One of the highlights of the Neelkanth Temple in Kalinjar Fort is a 24 feet rock cut sculpture of Lord Shiva as Kal Bhairav.
It is situated in a small kund/reservoir called Swarg Rohina in a rock cut recess
this sculpture of Kal Bhairava is 24 feet in height and stands in water. The levels of water now depend on the weather as the kund has dried up.
The sculpture is 17 feet broad.
It is mentioned by Abul Fazl as being 18 cubits in height.

The figure has 18 arms, and is ornamented with the usual garland of skulls, with snake earrings and snake armlets, and a serpent twined round the neck. In the hands are various objects, of which the most prominent are a sword, a bowl of blood.
Beside this statue there is a figure of Bhairavi, 4 feet in height, which is carved higher up.

Kal Bhairava is the dark and frightful aspect of Lord Shiva.
There are 64 bhairavas who fall under 8 categories.
Each is supposed to protect and control the 8 directions of the universe.
They are known as Ashtanga Bhairavas.
An interpretation of the word bhairava is
That “Bha” stands for creation, “Ra” for preservation and “Va” for destruction.
Thus, Bhairava, combines all of these forces of the Universe.
Kal Bhairava’s consort is Bhairavi, the terrible aspect of Parvati.

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