ॐ Hindu Of Universe ॐ
“God’s light is within you, It never leaves you.”
Lord Virabhadra
Was born from Shiva’s Jata (Hair) during Daksha Yagna when Shiva’s consort Sati sacrificed her life. Veerbhadra defeated the Gods who fought with Shiva Ganas and cut the head of Daksha. Even Vishnu who was fighting the battle for Daksha was defeated by Veerbhadra. This form of Lord Shiva was very terrible, full of angry, hair opened. This incarnation indicated his love and care towards his wife.
Veerabhadra VirabhadraAvatar
Veerabhadra came to be after Goddess Sati immolated herself at the Daksha yagna. Lord Shiva became extremely furious. Lord Shiva plucked a hair strand from his head and threw it on the ground. It was from the hair strand that Veerbhadra and Rudrakali were born. This fierce avatar is said to have broken the sacrificial vessels, polluted the offerings, insulted the priests, and finally cut off Daksha’s head, trampled on Indra, broke the staff of Yama, and scattered the gods on every side; then he returned to Mount Kailash.
Veerbhadra Avatar
One of the 19 Avatars of Lord Shiva, Veerabhadra came on Earth right after Goddess Sati sacrificed herself at the Daksha yagna. Lord Shiva ended up being very angry. He culled a hair strand from his head and tossed it on the ground. Veerbhadra and Rudrakali were conceived from that particular hair strand. This furious Lord Shiva Avatar is said to have broken the conciliatory vessels, offended the priests, and lastly beheaded Daksha, stomped all over Indra, broke Yama’s staff, dissipated the divine beings on all sides; before retreating to his heavenly abode, Mount Kailasha.
Veerabhadra came to be after Goddess Sati immolated herself at the Daksha yagna. Lord Shiva became extremely furious. Lord Shiva plucked a hair strand from his head and threw it on the ground. It was from the hair strand that Veerbhadra and Rudrakali were born. This fierce avatar is said to have broken the sacrificial vessels, polluted the offerings, insulted the priests, and finally cut off Daksha’s head, trampled on Indra, broke the staff of Yama, and scattered the gods on every side; then he returned to Mount Kailash.
Lord Veerabhadra – Vigorous Fighter & Fierce Avatar of Shiva
As mentioned in Hindu Scriptures, Lord Veerabhadra is the vigorous fighter and frightening form of Lord Shiva. Including Nandi, Bhringi, and Chandesvara, Veerabhadra is also the Prathamagana of Lord Shiva.
The word ‘Veerabhadra’ is derived from two Sanskrit words: ‘Veera’ meaning hero and ‘Bhadra’ meaning friend. In tamasic or catastrophic form, he carries four different kinds of weapons in his eight hands: Bana (arrow), Khadga (sword), Dhanusha (bow), and Khetaka (shield), along with attires garland of skulls.
Once, when Lord Vishnu threw Sudarshan Chakra on Veerabhadra to kill him, Veerabhadra swallowed the powerful Sudarshan Chakra. Veerabhadra was so powerful at that time.
Daksha Yajna
Goddess Sati, the youngest daughter of Daksha Prajapati, always set her heart on Shiva and wished to marry Shiva since her childhood. But Daksha didn’t like Mahadeva. He believed that Lord Shiva was at odds among all the gods, wearing Tiger’s skin and snakes around his neck. Daksha also didn’t like Shiva consuming Bhang and Dhatura. Despite her father’s rejection, Sati anyhow married Shiva.
Daksha held a grand Yajna (Yagya) and invited all his thirty-three daughters and son-in-law, including other gods: Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Rishis. But then Daksha refused to invite Lord Shiva and Sati in his Yajna as Sati knew that his father had invited everyone from Devaloka except her and her beloved husband, Shiva. She then started crying in agony with Shiva and pleaded to go to Yajna. Although Lord Shiva tried stopping her, the compassionate Lord Shiva told her to go and return fast.
Sati went to the Yajna and asked her parents why her beloved daughter and son-in-law were not invited. In reply, Dhaksha said, “If I call you, I would have to call your husband too, and I don’t want him to come to the Yajna. I don’t like that dirty and archaic man coming to the grand ceremony.”
