Bhairava Dvadasha Vimshati Namavali (22 Names)
भैरवद्वादशविंशतिनामावलिः
Sanskrit
ॐ बटुकनाथाय नमः । ॐ सारभूताय नमः । ॐ त्रैलोक्यनाथनाथाय नमः । ॐ नाथनाथाय नमः । ॐ बटुकाय नमः । ॐ कालिकानाथाय नमः । ॐ कामदाय नमः । ॐ लोकरक्षकाय नमः । ॐ भूतनाथाय नमः । ॐ गणश्रेष्ठाय नमः । ॐ वीरवन्द्याय नमः ।
Transliteration
oṃ baṭukanāthāya namaḥ | oṃ sārabhūtāya namaḥ | oṃ trailokya-nātha-nāthāya namaḥ | oṃ nāthanāthāya namaḥ | oṃ baṭukāya namaḥ | oṃ kālikānāthāya namaḥ | oṃ kāmadāya namaḥ | oṃ lokarakṣakāya namaḥ | oṃ bhūtanāthāya namaḥ | oṃ gaṇaśreṣṭhāya namaḥ | oṃ vīravandyāya namaḥ |
Translation
Om, salutations to the Lord of Batuka! To the Essence of all being! To the Lord of the Lords of the three worlds! To the Lord of all Lords! To the eternal Youth! To the Lord of Kali! To the Wish-fulfiller! To the Protector of all worlds! To the Lord of spirits! To the Chief of celestial hosts! To He who is worshipped by heroes!
Deep Meaning
The first eleven names establish Bhairava's sovereignty: he is lord of Batuka (the child form), the essence of reality (sarabhuta), lord even of the lords of three worlds, partner of Kali (Kalikanatha), fulfiller of desires, protector of creation, commander of elemental beings and celestial armies, and honored by warriors and heroes.
Sanskrit
ॐ दयानिधये नमः । ॐ कपालिने नमः । ॐ कुण्डलिने नमः । ॐ भीमाय नमः । ॐ भैरवाय नमः । ॐ भीमविक्रमाय नमः । ॐ व्यालयज्ञोपवीतिने नमः । ॐ कवचिने नमः । ॐ शूलिने नमः । ॐ शूराय नमः । ॐ शिवप्रियाय नमः ।
Transliteration
oṃ dayānidhaye namaḥ | oṃ kapāline namaḥ | oṃ kuṇḍaline namaḥ | oṃ bhīmāya namaḥ | oṃ bhairavāya namaḥ | oṃ bhīmavikramāya namaḥ | oṃ vyāla-yajñopavītine namaḥ | oṃ kavacine namaḥ | oṃ śūline namaḥ | oṃ śūrāya namaḥ | oṃ śivapriyāya namaḥ |
Translation
Om, salutations to the Ocean of compassion! To the Skull-bearer! To the Kundalini-holder! To the Terrifying one! To Bhairava! To He of terrifying valor! To He who wears serpents as sacred thread! To the Armored one! To the Trident-bearer! To the Courageous one! To the beloved of Lord Shiva!
Deep Meaning
The final eleven names reveal Bhairava's dual nature: immense compassion (dayanidhi = ocean of mercy) alongside fierce power (bhima = terrifying, bhima-vikrama = terrible valor). He wears serpents as his sacred thread (mastery over kundalini energy), bears the skull-cup (kapali = transcendence of death), holds the trident (shuli), and is ultimately beloved of Shiva (shivapriya), because Bhairava IS Shiva's own fierce manifestation.
Benefits of Recitation
- ✦Quick daily practice invoking 22 powerful names of Bhairava
- ✦Each name activates a specific aspect of Bhairava's protection
- ✦Ideal for beginners starting Bhairava worship
- ✦Can be combined with offering flowers (one per name)
- ✦Grants protection, wish-fulfillment, and Bhairava's grace
- ✦Takes only 3-5 minutes to complete
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