Lost Series 8

Lost Temples

Cr Ramkrishna Kongalla

The most benovalent Dancing “Vimshati Baahu Bhairava”, (20 Hands Bhairava) is from Rani ki Vav, Patan Gujarat.

Let us understand all the elements of Bhairava & their representation.

0) Prabhaavali with Saptamatrika

1) Shvan – Dog, Vahana of Bhairava

2) Brahma kapala – The severed 5th head of Brahma – Symbol of ending the Ego. Observe the Shvan licking the blood from Brahma Kantha.

3) Paatra – Symbol of Generosity

4) Ankusa – urging to practice & apply

5) Paasha – Rope of 3 threads – Avidya, Karma, Vasana.

6) Ghanta – Impermanence – creation of transient universe through sound.

7) Tanka – Chisel – sculpt your soul

8) Khetaka – deflection of negativity

9) 9 & 14 & 15 – Hands Holding the Sarpa – representation of Kundalini Shakti. Also represents the Danda – which is used by Bhairava to punish sinners.

10) 10, 11, 12, 13 – Hasta Mudras in Natya – Pataka, Tri-Pataka, Pataka & Kartari Mudras.

 16) Khadga – Wisdom of sword cuts through illusion

17) Damaru – Union of two sides – Musculine & Feminine. When separated sound ceases & universe dissolves.

18) Musala – To take us in to right direction through this round knobbed stick.

19) Vajra – Diamond – Ultimate truth is indestructible.

20) Abhaya mudra of Bhairava.

21) Churi – Dagger – Razor edge indicates that it has to be treated with great care and vigilance.

22) Ashirvada mudra of Bhairava on his great devotee Rishi Bhringi.

(The blog writer/compiler is a Management Professional and operates a Manpower & Property Consultancy Firm. Besides, he is Ex President of "Consumer Justice Council", Secretary of "SARATHI",  Member of "Jan Manch",  Holds "Palakatva of NMC", is a Para Legal Volunteer, District Court, Nagpur, RTI Activist, Core Committee Member of Bharat Van Movement, Member of Alert Citizen Group, Nagpur Police, Member of Family Welfare Committee formed under the directions of Hon. Supreme Court).

P.S: The blog writer claims no ownership of the photos and he, being a lover of the Rich Indian history, is simply trying to compile the related facts from various sources with the only sole intention of spreading our rich history far and wide.