He insulted Shiva in every possible way. Sati could not hear the insulting, and ignorant words said to her admired consort and threw herself into the Yajna and killed herself.
The messenger Narada Muni went to Lord Shiva and told him about Daksha insulting Sati and Lord Shiva and how she immolated herself.
Shiva’s Warth
Upon hearing the incident, Mahadeva got really angry and created a furious sound. Shiva then created two ferocious forms: Veerabhadra and Bhadrakali from his matted lock of hair. Veerabhadra was created to destroy Daksha and kill all his army.
Veerabhadra appeared so ferocious that his height was too tall to reach the heavens; his complexion was as dark as the clouds, had many arms carrying terrible weapons, and wearing a garland of skulls. Veerabhadra and Bhadrakali were created consecutively to represent Shiva and Shakti‘s energy in fierce form.
Lord Shiva instructed Veerabhadra to take all his army and destroy the Dhakasha. Veerabhadra went to Dhaksha Yajna with the gang of the armies. As the war began, he started chopping down the heads of the armies of Daksha. All other gods, Rishis limbs were also broken down.
As mentioned in Skanda Purana, Lord Vishnu threw Sudarshan Chakra on Veerabhadra to kill him. But then, he was so powerful that he swallowed the most powerful Sudarshan Chakra.
Lord Shiva could not bear the grief of Sati. He took the lifeless body out of Sati from Yajna and started roaming around the universe carrying her in his back by neglecting his roles and responsibilities.
Realization of Shiva
After the huge destruction in the Yajna, all gods and Rishis went to Brahma to ask for help. Brahma reminded them that Shiva is the only creator of the whole universe and consulted them to make peace and harmony with Lord Shiva. Brahma went to Kailash and pleaded with Shiva to forgive Dhakasha and repair the broken limbs of gods and Rishis.
Vishnu and Brahma both knew that an incomplete Yajna was impending and needed to be complete. They both went to Mount Kailash, and Lord Brahma asked to forgive his son’s behavior and pleaded for his son’s life. The compassionate Mahadeva felt pity for Prasuti (Daksha’s consort) and restored his brunt head with goat’s head. He also repaired the limbs of Gods and Rishis and made it as an original. Shiva calmed down and permitted Yajna to be completed.
Daksha then felt pity for his own ignorance and invited Lord Shiva to the Yajna to complete it. In the presence of all other gods and Lord Shiva, the Yajna was ritually performed. From that day onwards, Dhaksha became the great devotee of Lord Shiva.
Significance of Veerabhadra
It is said that Dhaksha Yajna represents the higher self of Lord Shiva, Sakti represents the heart, and Daksha represents the ego.
Veerabhadra represents a great warrior, an army to kill ego and ignorance within us.
Thus, he was created to destroy Daksha, who was full of ego and ignorance.
The compassionate nature of Veerabhadra forgives ego and remember the essence of the heart at the same time.
Also, are different series of Veerabhadra asanas (Warrior 1,2, and 3) that are supposed to develop extreme confidence, strength, and unparalleled power in the practitioner.
Veerabhadra Temples
The two famous temples in India dedicated to the Veerabhadra are.
Veerabhadra Temple, Lepakshi
Situated in the small village called Lepakshi in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, the temple was built in the 16th century. The architecture of the temple follows the Vijayanagara style. About 200 meters away from the main temple, there is a large Nandi (bull), the mount of Shiva.
The main temple is divided into three distinct sections: Mukha Mantapa or Natya Mantapa or Ranga Mantapa. The temple is supposed to be built by two brothers Virupanna Nayaka and Viranna, the Governors of the Vijayanagar Empire, during King Achutaraya, at Penukonda.
Veerabhadra Temple, Yadur
It is situated on the bank of the holy river Krishna in Yadur of Belgaum District, Karnataka, India. It is approximately 94 kilometers from Belgaum. The temple was built by the Veerashaiva saint of Karnataka Shree Kadsiddeshwar in the 12th century.
