The embodiment of annihilation of the cosmos, Lord Bhairava, a fearsome incarnation of Lord Shiva, is carved in bronze in the art form of lost wax that hails from Swamimalai. He is accompanied by a dog, who acts as his vahan (vehicle). His is the form that exists beyond the existence of fear, supreme in the way he acts as the destroyer of the universe. It was Lord Shiva himself who had created this terrifying yet divine form of Bhairava. There was once a war between devas and asuras.
To assist the devas in the slaying of demons, Lord Shiva appeared in the form of Astanga Bhairavas. In this idol, he stands on an upturned lotus and serpents encircle his waist in mimicry of jewellery. In his hands, he holds four things—a noose, a damru that rings out with noise both during the beginning of the universe and the end, a trident that is Lord Shiva’s weapon, and a skull turned into a cup that once belonged to an arrogant Brahma. It is evident that the statue was created by ardent followers called sthapathis with nothing but devotion in their hearts. The large eyes and sharp features make for a truly unique idol.
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