Kala Bhairav Kathmandu

Kala Bhairav sits in the open at Kathmandu Durbar Square: a 12-foot stone idol of Kala Bhairav, the fierce form of Shiva also worshipped as the Lord of Time and Death, among the largest of its kind. Carved in the 6th century and rediscovered in nearby paddy fields, it was moved here by King Pratap Malla in the 17th century. Locals still worship it daily; old belief held that lying down in front of it would bring release from earthly bonds.

The idol and the structures that surround it are made of stone and were carved in the 5th century. It was discovered by King Pratap of the Malla dynasty amidst paddy fields in the 17th century. Back in the time, people believed that anyone who would lie down in front of the idol would attain freedom from their lives. This may not be necessarily true. However, locals still continue worshipping this grand and fierce incarnation of Lord Shiva with all their devotion. Kala Bhairav is the terrifying avatar of Lord Shiva who is also called the Lord of Time and Death. He is worshipped by the Hindus as the guru of Lord Shani who is ruled by the planet Saturn and as Manjusri, Heruka, Yamantaka, and Vajrabhairava in Vajrayana Buddhism. The idol of Kala Bhairav is seen standing in a violent form, stepping over a dead body holding a decapitated head in one hand.