VIRABHADRA Meaning and
Definition
-
Virabhadra is a term that originates from Hindu mythology and is predominantly associated with the god Shiva. In Hinduism, Shiva is considered one of the principal deities and is often depicted as the destroyer or transformer of the universe. Virabhadra, therefore, represents one of the forms or manifestations of Shiva.
According to Hindu mythology, Virabhadra was created by Shiva as a fierce warrior to avenge the death of his beloved wife, Sati. When Sati's father insulted and humiliated her husband, Shiva, she immolated herself in protest. Enraged by this incident, Shiva tore a strand of hair from his head and flung it to the ground, resulting in the creation of Virabhadra. Virabhadra is often described as having a thousand heads, multiple arms and eyes, and possessing immense destructive power.
The depiction of Virabhadra varies in different texts and artistic representations, but common visual characteristics include a fierce expression, a towering stature, and weapons such as swords, tridents, and bows. Virabhadra is regarded as the embodiment of Shiva's wrath and his mission is to vanquish enemies and restore order. The concept of Virabhadra underscores the duality in Hinduism, where Shiva is both a creator and destroyer.
In summary, Virabhadra denotes a fearsome warrior who represents the destructive power of Shiva in Hindu mythology. The term is used to describe a specific form or manifestation of Shiva, brought into existence to seek justice and avenge wrongdoing.
Etymology of VIRABHADRA
The word "Virabhadra" is derived from Sanskrit, an ancient Indo-Aryan language. "Vira" means "hero" or "warrior", and "bhadra" means "blessed" or "auspicious". Thus, "Virabhadra" can be translated as "blessed hero" or "auspicious warrior". In Hindu mythology, Virabhadra is a fearsome form of Lord Shiva, who was created to avenge the death of his consort, Sati.
