Defining Features of the Statue: Shiva as Bhairava stands naked,
fangs exposed, hair standing up on end, with his four hands holding a drum or
dhamru with a snake entwined on it, skull bowl, and noose. His only
garment is a long string of bells that flows from his chest to between his
shoulder blades. He has some small decorations on his arm, a Brahmin's
thread as well as a necklace. His body is naked and smooth which really
draws attention to the smooth pure color of the bronze. Nowhere is this
more apparent than on the dog at Shiva's rear heel. The dog has smooth,
fine curved lines which culminate in his curled tail.
Shiva's countenance is
menacing. His two teeth are curved outward. Between his eyes is a
large pronounced third eye. A beautiful representation of Shiva.
About Shiva as Bhairava:
Bhairava
is Shiva
at his most terrifying, at his most fearful. He may be understood as a
particular manifestation of
Shiva.
In some myths,
Shiva created
Bhairava
as an extension of himself, in order to chastise Brahma.
Bhairava
is the embodiment of fear, and it is said that those who meet him must confront
the source of their own fears. His name describes the effect he has upon those
who behold him, as it derives from the word bhiru, which means to become
fearful - of feeling great fear. by Phil Hines
Click here to
read an essay on Shiva as Bhairava by Phil Hines
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203-629-0902 or email us
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