Akasha-Bhairava

Akasha-Bhairava

आकाश-भैरव, ākāśa-bhairava

Akasha-Bhairava is a form of Bhairava associated with space, heaven.  This Bhairava is called "God of sky", and sometimes associated with Indra, the patron of heaven.  The veneration of Akasha-Bhairava is widespread in Nepal, especially in Kathmandu, where there are several large temples dedicated to him.

It is believed that Akasha-Bhairava manifested amrita from vyoma and provided it to his bhaktas. In akasha is goddess Ganga, she washes away all sins and bestows immortality.

Among Nathas, Akasha-Bhairava is associated with amrita, which is located in gagana-mandala (head space). One of the famous siddhas of recent times – Ratannath – especially revered this Bhairava’s form. In Devi Patan, where he performed his sadhana, a large murti of Akasha-Bhairava was installed.

In Shri Vidya, Akasha-Bhairava is identified with Sharabha. The texts say that he has 32 arms, the shape of a bird, a golden body, awful teeth, and a human form of the upper torso.  His worship destroys all enemies.