Ashta Bhairavas (Guardians of Srinagar)

During the reign of King Pravarasena II (6th century CE), Srinagar was divided into eight sectors, each protected by a specific Bhairava—known as the Ashta Bhairavas :

1. Vetalraja Bhairava – Guardian of Rainawari and Dal Lake
2. Anandeshwara Bhairava – Guardian of Sathu Barbar Shah, Amira Kadal, Ganpatyar, Maisuma
3. Tushkaraja (Turushkaraja) Bhairava – Guardian of Habba Kadal, Doodh Ganga confluence, Habbak‑kadal
4. Bahukhatkeshvara Bhairava – Guardian of Safa Kadal and Chhattabal
5. Purnaraja (Pooranraja) Bhairava – Guardian of Hari Parbat and surrounding areas (Ali Kadal, Safa Kadal vicinity)
6. Mangalaraja (Mangaleshvara) Bhairava – Guardian of Fateh Kadal, Zaina Kadal, Bohri Kadal area
7. Jayaksena Bhairava – Guardian of the left bank of Zaina Kadal area
8. Vishvaksena Bhairava – Guardian beyond Zaina Kadal

These deities were collectively known as the Rashtradhipatis—protectors of the eight wards. Their collective abode was believed to be at Chakreshvara, beneath Sharika (Hari Parbat)

Other Local/Area-Specific Bhairavas

Beyond the Ashta Bhairavas, the Kashmiri Pandit community venerates numerous village and area-specific Bhairavas, often considered guardians of those locales:

• Nandikeshwara Bhairava – Temple at Sumbal (also known as Nandkishor/Nandkeshwar Bhairava)
• Bhimareja Bhairava – Associated with Prayagraj Shadipura
• Bhuteshvara Bhairava – Guardian of Tulmul area
• Dozens more—altogether, it’s said there are around 64 Bhairavas—each serving as protectors of different regions or villages throughout the Valley

In Kashmir Shaivism, Bhairava represents the Supreme Reality and is a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva, embodying protective energies and the destruction of negative forces. The Ashta Bhairavas, or Eight Bhairavas, are particularly significant, guarding and controlling the eight directions. They are also closely associated with the Herath festival, where Bhairava is worshipped as Vatuk. 

Key aspects of Bhairavas in Kashmir:

• Supreme Reality:In Kashmir Shaivism, Bhairava is synonymous with Para Brahman, the ultimate reality. 
• Ashta Bhairavas:These eight Bhairavas are believed to guard the eight directions and are central to the spiritual landscape of Kashmir. 
• Herath Festival:Bhairava is a key deity in the Herath (Kashmiri Maha Shivaratri) celebrations, particularly as Vatuk, a childlike aspect of Bhairava. 
• Protectors of Srinagar:The Ashta Bhairavas were also associated with the protection of Srinagar, with temples dedicated to them in different zones of the city. 
• Kashmiri Shaivism:The concept of Bhairava in Kashmir is deeply rooted in the Trika philosophy of Kashmir Shaivism, particularly the Agama Shastras, Pratyabijnya Shastra, and Spanda Shastra.