Ashta Bhairava



The Ashta Bhairava (अष्टभैरव) are the eight manifestations of the Hindu god Bhairava, a ferocious aspect of Shiva. They are regarded to guard and control the eight cardinal directions. Each of the Ashta Bhairava is regarded to preside over eight subordinate Bhairavas, totalling 64 Bhairavas. The Ashta Bhairva are described to be subordinate to Kālabhairava, who is considered the supreme ruler of time in the universe and the chief form of Bhairava.

Temples
All eight of the Ashta Bhairava are featured at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sattainathar Temple, Sirkazhi, Aragalur Sri Kamanada Eswar Temple, the Shri Mahabairavar Rudra Aalayam, and Chengalpattu.