Daṇḍapāṇi Bhairava in Mokṣadāyinī Kāśī: An Inquiry into the Tantric and Folk Connections of the Purāṇic Guardian-Deity of Banaras

Abstract:

Abstract: The paper intends to explore the tantric and folk connections of the guardian deity of Banaras— Kāla Bhairava, whose genesis is believed to be from the Shiva Mahapurana. The deity being identified as kotwal (a police officer) or daṇḍapāṇi (sheriff) wearing a garland of skulls is also believed to have tantric powers. In Trika Shaivism, he is considered one of the most powerful tantric deities whose consort is Tripurbhairavī. In folk religious practices, Kāla Bhairava is worshipped in his various folk manifestations. The paper would rely on both the empirical and the close textual reading methods for procuring the research material. The article also seeks to explore the folk belief behind offering the deity alcohol, chocolates, biscuits, and many other local items. Also, an attempt will be made to understand Bhairava’s relation with Buddhist and Jain Tantras, where again, he holds a powerful position as a tantric deity.

Presenter bio: Dr. Prabha Shankar Dwivedi is an Assistant Professor at IIT Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India. His research interests include Folk Hinduism and Comparative Literary Studies. He has published nearly two dozen research articles in journals of national and international repute. His recent publication includes "Karaha Pujan: A Folk-Worship of Krsna in Eastern Uttar Pradesh," published in Religions of South Asia (Equinox Publishing Ltd.).

Presenter affiliation: Indian Institute of Technology, Tirupati, India