A Bhairav Thangka is a powerful and intricate piece of sacred art that vividly portrays Bhairav, a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva, revered in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. In the thangka, Bhairav is typically depicted with a wrathful expression, signifying his role as a protector against evil forces and a destroyer of ignorance.
He is often shown with multiple arms, each holding symbolic weapons such as a trident, a drum, or a skull, representing his mastery over time, sound, and the cycle of life and death. His body may be adorned with garlands of skulls, symbolizing the transient nature of existence and the conquest over ego. The vibrant colors used in the thangka, particularly reds, blacks, and blues, accentuate Bhairav’s intense and formidable nature, while the surrounding motifs often include flames, skulls, and sacred symbols, further emphasizing his role as a fierce guardian deity.
