Bhairava- the fierce one is an aspect of the Hindu god Shiva, popular in Newari Hinduism of Nepal as a mighty god. Amongst his Buddhist followers, Bhairava is revered as a protector of Dharma or Dharmapala, whose valiant powers and fearlessness shield the devotees from worldly negativity. To guard his followers against the forces of evil, Bhairava himself takes on an awe-inspiring form, depicted in this stone bust from Nepal.

Bhairava’s fearsome face is perfectly sculpted in stone, with his hair flaring upward, a crown adorned with snakes, skulls and jewels, serpent earrings, and a necklace. His expressions are potent and fierce, capable of gazing into the eyes of evil and annihilating it with its fire. The fiery potency of Bhairava is marked by the flared eyebrows and mustache of the deity. Flesh folds on the nose and teeth peeking from his lips add to the ethereal aura of Bhairava. Captivating and artistically made, the Bhairava bust is a powerful image, carrying the unbounded energies of the great protector.