This is my favourite Bhairav stotra. I use it often to get rid of negative energies or entities around me. And to recharge my personal energy. Its energies are Ugra, intense and can be terrifying if you are not prepared to understand that you are much more than just the physical body.

This is the audio 

And I have written very briefly on the meaning of the verses using the regular meanings of the Sanskrit words, nothing too esoteric, else I would have to write a book on it. This is the beauty of Sanskrit (Devbhasha Samskrutam), a palimpsest, layers and layers of meanings. 

• Eg Teekshna तीक्ष्ण means pungent, vehement, sharp, also peppers, resins of certain plants like asafoetida, a few trees are called teekshna, sea-salt, rude, rough, poison, keen, iron, inauspicious, hot, haste, harsh, fiery, death, battle, ascetic, weapon, acid, zealous, severe, etc. But what ‘teekshna’ means in this stotra is a matter of understanding as well as experience. Reference to Context. The context is all important.

This stotra is in eight shlok/ verses. Each line begins with a beej mantra. The lines have to be understood in context of the beej mantra which precedes it.

This is a description of the Bhairav, the auspicious one, the fearless one, the terrible, formidable, the highest of the high. He is considered to be an Ugra energy, he will take your sense of tiny individuality firmly and finally merge it into the highest ie himself. He is the destroyer of creation or more correctly he is the one who remains after all creation is annihilated. He is the protector of the Kshetra, ie he protects the seat of the highest divinity within you. Thus he is the ‘nearest’ to the Kshetra (to understand the concept of ‘near’ read the Bhashya on the Mandukya by Adi Shanakracharya). This is the Bhairav of the Vijnyan Bhairav Tantra who helps you reach that highest state of attribute-less-ness which you really are. He is the Shivah, the ultimate auspiciousness itself, ie the Advaita.

(Bhairav is not the personification of the Tamogun (post here). Often the personification of Tamo-gun, is also called Shiv, causing endless and unnecessary confusion.)

The stotra beings with the sound of the Damaru which is the sound of OM. When you play the Damaru there are binaural beats created which create a subtle sound of Om. Om is the creation (pravrutti) or the moorti of the Advaita (nivrutti). Every stotra has to begin with the sound of Om, so here they have creatively used the Damaru to create the vibration of Om. Om is the conscious intelligence which is the thing of this manifested universe which is closest to the Advaita. Thus Om can be considered to be a Moorti of the Advaita.

The first shlok is,

• Yam Yam Yam yaksha rupam dasha dishi vidhitam bhumi kampayamanam
• Sam Sam samhara murtim shira mukuta jata shekharam chandra bimbam
• Dam Dam  Dam deergha kayam vikruta nakha mukham chordhva romam karalam
• Pam Pam Pam paap nasham pranamata satatam Bhairavam Kshetrapalam. (1)

Yang – This is the beej mantra indicating the omnipresent, the eternally pure and auspicious one. Every beej mantra recited correctly ends in the ‘ng’ sound (in this recitation they are not pronounced correctly, but the person reciting it has done it with a pure intention, thus there is power in his voice). The ‘ng’ akshar is the enchanting awareness, beautiful intelligence and the attractive consciousness which controls the power of sound ie vibrations. 

He is the sustainer of the forms. He sets the ten directions as per the proper geometry as per the correct rules, ie creates and sustains the universe. The ten directions are the conscious Dasha Mahavidya (post here). He creates the conscious energies who organise the perceived universe. He sets this geometry, situation and objects into motion. He causes them to shake, tremble, vibrate, ie exist. He causes them to apparently change, ie he creates Time. He is everything that exists, all concentrated together. Everything that you see is drawn from him. He is the comprehensive description or a compendium of everything. 

Sang – This is the beej mantra for the one who is the true reason for everything, the one who is the single true description of everything. Also the enchanting intelligence controlling the power of vibrations.

He is the conclusion, ie he remains always. The manifested creation is dissolved back into him. He contracts everything back into himself. He stops the illusion of apparent change. He annihilates duality. His is the energy of the fully expanded Sahasrara chakra, its ‘luminous petals’ stretching infinitely, encompassing everything. The illusions of karma and memories are powered by his energy. The energies of creation flow from the highest point ie him. His highest illumination is reflected off his highest point by his power, this radiance is seen in the third eye during spiritual practice.

