅga), symbolizing discrimination, power, and cutting of illusion.
  29. ॐ कपालिने नमः
    oṁ kapāline namaḥ
    Salutations to the Skull-Bearer
    He carries a skull as a symbol of transience and renunciation of ego.
  30. ॐ धूम्रलोचनाय नमः
    oṁ dhūmralocanāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Smoky-Eyed One
    His eyes are intense and smoke-colored, representing mystical power and inner fire.
  31. ॐ अभीरवे नमः
    oṁ abhiravāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Fearsome Roarer
    His roar dispels fear and ignorance, reverberating through all planes of existence.
  32. ॐ भैरवीनाथाय नमः
    oṁ bhairavīnāthāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Lord of Bhairavīs
    He is the master of Bhairavīs—divine feminine energies and yoginīs that accompany him.
  33. ॐ भूतपाय नमः
    oṁ bhūtapāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Protector from spirits
    He safeguards his devotees from malevolent spirits and dark forces (bhūtas).
  34. ॐ योगिनीपतये नमः
    oṁ yoginīpataye namaḥ
    Salutations to the Lord of Yoginīs
    Bhairava is the revered consort and master of mystical yoginīs in the Tantric traditions.
  35. ॐ धनदाय नमः
    oṁ dhanadāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Bestower of Wealth
    He grants prosperity—both material and spiritual—to those who revere him with devotion.
  36. ॐ धनहारिणे नमः
    oṁ dhanahāriṇe namaḥ
    Salutations to the Remover of Wealth
    He also takes away wealth to teach detachment and the fleeting nature of possessions.
  37. ॐ धनवते नमः
    oṁ dhanavate namaḥ
    Salutations to the Lord of Riches
    He is complete in himself—rich with yogic power, virtues, and mystic treasures.
  38. ॐ प्रीतिवर्धनाय नमः
    oṁ prītivardhanāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Enhancer of Love
    He increases divine affection, unity, and devotion among seekers.
  39. ॐ नागहाराय नमः
    oṁ nāgahārāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the One adorned with serpent-garlands
    Bhairava wears garlands of serpents, symbolizing transcendence over fear and kundalinī mastery.
  40. ॐ नागपाशाय नमः
    oṁ nāgapāśāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Wielder of the Serpent Noose
    He uses a nāga-pāśa (serpent noose) to bind and control forces of chaos and delusion.
  41. ॐ व्योमकेशाय नमः
    oṁ vyomakeśāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the One whose hair is the sky
    Bhairava’s matted locks are said to stretch into the cosmos—symbolizing infinite expanse and unbounded power.
  42. ॐ कपालभृते नमः
    oṁ kapālabhṛte namaḥ
    Salutations to the Skull-Bearer
    He holds a human skull (kapāla), representing detachment from the body and ego, and transcendence over death.
  43. ॐ कालाय नमः
    oṁ kālāya namaḥ
    Salutations to Time itself
    He is Kāla—time, the destroyer, the eternal force that governs birth and death.
  44. ॐ कपालमालिने नमः
    oṁ kapālamāline namaḥ
    Salutations to the One adorned with a garland of skulls
    His garland of skulls symbolizes the cycles of life and death, and the souls that have merged into his being.
  45. ॐ कमनीयाय नमः
    oṁ kamanīyāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Beautiful and Alluring One
    Though fearsome, Bhairava’s form is also enchanting and magnetic—drawing the seeker closer to liberation.
  46. ॐ कलानिधये नमः
    oṁ kalānidhaye namaḥ
    Salutations to the Treasury of Arts and Time
    He is the source of all arts (kalā) and measures of time—completeness in expression and manifestation.
  47. ॐ त्रिलोचनाय नमः
    oṁ trilocanāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Three-Eyed Lord
    His third eye symbolizes higher vision, intuitive knowledge, and destruction of illusion.
  48. ॐ ज्वलन्नेत्राय नमः
    oṁ jvalannetrāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the One with Blazing Eyes
    His eyes shine with fiery intensity—burning away ignorance, ego, and fear.