Shakti Peeths
Later, Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshana Chakra to cut the body of Devi Sati to pieces, which fell on Earth. The total pieces were 52, and they fell on 52 different places, and all these places are known as holy 52 Shakti Peeths. Later, Shiva returned to Kailash, and Goddess Sati returned in another life by taking birth as Goddess Parvati.
Veerabhadra: Shiva’s Fierce Avatar
The Hindu mythology is a treasure trove of captivating stories and legends, and among them, the tale of Veerabhadra stands out as a symbol of divine wrath and retribution. Veerabhadra, also known as Virabhadra, Veerbhadra, Veerabathira, and Veerabathiran, is a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva, the god of destruction and transformation. This article delves deep into the legend of Veerabhadra, tracing his origins, the dramatic events leading to his creation, and the role he played in the famous Daksha Yajna. Through this exploration, we aim to unravel the multifaceted aspects of this compelling myth.
The Birth of Veerabhadra
Veerabhadra’s creation is rooted in the profound love between Lord Shiva and his wife, Goddess Sati. Sati, the youngest daughter of Daksha Prajapati, was deeply devoted to Shiva. Despite her father’s opposition, she chose to marry Shiva, and their union was sealed.
However, the seeds of tragedy were sown when Daksha organized a grand ritual sacrifice, inviting all deities and beings except Shiva and Sati. Sati’s unwavering love for her parents compelled her to attend the ceremony despite not being invited. What followed was a heartbreaking display of disrespect and humiliation by Daksha towards Sati and Shiva, pushing Sati to the edge of despair.
Unable to endure the dishonor, Sati immolated herself with her yogic powers, becoming a sacrifice to the sacred fire.
The news of her self-immolation reached Shiva, and in his uncontrollable grief and rage, he created Veerabhadra. Veerabhadra emerged from a lock of Shiva’s matted hair, ready to unleash his fierce powers.
Veerabhadra’s Wrath Unleashed
With Veerabhadra’s emergence, the stage was set for a divine confrontation. Shiva instructed Veerabhadra to disrupt the ongoing Daksha Yajna and punish those responsible for Sati’s death. The legend tells of a rain of blood and meteor showers as ominous signs of Veerabhadra’s impending arrival at the Yajna.
The forces commanded by Veerabhadra were formidable, consisting of Navadurga, rakshasas, yakshas, pishachas, bhutas, ganas, yoginis, and guhyakas. Veerabhadra himself was described as a three-eyed deity with a thousand arms, adorned with serpents, and riding a chariot pulled by two thousand horses and a million lions.
The Divine Battle Unfolds
The Daksha Yajna turned into a battlefield as Veerabhadra’s forces clashed with the assembled deities. The conflict was intense, with the sages beseeching Lord Vishnu for protection. Vishnu agreed to help but also admonished Daksha for his disrespect.
In the midst of the battle, Indra, the king of the gods, faced Veerabhadra, wielding his powerful weapon, the vajra. Veerabhadra retaliated by attempting to devour Indra and his mount, Airavata. Vishnu intervened, saving Indra and blocking Veerabhadra’s assault. The Ashvins, divine physicians, were called upon to heal the wounded deities.
Veerabhadra vs. Vishnu
As the battle raged on, Veerabhadra confronted Lord Vishnu himself. Vishnu employed his Sudarshana Chakra, a deadly discus, against Veerabhadra. In a surprising turn of events, Veerabhadra swallowed the divine weapon whole. This bold move left Vishnu momentarily stunned.
Satisfied that he had turned the tide of the battle, Vishnu retreated to his abode, leaving the field of conflict. However, Veerabhadra’s thirst for carnage remained unquenched.
The Beheading of Daksha
Veerabhadra continued his rampage, and no one was safe from his wrath. He accosted Bhrigu, Pushan, and eventually found Daksha cowering beneath the altar. Daksha’s fate was sealed as Veerabhadra beheaded him and offered his head to the sacrificial fire.
The violence and chaos at the Daksha Yajna reached a disturbing zenith, prompting Lord Brahma to intervene. He beseeched Lord Shiva to end the bloodshed and destruction that had unfolded.
