Lord Bhairava

Shiva has five faces indicating creation, maintancnce, destruction, veiling and grace. One of his faces is called Aghoramurthi which is destructive and highly aggressive. From hisAghora face comes bhairava who is the shadow of Shiva and also Lord Shivas son. Lord Bhairva is digambara (naked) holding a snake noose, goad, trident and skull cup. He is also in ugrarupa and his vehicle is dog. He is prayed to remove enmity and any afflictions troubling people. He is very intense and destructive. His devotees are called bhairavas/bhairavis. Here he blesses and protects his devotees as KshetrapalaBhairava (Protective Bhairava).