Vimabahu (विंशबाहु) refers to “one who has twenty arms” and is used to visualize Bhairava, according to the Manthānabhairavatantra, a vast sprawling work that belongs to a corpus of Tantric texts concerned with the worship of the goddess Kubjikā.—Accordingly, “He has eight faces and, very powerful, shines like a white lotus. He is mightily proud and has sharp teeth and great body.
The most benovalent Dancing “Vimshati Baahu Bhairava”, (20 Hands Bhairava) is from Rani ki Vav, Patan Gujarat.
Let us understand all the elements of Bhairava & their representation.
0) Prabhaavali with Saptamatrika
1) Shvan – Dog, Vahana of Bhairava
2) Brahma kapala – The severed 5th head of Brahma – Symbol of ending the Ego. Observe the Shvan licking the blood from Brahma Kantha.
3) Paatra – Symbol of Generosity
4) Ankusa – urging to practice & apply
5) Paasha – Rope of 3 threads – Avidya, Karma, Vasana.
6) Ghanta – Impermanence – creation of transient universe through sound.
7) Tanka – Chisel – sculpt your soul
8) Khetaka – deflection of negativity
9) 9 & 14 & 15 – Hands Holding the Sarpa – representation of Kundalini Shakti. Also represents the Danda – which is used by Bhairava to punish sinners.
10) 10, 11, 12, 13 – Hasta Mudras in Natya – Pataka, Tri-Pataka, Pataka & Kartari Mudras
16) Khadga – Wisdom of sword cuts through illusion
17) Damaru – Union of two sides – Musculine & Feminine. When separated sound ceases & universe dissolves.
18) Musala – To take us in to right direction through this round knobbed stick.
19) Vajra – Diamond – Ultimate truth is indestructible.
20) Abhaya mudra of Bhairava
21) Churi – Dagger – Razor edge indicates that it has to be treated with great care and vigilance.
22) Ashirvada mudra of Bhairava on his great devotee Rishi Bhringi.
