Kalabhairava is a fierce manifestation of Shiva associated with annihilation. In Hinduism, Bhairava is also called Dandapani (as he holds a rod or Danda to punish sinners) and Swaswa meaning "whose vehicle is a dog". Bhairava originates from the word bhīru, which means "fearsome". Bhairava means "terribly fearsome form". It is also known as one who destroys fear or one who is beyond fear. One interpretation is that he protects his devotees from dreadful enemies, greed, lust and anger. Bhairava protects his devotees from these enemies. These enemies are dangerous as they never allow humans to seek God within. There is also another interpretation: Bha means creation, ra means sustenance and va means destruction. Therefore, Bhairava is the one who creates, sustains and dissolves the three stages of life. Therefore, he becomes the ultimate or the supreme. Kala Bhairava is conceptualized as the Guru of the planetary deity, Shani (Saturn) idols of Bhairava are situated in the north, facing Western direction. He is also called Kṣhetrapāla. He appears in a standing position with four hands. His weapons are drum, pāśa (noose), trident and skull. In some forms of Bhairava, there are more than four hands. He appears without dress and with a dog. His weapons, the dog, protruding teeth, terrifying looks, and a garland with red flowers all give him a frightening appearance. In Shiva temples, when the temple is closed, the keys are placed before Bhairava. Bhairava is also described as the protector of women.