The Resolution
Lord Shiva, moved by Brahma’s plea, arrived at the scene of the Daksha Yajna. He engaged in a conversation with Veerabhadra, and in a profound act, restored Daksha to life by placing the head of a deformed animal upon his neck. Actually, Shiva resurrected Daksha with a goat’s head
With Daksha’s revival, the conflict finally came to an end. Daksha humbled himself before Lord Shiva, acknowledging his mistake and expressing his remorse. This reconciliation marked the resolution of the tumultuous events that had transpired.
Variations in the Legend
The myth of Veerabhadra and the Daksha Yajna is rich and diverse, with various scriptures offering their own interpretations and variations of the story. Some versions emphasize the realization that Shiva and Vishnu are different aspects of the same divine entity, while others highlight Vishnu’s role in quelling Veerabhadra’s fury.
Introduction to Veerabhadra Swamy
Veerabhadra Swamy
Veerabhadra, also called as Veerabhadra Swamy, is a deity regarded as an aspect of Lord Shiva. He is believed to be Shiva himself in a ferocious form and is also held as a Shiva Gana, the commander of Shiva. Generally, a valiant hero is referred to as ‘Veera,’ while ‘Bhadra’ means a friend. Shiva is said to have taken this fearful form to destroy the fire sacrifice of Daksha Prajapati and quell his arrogance.
Depiction of Veerabhadra Swamy
Veerabhadra is Shiva at his destructive best. He is anger-personified and fierce-looking, adorned with tiger skin and a garland of skulls and is generally depicted as having several arms, in which he holds many different weapons. He is also seen at many places with Bhadrakali, the equally fierce female aspect, having three eyes and many arms that hold several weapons.
Significance of Veerabhadra Swamy
Veerabhadra Swamy is the manifestation of Lord Shiva’s wrath. He is a warrior God who was worshipped by the rulers and soldiers during the times of wars, earlier. People worship the Lord to lead a happy and prosperous life. By worshipping the lord, you can receive moksha (salvation).
Mythology behind Veerabhadra Swamy
Many legends cover the story of Goddess Parvati, as Sati, marrying Lord Shiva and about the destruction of her father Daksha’s sacrifice.
Once the Goddess was born as Dakshayani, the daughter of Daksha, the divine entity considered to be the son of Lord Brahma. She was also called Sati. She was a great devotee of Shiva and set her heart on him right from her young age, and was very determined to attain only him as her husband. But her father had a strong antipathy towards Shiva. Hence, while he arranged for the Swayamvar, the groom choosing function for the marriage of his daughter, he invited almost everyone, but not Shiva. Still, in the ceremony, Sati threw the ceremonial garland in the air praying for Shiva as her consort and there it landed exactly around the neck of none other than Shiva. Left with no option, Daksha had to give Sati in marriage to Shiva, which he did, but then totally cut off his relationship with them.
Later, Daksha performed the great Ashwamedha Yagna, the horse sacrifice, for which he invited all the Gods but not Shiva. Still, Sati went for the ritual, against the wishes of Shiva. There, Daksha spoke disparagingly about Shiva and this hurt Sati very profoundly. Feeling humiliated, thus, Sati jumped into the sacrificial fire and immolated herself. Coming to know of the tragedy, Shiva went wild in anger and sorrow, plucked a strand of his hair, and produced from it, the ferocious and massive form of Veerabhadra. He stood there reaching up to the sky. He was dark, had three flashing and burning eyes, wore a garland of skulls and had many hands carrying deadly weapons. Veerabhadra in his terrifying form marched to Daksha’s place along with the equally fierce Bhadrakali, created by the divine Shakti, and an army of Shiva Ganas, wrecked the sacrificial ceremony, played havoc on all that his eyes fell on, subdued and scattered the assembled Gods and ultimately, chopped-off Daksha’s head and slayed him.
However, acceding to the pleadings of Daksha’s wife later and showing mercy, Veerabhadra placed the head of a goat on the trunk of the slain Daksha and brought him back to life. The chastised Daksha sought pardon of the Lord and became an ardent Shiva Bhakta.