Dang – This is the beej mantra for the one who causes increase by granting sustenance. Also the one extremely pleasing to visualise. The enchanting energy controlling the power of vibrations.

He is the depth of this created multitude. He is the only attainable one. He is the deepest sign. He makes all imperfections leave. All unnatural, artificial, misshaped agitations are annihilated by him. All diseased incompleteness is removed by his granting the true intelligence of the source. He makes all energies flow strongly upwards, ie towards the highest apex, towards himself. He is the one who cuts through all bindings strongly and decisively with his sword of light. He is also the mouth of the terrible single pointed energy which devours the illusion called creation. 

Pang – This is the beej mantra of the one who destroys all forms of alternatives, duality, blocks and illusions. The enchanting energy controlling the power of vibrations.

He destroys all forms of evil ie notion of change and duality. All inauspiciousness, trouble, harm, wickedness are nullified, the biggest harm being ignorance of the self. Pran, ie the vital energies are reined in, inclined towards, course towards, are channelised by, always continuously, perpetually, eternally, by such a Kshetrapal Bhairav.

The second shlok,

• Ram Ram Ram raktavarnam, katikatita tanum teekshna danshtra karalam
• Gham Gham Gham ghosha ghosham Gha Gha Gha Gha ghatitam gharjharam ghora naadam
• Kam Kam Kam kaal pasham Druka Druka drudhitam jwalitam kamadaham
• Tam Tam Tam divya deham, pranamata satatam, Bhairavam Kshetrapalam. (2)

Rang – This beej mantra indicates the one who burns, increases internal energy, grants special and unusual benefits. The enchanting intelligence controlling the power of vibrations.

He is beautiful, sweet, beloved and auspicious by nature. He uses the energy of sound to play this sport called creation. His attractive form is hidden. He is the subtle pivot of manifestation. He is the fiery, sharp single point, the terrifying energy of time which destroys all illusions and ignorance. 

Ghang – This is the beej mantra indicating the one who grants all auspiciousness and stillness. The enchanting energy controlling the power of vibrations.

He is the sound of the bow string which launches the self towards the Self. He is the power of the vowels of Sanskrit and also the power of vibrations itself. He proclaims his presence with the eternal sound. He is auspiciousness, stillness, also the thundering, roaring, deep energy of the Naada. (Om is created from the Naada, post here). 

Kang – This beej mantra takes away all dangers, duality and poisons. Also grants blessings and boons for positivity and welfare. The enchanting non-dual awareness which controls the power of vibrations.

He is the edge of Time, the boundary till where Time/ Space can exist. He is the fetters which tie the individual soul to fate. He is massive energy at the entrance of the Sushumna. He keeps the Sushumna inaccessible, tightly closed. He is also the fortress of the Eternal. He is the established, fixed, certain, complete, consistent, whole. He is the eternal fiery radiance, always burning. He destroys all illusory enjoyments, pleasures, desires, purposes, longings and also the subjects/ objects of such desires. 

(Time or Kaal is relative. We measure time in reference to changes that we see around us. In Jyotish we measure Time by the movement of the Sun, the Moon, the Nakshatra, Jupiter and the time from sun-rise to sun-rise. These are the 5 types of calculations for ‘year’ that we use in Jyotish. Actually there are 9 ways of measuring Time, of these 5 are used in Jyotish. And there is nothing called ‘Time’. Kaal is a matter of observing one type of change against another type of change, it is basically a series of changes. Might write a post on Kaal.)

Tang – This is the beej mantra which grants all material and subtle things required for true prosperity and is always radiant, true, pure and pleasing. The enchanting consciousness controlling the power of vibrations.

He is manifest as a splendrous divine, beautiful, heavenly, auspicious form. Pran, ie vital energies are reined in, inclined towards, course towards, are channelised by, always continuously, perpetually, eternally, by such a Kshetrapal Bhairav.

