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Historical PeriodEra
Varies
📷 Public domain · source
Deities
Kāla-Bhairava of Varanasi
Kāla-Bhairava — chief-of-police of Varanasi
Kāla-Bhairava — chief-of-police of Varanasi
Hindu / Shaiva / Tantric
Kāla-Bhairava of Varanasi is the Kotwāl (police-chief) of the holy city — every pilgrim to Kāśī Viśvanātha must first get permission from Bhairava. The deity rides a dog; devotees feed dogs as his prasadam. Tradition: Bhairava's anger is severe (one of Shiva's fiercest forms). The shrine sits 1 km from Viśvanātha. Offerings: black-silk thread (kālāvā), dog-feeding, ritual alcohol.
