Bhairava originates from the word bhīru, which means fearful. Bhairava means terribly fearful form. it’s also known as one who destroys fear or one who is beyond fear. The right interpretation is he protects his devotees from dreadful enemies, greed, lust and anger. Bhairava protects his devotees from these enemies. These enemies are dangerous as they never allow us to seek God within. There is also another interpretation. Bha means creation, ra means sustenance and va means destruction. Therefore, Bhairava is the one who creates, sustains and dissolves the three stages of life. Therefore, he becomes the ultimate or the supreme. Bhairava has a dog (Shvan) as his divine vahana (vehicle).

Dog is also the sacred animal associated with Mula nakshatra. Dogs can be wild and aggressive, but as a divine vehicle they can also be tamed – they represent loyalty and protection. Though Mula nakshatra stands for destruction, if they are able to curb their negative instincts, they can use destruction to their benefit. They will be able to destroy all the negativities and the enemies within them.