Veerbhadra Avatar: An Avatar Created from Shiva's Anger

The term "Veerbhadra Avatar" refers to a fierce form of Lord Shiva in ancient Hindu mythology. This avatar is often depicted as a warrior, symbolizing power and ferocity, especially in battles against evil forces. Veerbhadra is associated with the legend of Daksha Yagna, where he was created from Shiva's anger to avenge the humiliation of his wife Sati. This avatar symbolizes the protective and destructive aspects of divine power in Hindu beliefs.

Table of Contents

1. Story of Veerbhadra Avatar
2. How is Veerbhadra Avatar depicted?
3. Weapons of Veerbhadra
4. Veerbhadra Puja
5. Benefits of worshipping Veerbhadra Avatar

Story of Veerbhadra Avatar

In ancient Hindu mythology, Veerbhadra Avatar is shown as a form of Lord Shiva that appeared when the gods became angry. This avatar symbolizes Shiva's anger and is invoked to fight evil and restore cosmic order. The story begins when Sati's father Daksha insults Shiva, which leads Sati to self-immolate. In response, Shiva creates Veerbhadra from his anger and sends him to destroy Daksha's sacrifice. Veerbhadra's purpose is to protect the righteous and punish the wicked, reflecting God's role in upholding dharma. This avatar symbolizes the protective and destructive aspects of divinity, emphasizing the need for justice and balance in the universe. The legend of Veerbhadra highlights themes of loyalty, vengeance, and the divine power to intervene in human affairs, reinforcing the belief in divine justice in Hinduism.

How is Veerbhadra Avatar depicted?

Veerbhadra is depicted with several striking features:

Colour: Often blue-black or dark in colour.
Eyes: He is depicted with three eyes, symbolising his fiery nature and divine insight.
Hair: His hair is usually dishevelled and wild, looking like flames, reflecting his fierce energy.
Posture and arms: Virabhadra may have two, four, eight or even a thousand arms, holding various weapons such as a sword, trident, bow and shield.
Costume: He is usually dressed in tiger skin and adorned with garlands of skulls, which emphasise his fearsome personality.
These attributes collectively express his role as a powerful and vengeful aspect of Lord Shiva.

Weapons of Veerbhadra

Virabhadra usually holds a variety of weapons, which symbolize his fierce nature and divine authority. Commonly depicted weapons include:
Sword (khadga): Represents cutting off prudence and ignorance.
Bow: Symbolises precision and focused energy.
Arrow: Used to aim and remove obstacles.
Shield (khetaka): Provides protection in battle.

Virabhadra Puja

To worship the Virabhadra avatar, cleanse yourself by bathing and wear clean clothes. Choose a quiet and clean place for the puja, place a picture or idol of Lord Veerbhadra in the designated area. Gather the necessary items like incense, oil lamp, flowers, fruits and prasad. Begin the ritual by invoking Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles, chanting his mantra and lighting a diya. Next, offer flowers, incense and a lamp to Lord Veerbhadra while reciting stotras or mantras like “Veerbhadra Ashtottara Shatanam Stotram”. Offer fresh fruits, coconut and favourite dishes as naivedya (food offerings), light incense and perform aarti with a diya. Take some time to meditate on Lord Veerbhadra, seeking his blessings for protection, strength and guidance. Finally, distribute the prasad to family members and guests. This puja can be performed with devotion and sincerity on auspicious days like Monday, during the waning moon, or on festivals like Mahashivratri, it is believed to bring protection, remove obstacles, and attain spiritual enlightenment.

Benefits of Worshipping Veerbhadra Avatar

Protection from evil forces: It is believed that worshipping Veerbhadra gives devotees protection from evil forces and black magic.
Victory over obstacles: They empower individuals to face life's challenges with courage and overcome them.
Spiritual purification: The puja purifies the mind and body, helping devotees to gain spiritual knowledge and renewed faith.
Healing and health: Devotees seek their blessings for physical and mental healing.
Fertility and childbirth: The puja can bless couples with fertility and safe childbirth.
Fulfilment of desires: Praying Veerbhadra can increase the chances of fulfillment of individual desires.