The Batuk Bhairav Mandir is located near the Kamacha Devi temple, north of Varanasi. Batuk is the child of Bhairav, who is also known as the gatekeeper of the city. Bhairav is a form of Shiva, and it is said that, like a watchman, he protects one of the oldest and most ancient cities in the world, Kashi.
“Batuk” means child, and this temple is revered by the tantric and Aghori traditions. There are pumpkins and lemons scattered around large trees. The pumpkins are chopped, symbolizing a sacrifice to please the lord. The temple was renovated by King Balwant Singh in the 16th century. The temple holds the power of all the nine planets, and devotees who visit are freed from all evil and planetary problems.
Sri Batuk Bhairav Mandir: Varanasi
This temple brings good luck to those suffering from court cases or legal problems. A visit to this temple can help rid a person of such troubles. It also provides strength to fight off enemies and brings good fortune. There are many dogs walking around the temple; most of the time, they just lie around. During the Arti, when Bhairav is invoked, these dogs make a sound resembling the sound of a conch shell being blown by a priest.
Bhairav was the one who cut off Brahma’s fifth head and carried it out of guilt for committing a crime. Only when he was absolved of this guilt did he put the head down. The outer walls of the temple have carvings in black stone and granite that depict all the fearsome forms and looks of Kal Bhairava. On the inner wall of the temple are signs and designs, like circles and triangles, with the word “B” written on them in Hindi. These are yantras, which are a source of energy. Just by touching the symbol on the wall, one can absorb the energy of the yantra. It brings good fortune and luck.
There is also an Akhand Deep in the inner sanctum, which burns forever. The oil from the deep has healing qualities and helps cure dog bites. By rubbing the oil on dog bites, the bites are healed, and the person is cured. The oil has medicinal and healing properties, and if applied to wounds, it helps in their healing.
The form of Bhairav here is sattvic, gentle, and beautiful. Anyone who visits this temple is rid of all worldly obstacles in their life. Batuk Bhairav is the king of tunes, so the vows associated with the temple are also linked to art, music, and meditation.
According to legend, Batuk Bhairav killed a demon named Abad, who had gained a boon that only a five-year-old child could kill him. It was Batuk, the child of Bhairav, who finally killed the demon, who had wreaked havoc in all three Lokas.
A must-visit place for those interested in seeing old temples or who are saddled with an ugly court case.