The third shlok

• Lam Lam Lam Lam Vadanatham La La La La lalitam dirgha jivha karalam
• Dhum Dhum Dhum dhumra varnam sphuta vikata mukham bhaskaram bhimarupam
• Run Run Run rundamalam ravi tama nighatam tamra netram karalam
• Nam Nam Nam nagnabhusham pranamata satatam Bhairavam Kshetrapalam. (3)

Lang – This beej mantra indicates the one with the highest radiance covering all including the the sport called creation. Also the enchanting energy controlling the power of vibrations.

He is the single point of the apex. He is the act of creation of vibration and also its cessation. He is the entrance of the Sushumna. He is the brightest shining extent of creation. (Sushumna is the brightest thing you can see, the light of a million suns and the coolness of a million moons is the actual experience here) He is the graceful, delightful game created by desire. He is the deepest aware energy inherent in all vibrations, ie all changes, ie Kaal. He is the unchanging substrate underlying all apparent change. He is the tongue of fire and the terrifying understanding of Time which burns all illusions. 

Dhung – This beej mantra indicates the one who destroys the illusion of duality, poison, heat of passion and impulse. The complete, abundant and prosperous one. The one with all strengths and the essence of everything. This beej mantra allows the removal of all troubles and allows one to endure in difficult situations. Also the enchanting awareness controlling the power of vibrations.

His form is obscured. His greatness cannot be precisely described. He is dark, ie he has no attributes which can be described in words. His truth is great, unusual and cannot be exactly determined. (Experiencing him is experiencing that the creation is an illusion. This can be a terrifying thought for spiritual aspirants). He is extraordinary, diffused yet apparent. He is certain, evident, real, extensive, spread all over. He is the form of a strange powerful, tremendous, conscious radiance. 

Rung – This beej mantra indicates the one who one who burns, increases internal energy, grants special and unusual benefits and has all possible strengths and is the essence of everything. The enchanting consciousness controlling the power of vibrations.

He is the destroyer of all fake, fraud, artifice, illusory also the gun (post here). He especially destroys the Satva gun (the Raja and Tama are absorbed in Satva again during the course of your spiritual practice. Satva is destroyed by him so that you reach the tri-gunatit avastha, ie Advaita). He removes the darkness which surrounds the internal Sun, ie he provides true aware illumination. He is the third eye, is the depth of the radiant eternal fire burning here. He destroys the illusions of the created worlds with this fire. 

Nang – This is the beej mantra indicating the one who is ever still, silent, peaceful. It grants the ability to enjoy the game of creation and also attain Moksh. The enchanting intelligent radiance controlling the power of vibrations.

He is uncovered, ever new, ever fully visible always. Pran, ie vital energies are reined in, inclined towards, course towards, are channelised by, always continuously, perpetually, eternally, by such a Kshetrapal Bhairav.

The fourth shlok,

• Vam Vam vayuvegam natajana sadayam Brahma saram param tam
• Kham Kham khadga hastam tribhuvana vilayam bhaskaram bhima rupam
• Cham Cham chalitva achal chala chalita chalitam bhumi chakram
• Mam Mam mayi rupam pranamata satatam Bhairavam Kshetrapalam. (4)

Vang –  This beej mantra indicates the one who makes everything travel, ie go through its life-cycle in time/ space and also travel towards the Eternal. Also attribute-less, enchanting energy controlling the power of vibrations.

He is the speed of the Pran vital energies, ie he controls the Pran. He is the impulse which drives the Pran to fulfil illusory desires, ie causes changes in the Pran. He also gently bends the Pran within each living being to reach the zenith, ie curves the Pran towards himself. He is kind and compassionate, the essence of the highest divine. He is the main point knowledge and the real meaning of wisdom. He is the energy of consciousness, the substance of intelligence. He is the eternal of the eternal. 

(Karma at the very basic is the change in the flow of pran. These changes are caused by intentions. So be very careful about what you intend in life)

Khang –  This is the beej mantra for the one who causes tremors, agitations, disturbance, excitement in everything, ie puts everything into motion. Also omnipresent enchanting energy controlling the power of vibrations..

He is the one who dissolves, annihilates the three worlds, (Bhuh Bhuvan Svahah) also the three states of Jagruti, Swapna and Sushupti. He is the terrible tremendous radiance of consciousness. He is the one who can be apparently moved, yet is immovable. 

Chang –  This beej mantra destroys everything , ie self-ego, all living beings, all individual souls, the panch Maha-bhoot (post here). The fierce, terrifying and formidable enchanting awareness controlling the power of vibrations.

