Bhairava (
Sanskrit, "Terrible, Frightful") sometimes known as
Kala Bhairava, is a
Hindu deity, a fierce manifestation of
Shiva associated with annihilation. He is often depicted with frowning, angry eyes and sharp, tiger's teeth and flaming hair; stark naked except for garlands of skulls and a coiled snake about his neck. In his four hands he carries a noose, trident, drum, and skull. He is often shown accompanied by a dog. He originated in
Hindu mythology and is sacred to
Hindus,
Buddhists and
Jains alike. He is worshipped in
Nepal,
Rajasthan,
Karnataka,
Tamil Nadu and
Uttarakhand.