Bhairava

Bhairava is the guardian deity of the abode of Lord Siva. He is called kshetra pala. The term Bhairava means “Terrific”. As the guardian of the abode of Lord, His form is very fierce, with many weapons, naked and decorated with skulls. He has a smile on His face that threatens wrong doers and protects the devotees. He has a dog as His vehicle and is referred to as shuna vahanar. Bhairava is not a form of Lord Siva, but is very closely associated and one of the powers assigned by the Lord. It is customary that keys of the temple are given to Bhairava after pujas are completed for the day and again taken from Him the next morning before the opening. As the guardian deity He is also worshipped after any of the festivals at the temple.