He apparently creates this universe through vibrations but he is essentially still. He is apart from the movement of matter, objects, worlds and creation. He is beyond limits, beyond extent, beyond creation, beyond place or position. 

Mang –  This is the beej mantra indicating the one who is One, Advaita. Also the one consciousness which enchants all rivals and enemies and controls the power of vibrations.

He is the form of Maya, illusion, unreal, conjuring, deception, enchantment. He is ‘not this’. Pran, ie vital energies are reined in, inclined towards, course towards, are channelised by, always continuously, perpetually, eternally, by such a Kshetrapal Bhairav.

The fifth shlok,

• Sham Sham Sham shankha hastam, shashikara dhavalam moksha sampurna tejam
• Mam Mam Mam Mam mahantam, kulamakula chulam mantra guptam sunityam
• Yam Yam Yam bhootanatham, kili kili kalitam valakeli pradhanam
• Ang Ang Ang Antariksham, pranamata satatam, Bhairavam Kshetrapalam. (5)

Shang –  This is the beej mantra which grants all auspicious benefits of positive actions. The most pure auspicious enchanting intelligence controlling the power of vibrations.

He is Om, all mantra, all vibrations, all sound. He is abundance prosperity and every thing. He is the kundalini which has reached its goal. He is awareness. He is dazzling, pure, without attributes, without blemish, beautiful, bright, illumination. He is the perfect and complete radiance of the realization of Moksh. 

Mang – This is the beej mantra indicating the one who is One. Also who enchants all rivals and enemies. The enchanting energy controlling the power of vibrations.

He is the greatest superior teacher, the Sat-Guru. He is the one who makes the kundalini free from the muladhar and carries her up along the seven chakra towards himself, the highest point. He is the secret mantra which perfectly and constantly brings the kundalini away from her limited set of lower chakras towards the apex. 

Yang –  This is the beej mantra for the omnipresent, eternally pure and auspicious one. The enchanting consciousness controlling the power of vibrations.

He is the protector of auspiciousness. He is the lord of all jiv-atma, individual souls. He possesses all prosperity, all worlds, all five mahabhoot all creation. He is the pivot, the pin around which the universes are bound. He is separate from the worlds yet his energy is subtly felt throughout. He is hidden in every bit of existence. This is his game, an amusement for the living beings who inhabit the worlds. He is the understanding of the most highest Intelligence. 

Ang – This is the beej mantra indicating the power of attraction. That essence which is always pulling towards the Self. The omnipresent, eternally present, ubiquitous one. The enchanting consciousness controlling the power of vibrations.

He is the awareness pervading the ‘emptiness’ of space. Everything is filled with the consciousness that is him. Pran, ie vital energies are reined in, inclined towards, course towards, are channelised by, always continuously, perpetually, eternally, by such a Kshetrapal Bhairav.

The sixth shlok,

• Khan Khan Khan khadga bhedam vishamamrutamayam kaala kaalam karalam
• Ksham Ksham Ksham kshepra vegam, Daha Daha dahanam tapta sandipyamaanam
• Houm Houm Houmkaara naadam prakatita gahanam garjitaih bhumikampam
• Vam Vam Vam valalilam pranamata satatam Bhairavam Kshetrapalam. (6)

Khang – This beej mantra indicates the one who causes tremors, agitations, disturbance, excitement in everything, ie puts everything into motion. Also the omnipresent enchanting awareness controlling the power of vibrations.

He is the sharp change in perception once you cross over the sword-like sharp boundary of the manifested creation. He is the one who stops the illusion of change. He destroys the concept of ‘division’, ie he is non-dual. He is eternal. The pain which one might feel in knowing that the creation is illusion is immediately converted into the realisation of the Eternal Truth.  He is the destroyer of that destroyer Time. He is the end of death. He is without attributes. He is the sharp sword who strongly breaks the illusion of creation. 

Kshang – This beej mantra indicates the one knower of the essence who exists in the manifested creation as well in the unmanifested consciousness. The form of the highest flame which radiates true illumination. The enchanting consciousness controlling the power of vibrations.

