This humbled Brahma, destroying his ego and giving him instant enlightenment. Hence, Bhairava is depicted holding the skull of Brahma in his hands. This nail turned into Kaala Bhairava, who went straight towards Lord Brahma and chopped off one of his 5 heads. Removing a small nail from his finger, he threw it down. Shiva was patient for a while, but soon, he lost his patience.

So he began meddling with Shiva’s daily duties. Also, he thought that as he too had 5 heads like Shiva, he could do anything that Shiva could.

Brahma was a little egoistic, as he was the Creator. Once, there was a debate between the Trimurtis, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, about who was the Supreme Creator of the Universe. The most popular legend comes from the Shiva Mahapurana. Hence, Bhairava is the Ultimate Godhead in whom all these forces come together. According to another interpretation, “Bha” represents creation, “Ra” preservation, and “Va” destruction. The name literally means “terrible” and “fearful”, but it also means that he protects his devotees from external and internal enemies (negative emotions like lust, greed, anger, etc.). The deity rules death/ time and is the lord of Kashi. By feeding or caring for dogs, one can express devotion to Kaala Bhairava. He has three eyes and holds weapons of destruction in his four hands. In it, he is depicted as black-hued, naked, black, and wearing a garland of skulls. Kaala Bhairava has been described by Adi Shankaracharya in the Kalabhairava Ashtakam. Kashmiris, originally from Gorat, worship him during Shivaratri. Kala Bhairava is mainly worshipped by the Aghora sect. His consort is Bhairavi, the fearsome aspect of Parvati. The one who controls them is Maha Swarna Kala Bhairava or Kala Bhairava. The leaders are called Ashtanga Bhairavas, and they guard and control the 8 directions of the Universe. Each category is led by a major Bhairava in that group. He features in ancient Hindu legends and is worshipped by Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists. Bhairava is a very fierce manifestation of Shiva.

Kalabhairava ashtakam in tamil lyrics