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Bhairavi is also a terrifying form of Goddess. Legends regard her to be the consort of Kala Bhairava, the aggressive form of Lord Shiva and hence, she is also called Kala Bhairavi. She is one of the manifestations of Kali, the fierce form of divine Shakti, who is also known in many other names such as Parvati , Durga and Bhagavathi.
Kali is the divine consort of Lord Shiva. She remains one of the highly aggressive manifestations of the feminine energy, and is regarded as a ruthless destroyer of evil and an unfailing upholder of virtue. The name Kali literally means ‘the dark one’ or ‘the black colored’. Kala also stands for time and Kali, its feminine form. She is thus regarded as the dark colored Goddess of death, and in other words, the annihilator of ego.
Kali is also known as Adi Parashakthi, the primordial, all-powerful feminine energy and is worshipped in ten forms that are known as Dasa Mahavidyas, the ten Goddesses of great wisdom. Goddess Bhairavi is considered the sixth of these ten divine aspects.
The word Bhairavi itself means ‘terror’ and her form is awe inspiringindeed. She is actually considered the Goddess of decay, destruction and death, butwhat she puts an end to, is evil and that she does is for upholding virtue. She is also known as Tripura Bhairavi, the Goddess of three fortresses or towns.
The Tri in this name, which means number three, implies the various stages of consciousness, that is, the states of wakefulness, dream and deep sleep. Transcending these will lead one to Brahman, the ultimate reality. Bhairavi’s grace can help one attain this state of realization, and hence this Goddess is hailed as Tripura Bhairavi. Bhairavi itself is considered a state of great spiritual advancement, a level that goes beyond death, that is, the state of deathlessness.
Bhairavi is depicted normally as having four arms, holding the rosary beads, a book, chin mudra and varada mudra in them and sitting on a lotus. There are also other more fierce images of her, carrying a sword and a cup of blood. Tantric worship shows her seated on Lord Shiva. Whatever be her form, she sports a regal look and a queenly countenance.
Bhairavi is a protector and savior apart from being a provider. Worshipping her will get her grace for the devotees, which can protect them against many ills like fear, worry, tension, negative feelings, uncertainties, accidents, loss of reputation and also lagna dosha. Her blessings can bestow them with good learning, reasoning abilities, articulation skill, prosperity, peace of mind and joy.