It is said that Daksha is only a manifestation of the ego people have as part of themselves and that it can be destroyed by Lord Veerabhadra, who denotes the divine power, which too, we have in our selves.
Blessings of Worshipping Veerabhadra Swamy
Veerabhadra Swamy is worshipped with faith by people across the country. This deity remains to be the principal God of the Virasaivas, the aggressive Shaivites and is much revered in the state of Karnataka. While Veerabhadra can be seen in an idol form in many Shiva temples, there are also temples dedicated exclusively to the Lord in places like Lepakshi in Andhra Pradesh, Perambalur in Tamil Nadu and also near Rishikesh in Uttarakhand.
Events Related to Veerabhadra Swamy
Worshipping or offering special Pooja to Veerabhadra Swamy on all festival days can appease him and get your desires fulfilled.
VIRABHADRA.
He is part of Shiva’s Retinue, Shiva Pariwar, the other three being Nandi, Bhringi and Chandesvara. Virabhadra is Shiva in ferocious mood, indeed Shiva manifested himself as Vira. This fierce warrior’s story is simply symbolism…of ego-shedding. He is a form of Rudra-Shiva who created him to act as his henchman in his quarrel with Daksha. He is also the principal deity of Virasaiva movement and still worshipped by bhkatas especially in the Karnakata region of India .
Two temples are dedicated to Virabhadra in the main: Perambalur in Tamil Naadu and the other in the town of Veerabhadra near Rishikesh.
DEPICTION:
The images of Virabhadra depict the anger and ferocity of Shiva. In destructive mood, he wears a garland of skulls, and with four arms holding four different kinds of weapons.
Virabhadra is a warrior god who was worshipped during wars in ancient and
medieval periods. As an incarnation of Shiva, described as having a thousand
heads, a thousand eyes, and a thousand feet; wielding a thousand clubs; and
wearing a tiger’s skin. His consort Bhadrakali also came into being by Mother
Devi’s wrath. Although auspicious, Bhadrakali assumes terrible aspect, and is
represented with three eyes, and four, twelve or eighteen hands. She carries a
number of weapons, with flames flowing from her head, and a small tusk
protruding from her mouth.
DAKSHA YAGNA:
The Trinity quarrels continued into feud with Daksha, Brahma’s son. In Sati’s swayamvara, all gods were invited except Siva. Sati was madly in love with Siva and disconsolate to discover Shiva’s absence. In despair, she threw the garland into the air and
calls upon Shiva to receive it. The Lord appeared and received it. Daksha was
forced to allow the marriage but invited quarrel. When Daksha entered the hall,
all rose except his father Brahma and his son-in-law, Siva. Brahma had no
difference but Daksha had earned his own disrespect out of the initial insult.
He declared to the assembly his low opinion of Shiva and denounced Him of
Auspiciousness. Having done so, Daksha plans his next move.
Daksha holds a horse sacrifice without Siva. This revenge was to miscarry. While all
the gods troop off to the sacrifice, Sati pleads the father. Daksha repeats the
strictures of the early assembly, upon which, in vindication Sati enters the
sacrificial fire and consumed by flames. Sati, Shiva’s love was gone and he was
devastated. An enraged Shiva tore a hair and created the fiercest warrior,
Virabhadra. His body was tall to reach the high heavens; he was as dark as the
clouds; he had a thousand arms; three burning eyes, fiery hair and he wore a
garland of skulls and carried terrible weapons. Mother Devi caused Bhadrakali to
arrive and provide Shakti energy. Thus Virabhadra and Bhadrakali were born of
the wrath of Siva and Shakti and personified their anger.
The Mahabaratha Book 12 Santi Parva: Mahadeva created from his mouth a terrible
Being whose very sight could make one’s hair stand on its end. The blazing
flames that emanated from his body rendered him exceedingly awful to behold. His
arms were many in number and in each was a weapon that struck the beholder with
fear. . “I am known by the name of Virabhadra’’ and I have sprung from the wrath
of Rudra. This lady.who is my companion, and who is called Bhadrakali, hath
sprung from the wrath of the goddess.”
