India is a country of amazeballs. From its colorful traditions to the supreme deities, everything has its uniqueness. One such unique god in the queue is Kal Bhairav. The peculiar thing about him is that he is the Indian God who drinks liquor. Yes, you read that right, people offer alcohol to the deity.
God and alcohol? A combination almost impossible to believe? Let’s find more about the deity Kal Bhairav, the Indian God who drinks liquor!
Kal Bhirav is a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. People worship him throughout Sri Lanka, India, and Nepal. Being the wandering form of Shiva, he guards the cardinal points. He is the supreme ruler of time as brought forward by the Hindu scriptures. Bhairavi plays the role of his consort. Furthermore, he is also known as the protector of the eight directions of the universe.
You will find him in almost all the Hindu temples as he is not only the protector of directions but also the protector of the temple. When the Shiva temple is closed, the keys are placed near his statue so that he guards the temple. Moreover, he is also the protector of women especially the ones with timid nature.
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He is a savior of his devotees from dreadful enemies of lust and greed. Some legends say that Shiva himself created Bhairav whereas the other says that he was born out of the conversation between Lord Vishnu and Brahma. The former legend speaks of Bhairav as the metamorphosed child of Maa Kali’s wrath. Another legend says that Shiva created Bhairav to eradicate the demons during the fight between gods and demons out of whom Aṣṭāṅga Bhairavas was born. There are separate worship mantras for each of the eight Bhairavas. These Ashta Bhairava’s then married to Ashta Matrikas. Both of them have dreadful forms. From their union gave birth to 64 Bhairavas and 64 Yoginis.
According to different beliefs, worshipping Bhairava brings prosperity, good progeny, and success. Also, real dedication towards him prevents premature death and renders solution to debts and liabilities.
Liquor as an Offering to God
The Kal Bhairav temple of Ujjain is the most famous temple of Lord Bhairav where alcohol is a symbol of devotion towards him. Liquor is one of the five tantric ritual offerings. Outside the temple, the vendors offer liquor alongside flowers and coconuts. The liquor offered starts disappearing when taken near the lips of Kal Bhairav’s idol. Moreover, nobody except the priest could make the god swallow the alcohol. Kal Bhairav is also the Senapati or the protector of the town of Ujjain.