He is the intense impulse for self-realization which seizes the individual soul, jiv-atma. He intensely burns the illusions around the jiv-atma. He completely destroys the concept of individual soul, ie the jiv-atma is completely consumed in his violent irresistible force and is completely absorbed in him. He is the blazing, fiery, burning flame of awareness, intelligence and consciousness.

Houng – This beej mantra indicates the one whose essence is the power and beauty of sound, speech, words, vibrations. Serene, resplendent and pure controller of everything. The one without attributes. The enchanting intelligence controlling the power of vibrations.

He is the roaring thunderous consciousness which creates the Om, ie creation. His presence is announced by the involution of the Om into the even more magnificent Naada. In your spiritual practice, he becomes evident when the Om is absorbed back into the Naada. His denseness, solidity, is manifested only when space/ time is destroyed. The enchanting energy controlling the power of vibrations.

Vang – This is the beej mantra for the one who makes everything travel, ie go through its life-cycle in time/ space and then towards the Eternal. Also the attribute-less enchanting consciousness controlling the power of vibrations.

He plays the game of creation by apparently creating several living beings. He has devised this sport for the amusement of these living beings. Pran, ie vital energies are reined in, inclined towards, course towards, are channelised by, always continuously, perpetually, eternally, by such a Kshetrapal Bhairav.

The seventh shlok,

• Sam Sam Sam siddhiyogam sakala gunamukham devadevam prasannam
• Pam Pam Pam padmanabham hariharamayanam chandra surya agni netram
•  Aing Aing aishwarya natham satata bhayaharam purnadeva swarupam
• Roum Roum Roum roudra rupam  pranamata satatam Bhairavam Kshetrapalam. (7)

Sang – This is the beej mantra indicating the one true reason for everything, the one who describes everything. The enchanting energy controlling the power of vibrations.

He is the supreme union of understanding, fulfilment, prosperity, intellect, fortune etc with enlightenment. He establishes the complete attainment of perfection. He is the source of the three gun, Satva, Raja, Tama. He is the vibrations which create the material world. He is the divinity which energises all sense organs. He is the auspicious bright Light which is the source of all radiance. He is lucid, serene, true, pure, pleasing, kind, just, distinct, tranquil and gracious.

Pang – This is the beej mantra indicating the one who destroys all forms of alternatives, duality, troubles, blocks and illusions. The enchanting awareness controlling the power of vibrations.

He is the source of Time, ie he causes the illusion of change and the ability to sense this illusion. He is the opening where the kundalini resides. The centre of strength. He has within him, men, vibrations, worlds, Suns (post here) etc who are all destroyed and re-created in a cyclic manner. His true form is veiled behind the three eyes (right – Sun, left – Moon and third eye – Agni). 

Aing – This is the beej mantra for the one absolutely pure and faultless essence. All the individual souls are dependant on this one essence. The enchanting aware energy controlling the power of vibrations.

He is the owner of all possible prosperity and auspiciousness. He has dominion, supremacy, sway over all. He is uninterrupted, perpetual, constant and eternal. He takes away fear as surely as a sharp sword can cut. He removes the biggest disease ie ignorance. He is filled with radiance. He is the complete, strong, auspicious, perfect, full, entire, contented, abundant, excellent Emperor of all. He is the unknowable cipher. He is always in his own form. The individual soul, jiv-atma is a form of His own splendour.

Roung – This is the beej mantra which burns, increases internal energy, grants special and unusual benefits. Also indicates the ultimate controller whose essence is the power and beauty of sound, speech, words ie vibrations. The enchanting consciousnesses controlling the power of vibrations.

He is the original untamed, unsullied, pure form. He is the formidable fierce irresistible Radiance. He is the fire and also the cold. Pran, ie vital energies are reined in, inclined towards, course towards, are channelised by, always continuously, perpetually, eternally, by such a Kshetrapal Bhairav.

The eighth shlok,

• Han Han Han hansayanam hasitakalahakam muktayogatahasam
• Dham Dham Dham netra rupam shiramukutajata bandha bandhagra hastam
• Tan Tan tankanadam tridalsatalatam kama garvapaharam
• Bhrum Bhrum Bhrum bhutanadham pranamata satatam Bhairavam Kshetrapalam. (8)

Hang – This is the beej mantra of the one who is the essence of everything. The power of vibrations. The pure, unmodified source. The enchanting energy controlling the power of vibrations.