Virabhadra was ordered to destroy Daksha’s horse sacrifice. Virabhadra awaits instructions and this, according to Vayu Purana: “Lead my army against Daksha and destroy his sacrifice; fear not the Brahmanas, for thou art a portion of my very self”.
‘Spoil the sacrifice of Daksha’. Then the mighty Virabhadra, having heard the
pleasure of his lord, bowed down his head to the feet of Shiva; and starting
like a lion loosed from bonds, despoiled the sacrifice of Daksha, knowing that
this had been created by the displeasure of Devi. She too in her wrath, as the
fearful goddess Rudrakali, accompanied him, with all her train, to witness his
deeds.
As directed by Shiva, this ‘fire of fate’ scattered all the gods
and cut off Daksha’s head. Vishnu had a few roles to play here. According to
Skanda Purana, when Virabhadra confronted Vishnu, the former swallows his
chakra. That was a lesson for Vishnu to conduct himself wisely. The gods send
Vishnu to plead for Daksha’s life to complete the yagna favouring them. Next the
defeated Gods sent Brahma to Kailasa. There Brahma prays to Shiva and asks for
pardon. The all-merciful Shiva replaces Daksha’s burnt head with a goat’s head.
Shiva is invited to the yagna. There Daksha shows reverence and all the gods
salute Shiva. Thereafter Daksha becomes a great Shiva bhakta. Shiva tattva here
is Lord Shiva representing the Higher Self; Sati as Shakti representing the
Heart and Daksha representing the ego. Symbolism of losing your head is related
to destroying ego.
Shiva stormed into Daksha’s home and gave himself to insane grief. He retrieved Sati’s body from the embers and clasped her so lovingly. But a lifeless Sati in his arms makes Him emotionally violent and the rhythm of Thandava, encompassing the world seven times with Sati in his arms, makes the universe suffer. Vishnu had to put a stop to this, lest the frenzy of mourning has no meaning to his preserving status. He cuts up Sati’s body, the Shiva-lila that gave the 51 powerful Shakti peeths.
The Mahabaratha version makes it clear the Trinity rivalry making a lesser issue with Brahma than Vishnu’s race for supremacy. In Daksha’s sacrificial hall, Siva inspires
fear with his arrow offerings. He hurled the Pinaka, his blazing lightning
Trishula. This destroys the sacrifice which was held in honour of Vishnu and he
is struck in the breasts but it is hurled back in equal vigour. Battle flared
and as per myths Indra was trampled underfoot, Saraswathi’s nose was cut,
Mitra’s eyes was put out, Pushan’s teeth knocked off, Chandra was beaten, Agni’s
hands were cut off and the whole universe quaked.This was all halted when Brahma
intervened. Daksha then declares Shiva’s supremacy.
SYMBOLISM:
Virabhadra is not simply a murderous demon. Just as Shiva and destruction are an
essential part of the Trinity, as destroyer, Virabhadra, the Great Warrior,
symbolizes that within ourselves which has the power to overcome the prideful
ego – symbolized in stories by king Daksha; for the sake of the heart –
symbolized by Sati, Daksha’s daughter and first wife of Lord Shiva. In the
Daksha episode, Shiva represents the Higher Self; Sati or Shakti represents the
heart and Daksha represents the ego. Thus the representation here is that the
Higher Self destroys the ego for the sake of the heart. Through compassion the
higher self forgives the ego but still withdrawals to remember the essence of
the heart.
Om Nama Shivaya.
Yogi Ananada Saraswathi
Virabhadra is a deity, who is a form of Shiva. Lord Shiva created him to act as his attendant in his quarrel with Daksha. Many versions of this animosity are available in various texts such as in the Kurma Varaba and Bhagavata Puranas as well as in several others. The link of Virabhadra with Vishnu is also available in some texts.
In some texts, Virabhadra holds a sword and shield in his two front hands and an arrow (left) and bow in his two backhands. He has a garland of skulls and wears sandals and has an angry expression on his face. The right hands of Virabhadra are shown in anjali mudra in which stands Daksha, a complex deity who first appears in the Rig Veda.
