Sri Bhairavi: The 5th Dasa Mahavidya and the Goddess of Kundalini.

In the enchanting realm of Indian mythology and Vedic story,  the feminine energy, Shakti, desires to create a world where life flourishes. Dividing herself into Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Parvati, Shakti entrusted them with the realms of wealth, knowledge, and power. Goddess Parvati, in her Dasa Mahavidya avatar, maintains the balance between these powers, ensuring justice. The feminine energy is Shakti, representing the Trinity: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, and is also the source of Maya, the grand illusion. Shakti divides into the Dasa Mahavidya, ten tantric goddesses, leading seekers on a path that could reveal both beauty and danger, depending on their perspective. We have previously explored Kali, Tara, Tripura Sundari, and Bhuvaneshwari, who represent the terrifying forms of Para Shakti. Today, we delve into Sri Bhairavi, the 5th Dasa Mahavidya, the Goddess of Muladhara: the Seven Chakras of Tantric Hinduism.

Significance of Goddess Bhairavi:

Sri Bhairavi is one of the most formidable aspects of the Dasa Mahavidya, invoking dread in those who oppose spiritual growth. She wields tremendous, fearsome energy and directs her wrath towards those who threaten her devotees.

Goddess Bhairavi, also known as Kala Bhairavi, Rajarajeshwari, Shubhankari, and Tripura Bhairavi, presides over the three worlds, akin to Tripura Sundari. She is the divine consort of Bhairava, the fierce form of Lord Shiva. As the 4th Dasa Mahavidya of Goddess Parvati, Devi Kala Bhairavi symbolizes triumph over sensual desires for spiritual growth.

Iconography of Goddess Kala Bhairavi:

In Vedic scriptures, Devi Kala Bhairavi is depicted seated on a lotus throne. She carries a book and a rosary in two hands, while the other two adopt the Abhaya and Varada mudras. Adorned in red bridal attire with a garland of severed heads around her neck, she has three eyes and a crescent moon as her tiara. According to the Devi Mahatmya, the goddess is a manifestation of Kali, holding a sword and cups of blood in her hands.

Astrological Significance:

In Vedic astrology, Kala Bhairavi governs the Lagna aspects of Kundalini's seven chakras. Lagna represents the first action of a soul upon birth, influencing human behavior, thoughts, and personality traits.

Bhairavi: Goddess of Speech, Touch, and Spirituality:

Devi Kala Bhairavi activates the supreme power of speech in humans through her fiery Tejas. She represents the unarticulated elemental form of a crude sword, perpetually prepared to vanquish ignorance and evil.

Kala Bhairavi is associated with Sparsha, or touch, and is the goddess of formidable wars, revered through elaborate worship.

Bhairavi: Goddess of the Conscious Self, or Chidangi:

As the 5th Dasa Mahavidya of Parvati, Devi Bhairavi embodies the blaze of conscious self, a divine light and heat. She represents the eternal stream of knowledge and the fire within the prime triangle of the Muladhara Chakra.

Bhairavi: Goddess of the Five Senses:

Mata Bhairavi governs Tejas, the fire element in the human body, and reigns over the Tanmantras, the sensory potential linked to the five organs and five elements. She imparts life's vitality, nurturing individuals on their spiritual journeys.

Bhairavi: Goddess of Deep Joy and Ecstasy:

Indian mythology presents Goddess Bhairavi as the unbridled, hissing force of Kundalini. Her activation through penance purifies the soul, elevating it to a higher plane. Depicted as a coiled serpent, she can be awakened through penance and sacrifice. Once awakened, she ignites deep joy and ecstasy in individuals, unleashing her energy through passionate concentration and heat. This experience helps transcend animalistic behaviors, leading to eternal bliss.

Goddess Bhairavi, akin to Sri Lalita and Tripura Sundari, the Goddess of Consciousness, fosters ecstasy and joy in humans by awakening Kundalini.

Legends of Goddess Bhairavi:

According to the Durga Saptashati, Goddess Bhairavi took the form of Changi to annihilate the wicked demons Shumba and Nishumba, who had wreaked havoc on humankind. In her Chandi avatar, she vanquished Chanda and Munda in a terrifying manner, earning the title Chamundeshwari due to her bloodied mouth and her mount, a donkey.

Inebriated, the knowledge takes the form of Goddess Saraswati, while in her tamasic state, she perceives all men as her lovers, consuming their sins in the fire of wisdom.

Bhairavi becomes the "Svaha" of the fire: "S" for Shakti, "Va" for Amritam, and "Ha" for Lord Shiva or Hari. She is the consort of Kala Bhairava, an avatar of Lord Shiva, together representing Lord Rudra and Goddess Rudrani.

In conclusion, Devi Bhairavi, the 5th Dasa Mahavidya of Goddess Parvati, guides seekers on the path of spirituality and enlightenment, offering knowledge and inner harmony.