  49. ॐ त्रिशिखिने नमः
    oṁ triśikhine namaḥ
    Salutations to the One with three tufts of hair
    A mystical sign, the three locks or flames represent triple divinity—creation, preservation, and dissolution.
  50. ॐ त्रिलोकषाय नमः
    oṁ trilokṣāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Lord of the Three Worlds
    He rules over the three realms—heaven (svarga), earth (martyaloka), and the underworld (pātāla).
  51. ॐ त्रिनेत्रतापाय नमः
    oṁ trinetra-tāpāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Heat of the Third Eye
    His third eye radiates intense spiritual heat, capable of incinerating ignorance and demonic forces.
  52. ॐ डिभाय नमः
    oṁ ḍibhāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Fearsome One
    “Ḍibha” signifies a terrifying roar. Bhairava’s very name instills awe and reverence in all beings.
  53. ॐ शान्ताय नमः
    oṁ śāntāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Peaceful One
    Though fierce in appearance, his essence is śānti—deep, unwavering inner stillness.
  54. ॐ शान्तजनप्रियाय नमः
    oṁ śāntajanapriyāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Beloved of the Peaceful Ones
    He is especially dear to saints, yogīs, and spiritual seekers who are inwardly calm and focused.
  55. ॐ बटुकाय नमः
    oṁ baṭukāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Young Ascetic
    Bhairava manifests as Baṭuka—a child mendicant, symbolizing innocence fused with divine power.
  56. ॐ बटुवेशाय नमः
    oṁ baṭuveśāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the One with the Form of a Young Brahmachāri
    In Baṭuka form, he wears the sacred attire of a celibate student, yet holds immense destructive energy.
  57. ॐ खट्वांगधारकाय नमः
    oṁ khaṭvāṅgadhārakāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Wielder of the Khaṭvāṅga Club
    The khaṭvāṅga is a mystic club symbolizing tantric authority and the destruction of duality.
  58. ॐ यनाध्यक्षाय नमः
    oṁ yanādhyakṣāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Overseer of Sacrifices
    He presides over yajñas and offerings, symbolizing the inner fire that transforms and purifies.
  59. ॐ पशुपतये नमः
    oṁ paśupataye namaḥ
    Salutations to the Lord of All Beings
    He is Paśupati—the ruler of all living beings and the liberator of bound souls (paśus).
  60. ॐ भिक्षुकाय नमः
    oṁ bhikṣukāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Mendicant Form
    Bhairava assumes the role of a beggar to shatter pride and demonstrate divine humility.
  61. ॐ परिचारकाय नमः
    oṁ paricārakāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Divine Attendant
    Bhairava serves as the celestial guardian and minister of divine tasks, ever engaged in sacred service.
  62. ॐ धूर्ताय नमः
    oṁ dhūrtāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Cunning One
    He employs divine trickery to dismantle ignorance and ego, revealing the deeper truth hidden behind illusion.
  63. ॐ दिगम्बराय नमः
    oṁ digambarāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the One Clothed in Directions
    Bhairava wears no garment but the space itself, symbolizing spiritual nakedness and detachment.
  64. ॐ शूराय नमः
    oṁ śūrāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Heroic One
    He is the embodiment of courage, fearlessly destroying negativity and upholding dharma.
  65. ॐ हरिणे नमः
    oṁ hariṇe namaḥ
    Salutations to the Remover
    As ‘Hari’, he removes sin, sorrow, and suffering from the lives of his devotees.
  66. ॐ पांडुलोचनाय नमः
    oṁ pāṇḍulocanāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the One with Pale Eyes
    His pale eyes shine with otherworldly radiance, reflecting the subtle and divine light beyond perception.
  67. ॐ प्रशांताय नमः
    oṁ praśāntāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Completely Tranquil One
    Amidst his fierce aspect, he is the ocean of peace—absolutely unmoved, inwardly serene.
  68. ॐ शांतिदाय नमः
    oṁ śāntidāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Bestower of Peace
    Bhairava grants śānti—peace that transcends worldly understanding and leads to spiritual bliss.
  69. ॐ सिद्धाय नमः
    oṁ siddhāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Perfected One
    He has attained all spiritual powers (siddhis), and is invoked by yogis for guidance and grace.