He rides the Hamsa mantra, ie achievable after the use of the Ajapa mantra. He has surpassed, defeated all the sources of turbulence. All sources of disagreements, imbalances, arguments, fights, quarrels have been effortlessly neutralised by him. All bindings and associations have been released by him. He scorns the concepts of fake, fraud, illusion, tricks, action, attachments, etc. All unions and combinations dissolve in a easy manner by him.

Dhang – This is the beej mantra which destroys the illusion of duality, poison, heat of passion and impulse. indicates the one who is complete, abundant and prosperous. Having all types of strengths and being the essence of everything. The enchanting energy controlling the power of vibrations.

He is in the form of the guide seen at the third eye, conducting the individual soul, jiv-atma along a twisted route, towards the highest of the high point towards the root of all creation. He finally decisively unites the jiv-atma who has take a single pointed fixed pledge to realise itself with the highest apex experience ie the Advaita.

 Tang – This is the beej mantra which grants all material and subtle things required for true prosperity and is always radiant, true, pure and pleasing. The enchanting energy controlling the power of vibrations.

He is the sound of the sword which cuts off the sense of individual ego and limited self-pride. He dissolves the Om back into the Naada. He dissolves the three Gun back into the perfect base of everything that he himself is. He takes away all illusory desires, impulses, intentions etc. He removes all pride, sense of self-ego, arrogance and individual ego. 

Bhrung – This beej mantra finally silences the individual self-ego. It illuminates the eternal in the living beings. It alleviates the illusion of separation. It grants eternal calmness, peace and contentment. It is formidable strength which strikes terror in all inauspiciousness. Its energy encourages the internal flame, increases the internal fire and grants special and unusual benefits. Also the enchanting energy controlling the power of vibrations.

He is the lord of all existence, all individual souls, all living beings, the five pancha-mahabhoot, all worlds, all creation and everything. Pran, ie vital energies are reined in, inclined towards, course towards, are channelised by, always continuously, perpetually, eternally, by such a Kshetrapal Bhairav.

• Namo Bhootanatham

I bow down to that one who is the lord of all individual soul, jiv-atma-s, the five mahabhoot-s, all property, all worlds, etc. The holder of all that there is. 

• Namo Pretanatham

I bow down to that one who is the possessor of all that has concluded.

• Namah Kaalkaalam 

I bow down to that one who is the destroyer of all illusions of change. Time is measured in terms of change.

(Change means that there are two things, two states ie duality. He is the destroyer of the illusion of duality.)

• Namah Rudramalam 

I bow to the one who wears a garlands made of pure awareness and the conscious energy of vibrations. 

• Namah Kalika premalolam karalam

I bow down that one who out of love (for the seeker, spiritual aspirant), lights up the dark blackness visible at the third eye by a flash of conscious lightening.

(Thus the Kundalini enters the cavernous opening of the Sushumna and in one sweep merges with the Bhairav at the Sahasrara. Thus destroys the illusions of creation and realises the non-dual, Advaita.)

• Namo Bhairavam Kashikam Kshetrapalam 

I bow down to that one fearless one, the most high, eternal Non-dual awareness. The protector of the highest awareness. The sustainer of the eternal consciousness. The self illuminated, Radiant. The Advaita.

(Kashi when used in the esoteric context is the third eye. The Ajnya chakra is the Kashi-kshetra of the body you reside in. The individual jiv-atma resides here in an ashtapadmadala chakra ‘behind’ the Ajnya chakra or the Kuthastha (post here))

Namah means more than just ‘bow down’! This word means something like the Ultimate power which is the paradox of illusion and wisdom united together. Depth of stillness and flowing movement together. The eternal unborn one in solitude.

I sometimes recite this beautiful Teekshna Danshtra Bhairavashtak endlessly. Listen to it on a loop for days from time to time. It enchants my mind, silences it, removes all negativity, energises my soul. I was doing this for the past week, immersing myself in it, so thought of writing about it in brief. 

(I have used images of the Shivlingam in this post. Again, the Shivlingam is not connected to the personification of the Tamogun. The Shivlingam is a visual moorti or sign or mark used for the Advaita.)