Ashta Bhairava means the eight manifestations of Lord Bhairava Swamy. Lord is the moving form of Lord Shiva. The Lord is strongly believed as the guard of the directions. The eight directions of this universe is said to be controlled by eight Maha Bhairavars.
Each and every Bhairavar has eight sub Bhairavars directly under them. It is to be noted that by one Maha Swarna Kala Bhairavar, who considered as the supreme ruler of time of this universe, all of the Bhairavars are ruled and controlled. It is to be remembered Lord Bhairava blesses the devotees and pilgrims with his vahana (vehicle) “The Dog”.
It is to be highly noted that Sri Swarna Kala Bhairavar is consecrated at Kaga Ashram, in the district of Thiruvannamalai, in the state of Tamil Nadu in South India. On the other hand, Sri Swarna Kala Bhairavar is devotionally and dedicatedly consecrated at the temples in Chidambaram, Kaga Ashram in the district of Thiruvannamalai in the state of Tamil Nadu in South India.
The Eight Bhairavar or Ashta Bhairavar is as follow.
1 . Sri Asithaanga Bhairavar
2 . Sri Ruru Bhairavar
3 . Sri Chanda Bhairavar
4 . Sri Krodha Bhairavar
5 . Sri Unmatha Bhairavar
6 . Sri Kapaala Bhairavar
7 . Sri Bheeshana Bhairavar
8 . Sri Samhaara Bhairavar
These Eight Bhairavar or Ashta Bhairavar has high esteemed position among the God and Goddess of Hindu deities. Each and every Bhairavar has their consorts and vahana (vehicle).