Ashta Bhairavas ("Eight Bhairavas") are eight manifestations of the Hindu god Bhairava, a ferocious aspect of the god Shiva. They guard and control the eight directions. Each Bhairava has seven sub Bhairavas under him. All of the Bhairavas are ruled and controlled by Maha Kala Bhairava (shown in picture), who is considered the supreme ruler of time of the universe and the chief form of Bhairava.
Listed below are the Ashta Bhairava, along with their ruling goddesses, their vahana (mount), and the direction each guards. Also given are their lucky stones, and the consecrated temples in Tamil Nadu, India, where people born on the listed nakshatras get the Ashta Bhairava’s favours and Dosha Nivritti (remedies for problems).
The Ashta Bhairavas, all 8 of them, can be seen at Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sattainathar Temple, Sirkazhi & Aragalur Sri Kamanada Eswar Temple, Shri Mahabairavar Rudra Aalayam, Chengalpattu.
Asithanga Bhairava
This form is white complexioned and has four arms. In his four hands, he holds the rosary, kamandal, sword and skull cup.
Ruling goddess/Consort: Brahmani
Vahana: Swan
Direction: East
Temple: Sattanathar Temple, Sirkazhi and Brahma Sira Kandeeswarar Temple, Thirukandiyur. Nakshatram/ Birth Star: Punarpoosam, Visakam, Purattadhi Stone: Yellow Sapphire Ruling God : Brahma Governs graha : Guru (Jupiter)
Ruru Bhairava
This form is light blue complexioned and has four arms. In his four arms he holds the deer, axe, sword and bowl.
Ruling goddess/Consort: Maheshvari
Vahana: Ox
Direction: Southeast
Temple: Rathnagiriswarar Temple, Thirumarugal
Nakshatram/ Birth Star: Karthikai, Uthiradam, Uthiram
Stone: Ruby
Ruling god : Shiva
Governs Graha: Shukra (Venus)
Chanda Bhairava
This form is fair complexioned and has four arms. The bow, arrow, sword and bowl are held in these arms.
Ruling goddess/Consort: Kaumari
Vahana: Peacock
Direction: South
Temple: Vaitheeswaran Koil
Nakshatram/ Birth Star: Mirugaseerisham, Chithirai, Avittam
Stone: coral
Governs Graha: Mangal (Mars)
Krodha Bhairava
This form is dark blue complexioned and has four arms in which he holds the conch, discus, mace and bowl.
Ruling goddess/Consort: Vaishnavi
Vahana: Eagle
Direction: South-West
Temple: Thiruvisanallur, Thirunaraiyur
Nakshatram/ Birth Star: Rohini, Hastham, Thiruvonam
Stone: Pearl
Governs Graha: Shani (Saturn)
Unmatta Bhairava
This form is golden complexioned and has four arms in which he holds the sword, skull cup, pestle and shield.
Ruling goddess/Consort: Jwala ji, Varahi
Vahana: Horse
Direction: West
Temple: Thiruveezhimizhalai, Bilur, Amona
Governs Graha: Budha (Mercury)
Kapala Bhairava
This form has a shining-yellow complexion and has four arms in which he holds the thunderbolt, noose, sword and bowl.
Ruling goddess/Consort: Indrani
Vahana: Elephant
Direction: North-West
Temple: Thiruvirkudi, Thirupanthuruthi
Nakshatram/ Birth Star: Bharani, Pooram, Puradam
Stone: Diamond
Governs Graha: Chandra (Moon)
Bheeshana Bhairava
This form is blood-red complexioned and has four arms in which the sword, skull cup, trident and pestle are held.
Ruling goddess/Consort: Chamunda
Vahana: Lion
Direction: North
Temple: Rameswaram, Piranmalai
Nakshatram/ Birth Star: Thiruvadhirai, Swati, Sadayam, Ashwini, Magha, Mula
Governs Graha: Ketu
Samhara Bhairava
This form has a lightning-yellow-orange complexion and has ten arms in which he holds the trident, drum, conch, mace, discus, sword, bowl, skull-topped staff, noose and a goad.