  70. ॐ शंकरप्रियबांधवाय नमः
    oṁ śaṅkarapriyabāndhavāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Beloved Companion of Śaṅkara
    Bhairava is a close and cherished emanation of Lord Śiva (Śaṅkara), sharing his essence and purpose.
  71. ॐ अष्टमूर्तये नमः
    oṁ aṣṭamūrtaye namaḥ
    Salutations to the One with Eight Forms
    The eight mūrtis represent earth, water, fire, air, ether, sun, moon, and sacrifice—all expressions of his being.
  72. ॐ निधीशाय नमः
    oṁ nidhīśāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Lord of Treasures
    He governs not only material wealth but also the spiritual treasure hidden within the soul.
  73. ॐ ज्ञानचक्षुषे नमः
    oṁ jñānacakṣuṣe namaḥ
    Salutations to the Eye of Wisdom
    Bhairava sees with jñāna—the vision that pierces illusion and reveals the Self.
  74. ॐ तपोमदाय नमः
    oṁ tapomadāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Ecstasy of Austerity
    He delights in tapas—spiritual austerity and self-discipline that leads to supreme joy.
  75. ॐ अष्टाधाराय नमः
    oṁ aṣṭādhārāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Bearer of the Eight Currents
    These eight supports are divine principles upholding existence, which he sustains and directs.
  76. ॐ षडाधाराय नमः
    oṁ ṣaḍādhārāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Support of the Six Centers
    He dwells in the six chakras (energy centers) of the body, governing the flow of spiritual awakening.
  77. ॐ सर्पयुक्ताय नमः
    oṁ sarpayuktāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the One Adorned with Serpents
    Snakes symbolize transformation, power, and fearlessness, and adorn his sacred form.
  78. ॐ शिखिसखाय नमः
    oṁ śikhisakhāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Friend of the Peacock
    The peacock, often associated with divine energy and Murugan, is his ally and companion.
  79. ॐ भूधराय नमः
    oṁ bhūdharāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Bearer of the Earth
    Bhairava holds the power to support and uplift the world, sustaining cosmic balance.
  80. ॐ भूधराधीशाय नमः
    oṁ bhūdharādhīśāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Lord of Mountains
    Bhairava is revered as the sovereign of mountain realms, representing steadfastness and spiritual elevation.
  81. ॐ भूपतये नमः
    oṁ bhūpataye namaḥ
    Salutations to the Lord of Earth
    As bhūpati, he holds dominion over all the lands and realms, maintaining cosmic law.
  82. ॐ भूधरात्मज्ञाय नमः
    oṁ bhūdharātmajñāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Knower of the Essence of Mountains
    He perceives the deep spiritual essence within all elements, even the silent strength of the mountains.
  83. ॐ कंकालधारिणे नमः
    oṁ kaṅkāladhāriṇe namaḥ
    Salutations to the Bearer of Bones
    Wearing a garland or staff of bones, Bhairava reminds us of impermanence and the truth of mortality.
  84. ॐ मुडिने नमः
    oṁ muḍine namaḥ
    Salutations to the Tonsured One
    His shaven head symbolizes renunciation, detachment, and purity of purpose.
  85. ॐ नागयज्ञोपवीतवते नमः
    oṁ nāgayajñopavītavate namaḥ
    Salutations to the One who wears a serpent as sacred thread
    Instead of the traditional thread, Bhairava wears a nāga (serpent), signifying power and transcendence of norms.
  86. ॐ जृभ्भणाय नमः
    oṁ jṛbbhaṇāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Fierce Devourer
    He consumes all that is untruth and impurity, purifying the soul through his fiery presence.
  87. ॐ मोहनाय नमः
    oṁ mohanāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Enchanter
    Through divine illusion (mohā), he entices and ultimately liberates the bound soul.
  88. ॐ स्तंभिने नमः
    oṁ stambhine namaḥ
    Salutations to the Paralyzer
    He halts and disables evil forces, rendering them powerless through his divine will.
  89. ॐ मरणाय नमः
    oṁ maraṇāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Death-inflictor
    Bhairava is the embodiment of Time and Death (mṛtyu), bringing an end to ignorance and illusion.
