Bhairava

Bhairava is the fierce and protective form of Shiva, said to guard the eight directions in his eight forms (Ashta Bhairava). In tantric and Shakta traditions he is worshipped as the fierce guardian of Shakti; his vehicle is a dog, and as Kaal Bhairav he is especially revered in Varanasi and Ujjain. Saturday (Shani Pradosha) and Monday are believed to be favourable days for his worship. This destroyer of ego and delusion guards the devotee on the quest for truth.