Bhairava, or
Kala Bhairava, is a Shaivite and Vajrayฤna deity worshipped by Hindus and Buddhists. In Shaivism, he is a powerful manifestation, or avatar, of Shiva associated with annihilation. In Trika system
Bhairava represents Supreme Reality, synonymous to Para Brahman. Generally in Hinduism, Bhairava is also called
Dandapani, as he holds a rod or Danda to punish sinners, and
Svaลva, meaning "whose vehicle is a dog". In Vajrayana Buddhism, he is considered a fierce emanation of boddhisatva Maรฑjuลrฤซ, and also called Heruka, Vajrabhairava, and Yamantaka.