“Bhairavi Jayanti”: Celebrating the Fearsome Goddess and Her Divine Significance

“Bhairavi Jayanti”, a significant occasion in the Hindu calendar, celebrates the goddess Bhairavi, one of the ten Mahāvidyas and consort of Lord Bhairava (a form of Shiva). Her name, meaning "terrifying" or "awe-inspiring," reflects her powerful and complex nature. This day is an opportunity for devotees to seek her blessings for success, overcoming obstacles, and protection from evil forces.

As per the Hindu Lunar Calendar, “Bhairavi Jayanti” occurs on the Paush Shukla Paksha Purnima tithi. According to the Gregorian Calendar, it lies in the month of either December or January.

This year, we are commemorating this divine occasion of “Bhairavi Jayanti” honoring this formidable and benevolent goddess on the 15th of December ‘24.

As per “Drik Panchang”, the “tithi” for “Bhairavi Jayanti” in the year ‘24 is as follows:

Bhairavi Jayanti on Sunday, 15th of December ‘24

• Purnima Tithi Begins - 04:58 p.m. on 14th of December ‘24
• Purnima Tithi Ends - 02:31 p.m. on 15th of December ‘24

Importance and Significance of “Bhairavi Jayanti”:

“Bhairavi Jayanti” holds deep spiritual importance for devotees who seek strength, wisdom, and protection. As one of the Mahāvidyas, Bhairavi represents the cosmic power of creation, preservation, and destruction. She embodies both fierce and maternal qualities, symbolizing the balance of terror and compassion in the universe. Worshiping her is believed to bring relief from obstacles and negative energies, helping devotees overcome life's challenges. Her presence in Tantric practices also signifies the profound connection between the divine feminine and the transformative forces of the universe.

Her followers believe that invoking her with full devotion, faith, and the right mantras can grant them success, peace, and prosperity. Goddess Bhairavi’s worship on her Jayanti is a time to celebrate her cosmic power and to seek her intervention in worldly matters, such as health, wealth, and spiritual progress.

Rituals Associated with “Bhairavi Jayanti”:

The rituals of “Bhairavi Jayanti” are steeped in Tantric traditions:

• Devotees typically perform puja (worship) with devotion, using red-colored offerings such as flowers, clothes, and incense, as red is believed to be auspicious for this goddess.
• Mantras like "Hanse Hanskari Hase" and "Om Aim Hreem Shree Sundriya Namah" are chanted to invoke her blessings.
• The worship is often accompanied by the chanting of the Tripura Bhairavi Mantra, believed to bestow success and remove all obstacles from the devotee’s life.
• In some cases, special offerings such as sweets and fruits are made to her, and devotees observe fasting and meditation throughout the day to strengthen their connection with the goddess.

This ritualistic observance is a way to purify the body and mind, creating a channel for the divine energy of Bhairavi to enter their lives.

Legend of Bhairavi:

The legend of Bhairavi is intricately tied to Goddess Kali. According to the Narad Panchratra, after Kali decided to return to her original form and disappeared, Lord Shiva could not find her. He then asked Lord Narad to locate Kali, who informed him that she had retreated to the north of Smairu. Shiva sent Narad with a marriage proposal to Kali, which enraged her. In her fury, a destructive shadow emerged, giving rise to the terrifying form known as ‘Tripura Bhairavi.’

This legend reflects the dynamic nature of Bhairavi—her connection to cosmic destruction and her power to transform from the fierce Kali to the more benevolent Tripura Bhairavi. It is believed that worshipping Bhairavi with sincerity can help devotees conquer their inner fears and external challenges.

Forms of Tripura Bhairavi:

Bhairavi is worshipped in various forms, each with unique attributes. Some of her other forms include:

• Tripura Bhairavi: The goddess associated with Tantric activities and cosmic transformations.
• Chaitanya Bhairavi: The form representing divine consciousness.
• Siddha Bhairavi: Symbolizing perfection in spiritual practices.
• Bhuvaneshwar Bhairavi: The goddess of the universe.
• Kamaleshwari Bhairavi: Associated with wealth and prosperity.

Each form of Bhairavi possesses special powers, and her worship in these various manifestations is believed to bestow specific blessings upon her devotees, from spiritual growth to material success.

“Bhairavi Jayanti” in Tantric Traditions:

“Bhairavi Jayanti” is particularly significant in Tantric traditions, where she is revered as the supreme leader of the 64 yoginis. These female deities, according to Tantric teachings, assist in the spiritual ascension of practitioners. Bhairavi herself represents the pinnacle of Tantric achievements, guiding her devotees to reach the highest state of consciousness and power. In Tantric rituals, the goddess plays a central role in helping practitioners break free from material desires and attain spiritual enlightenment.

Conclusion

“Bhairavi Jayanti” is a time to honor one of the most powerful and transformative goddesses in Hinduism. Her fierce and protective nature, coupled with her role as a nurturing mother, makes her an embodiment of both strength and compassion. Through her worship, devotees not only seek protection and success in their endeavors but also the ability to transcend worldly obstacles and achieve spiritual liberation. On this auspicious day, devotees around the world celebrate Bhairavi’s divine power and her role in maintaining the cosmic balance of creation, destruction, and renewal.