According to a mythological story, Daksha was volatile and aggressive. Once he offended Shiva by not inviting him to attend a ‘Yagna’ that Daksha had arranged to perform. Shiva married one of Daksha’s daughters named ‘Sati’. She wanted to attend the Yagna but Shiva told her of the enmity between him and Daksha and advised her not to go. But, she went to Daksha’s house to attend the ceremony. When she went there, her father Daksha insulted her husband Shiva very badly and humiliated her. She could not bear the insult and committed suicide by jumping into the pit containing the sacrificial fire. Shiva was angered by this Shiva and created Virabhadra as a form of him. He provided him an army and sent him to punish Daksha. Virabhadra did the destruction very successfully by cutting off Daksha’s head in the battle.
The other gods got afraid by the loss of Daksha’s reputation in ritual procedure, which might obstruct with the effectiveness of their own sacrifices. Hence, they begged Lord Shiva to bring Daksha back to life. Shiva agreed to do so but Daksha’s head cut by Virbhadra could not be found. Then, Brahma substituted the head of the goat that had been cut off in the ritual sacrifice.
Virabhadra
According to Hindu religious beliefs, Virabhadra or Veerabhadra is a super being created by the wrath of Rudra (Shiva), when he
stepped in to destroy the Yagna (fire sacrifice) of Daksha, after his daughter Dakshayani (Sati) – consort of Shiva, self-immolated in
yagna fire. Along with him was created, his consort or wife Bhadrakali, from the wrath of Devi.
Vīrabhadra is described as a warrior who eventually blinded Bhaga and broke, among many other countless gods, Pushan’s teeth.
Other gods fled the battlefield unable to sustain his power. A temple dedicated to him, is situated in the town of Veerbhadra, near
Rishikesh in Uttarakhand and in Pasumbalur, near Perambalur district, Tamil Nadu. Sri Veerabhadra Swamy Temple Masthenahalli
Jigani hobli Anekal taluk Bangalore Karnataka.
Virabhadra Puja Vidhi – Procedure with Veerabhadra Mantra – How to perform a simple puja of Veerabhadra Swamy at home?
Virabhadra, also known as Veerabhadra Swamy, is one of the Shiva Ganas. Below is Virabhadra puja vidhi – procedure with mantra.
Virabhadra appeared when an angry Shiva on hearing the news of the death of Sati at Daksha Yajna took out a hair from his head and threw it down. You can perform the puja of Virabhadra on any day. Please note that this is a simple how to do guide and is meant for devotees to do it on their own at home.
When to Perform Virabhadra Puja?
Krishna Paksha Dasami Tithi – ninth day during waning phase of moon
Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi Tithi – fourteenth day during waning phase of moon
Hasta Nakshatra falling during the waning phase of moon.
It is doubly auspicious when there is Hasta Nakshatra on Krishna Paksha Dasami tithi or Chaturdashi Tithi.
Benefits of Veerabhadra Swamy Puja
Destruction of enemies.
Various difficulties in life will be removed.
Respect and recognition in society.
To achieve fame and fortune.
How to perform simple puja of Virabhadra?
The puja should be performed facing South.
The murti (picture, photo or painting) of Virabhadra standing should be used for worship. If there is no picture of Virabhadra then you can use that of Shiva or a Shivling.
The murti should be placed on a red color cloth.
The lamp on the day should be lit using Jasmine oil (chameli ka tel)
Dhoop should be of gugal.
Red chandan should be offered and the devotee should later wear it on his forehead.
Red color flowers should be offered to Veerabhadra.
Lemon should be offered.
Food (bhog – Prasad – naivedya) on the day should be prepared using jaggery.
The food should be distributed as Prasad.
The mantra ॐ ह्रौं हूं वं वीरभद्राय नमः॥ (Om Hroum Hoom Vam Veerabhadraya Namah) should be chanted 108 times using a red chandan mala.
Special offerings
Sindhoor should be offered to Virabhadra for achieving respect and recognition.
Offer masoor dal to Virabhadra and keep a little of it in purse for overcoming difficulties in life.
To defeat enemies take six lemon and make a garland of it using red thread and offer it to Virabhadra.