  90. ॐ क्षाभणाय नमः
    oṁ kṣābhaṇāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Earth-shaker
    His fierce form causes the earth to tremble, shattering negativity and ego.
  91. ॐ शुद्धनीलांजनप्रख्याय नमः
    oṁ śuddhanīlāñjanaprakhyāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the One Resembling Pure Blue Collyrium
    His complexion is radiant like dark blue collyrium—pure, intense, and mystically beautiful.
  92. ॐ दैत्यघ्ने नमः
    oṁ daityaghne namaḥ
    Salutations to the Slayer of Demons
    He annihilates daityas (demons), representing the destruction of adharma and darkness.
  93. ॐ मुंडभूषिताय नमः
    oṁ muṇḍabhūṣitāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the One Adorned with Skulls
    Bhairava wears skulls as ornaments, a symbol of his dominion over death and transformation.
  94. ॐ बलिभुजे नमः
    oṁ balibhuje namaḥ
    Salutations to the Eater of Offerings
    He accepts sacred offerings (bali) made with devotion, fulfilling desires and removing obstacles.
  95. ॐ बलिभुङनाथाय नमः
    oṁ balibhuṅnāthāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Lord Who Enjoys the Offerings
    As the receiver and ruler of sacrificial oblations, he blesses devotees with abundance and protection.
  96. ॐ बालाय नमः
    oṁ bālāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Youthful One
    Though ancient, Bhairava appears youthful—symbolizing eternal energy and unaging strength.
  97. ॐ बालपराक्रमाय नमः
    oṁ bālaparākramāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the One whose Valor is like that of a Youth
    His boldness and bravery are ever fresh, as if from the vigor of youth itself.
  98. ॐ सर्वपित्तारणाय नमः
    oṁ sarvapittāraṇāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Remover of All Inflammations
    In Ayurvedic symbolism, he cures internal heat and imbalance, restoring health and harmony.
  99. ॐ दुर्गाय नमः
    oṁ durgāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Inaccessible One
    Though merciful, Bhairava is not easily approached—only the pure-hearted and fearless reach him.
  100. ॐ दुष्ट भूतनिषेविताय नमः
    oṁ duṣṭabhūtaniṣevitāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the One attended by fierce spirits
    Bhairava is served and surrounded by powerful beings such as fierce spirits and ghosts, over whom he holds complete dominion.
  101. ॐ कामिने नमः
    oṁ kāmine namaḥ
    Salutations to the Desirable One
    As kāmī, Bhairava is supremely attractive—both spiritually and mystically, drawing the soul towards divine union.
  102. ॐ कलानिधये नमः
    oṁ kalānidhaye namaḥ
    Salutations to the Abode of Arts
    He is the source of all fine arts and cosmic rhythms, holding mastery over both creation and expression.
  103. ॐ कांताय नमः
    oṁ kāntāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Beautiful One
    Though fearsome, Bhairava is also radiant with divine beauty that draws sincere seekers toward truth.
  104. ॐ कामिनीवशकट्टशिने नमः
    oṁ kāminīvaśakaṭṭaśine namaḥ
    Salutations to the One who cuts the bondage of lustful passions
    He liberates devotees from entanglement in sensual desires and attachments through fierce grace.
  105. ॐ सर्वसिद्धिप्रदाय नमः
    oṁ sarvasiddhipradāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Giver of All Perfections
    Bhairava grants all siddhis (spiritual accomplishments) to those who are devoted and disciplined.
  106. ॐ वैद्याय नमः
    oṁ vaidyāya namaḥ
    Salutations to the Divine Physician
    He heals the deepest karmic wounds and diseases, both physical and spiritual, through transformative power.
  107. ॐ प्रभवे नमः
    oṁ prabhave namaḥ
    Salutations to the Mighty Lord
    Bhairava shines as the radiant master of all universes—omnipotent and supremely independent.
  108. ॐ विष्णवे नमः
    oṁ viṣṇave namaḥ
    Salutations to the All-Pervading One
    As viṣṇu, Bhairava pervades and sustains all realms—he is not separate from the supreme all-encompassing consciousness.

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