Brahma-Shirashcheda Murti
Shiva as Bhairava
Lord Shiva manifested as Bhairava, a fierce and terrifying form, to punish Lord Brahma for his arrogance and falsehood. Brahma, who had five heads, falsely claimed supremacy and insulted Shiva. In his Bhairava form, Shiva severed Brahma's fifth head, establishing the importance of truth, humility, and the supremacy of divine order.
This form of Shiva enforces divine law without attachment or hesitation, destroying ego and falsehood to protect cosmic order.
The event symbolizes the destruction of ego, the need for humility even among gods, and the enforcement of dharma (cosmic order). Bhairava is considered a fierce guardian and protector who annihilates falsehood and pride.
- No one is above dharma, not even the gods.
- Ego and pride must be destroyed to progress spiritually.
- Fierce forms of divinity play crucial roles in maintaining cosmic balance.
Shiva (Bhairava)
Manifested as Bhairava
Brahma
The arrogant creator
Vishnu
Witness to the event