The throngs of other devotees reciprocate a similar belief that worshipping Kal Bhairab has always been fruitful.
The formidable stone idol of Kal Bhairab stands about 10 feet high in the premises of Kathmandu’s Hanumandhoka Durbar Square, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site, with perpetual dignity. As seen, it is not difficult to comprehend that the idol depicts a historical work of great flair and dexterity. The Bhairab idol is believed demonstrate divine powers even now as it was then.
“The Bhairab gives powers to his devotees, and their wishes are fulfilled,” relates Tara Devi, a local resident of Makhan Tole.
Unlike the aesthetic appearance of other traditional Hindu gods, the black-looking gigantic Kal Bhairab covered with vermillion evokes terror and fear. The idol’s ornament consists of a long garland of human heads and its crown is marked by four white-painted human skulls and a central male face. Two hands on the right hold a trident and a long black sword and two hands on the left hold a red disk and three dismembered heads dangling by their hairs; the remaining two hands are in a benign gesture before the deity’s chest. The Bhairab shrine, fronted by two sculpted vigilant lions as sentinels, tells us an odyssey of esoteric powers as conceived by the devotees.
“Though I don’t know about all the Bhairab legends and beliefs, I’ve heard that in ancient times when people were found guilty, they were brought to this shrine to prove their innocence,” recalls a lackadaisical huckster, Ram Bahadur Thapa. “The convicts were judged on the basis of confessions they made in front of the Bhairab. If they told lies, they died then and there, vomiting blood.”
The history of Kal Bhairab dates back to Nepal Sambat 760 during the regime of Pratap Malla. It is said that the idol was dug out at Raniban when the Malla king ordered for a canal to be dug from Narayansthan to the Hanumandhoka palace for water supply. The idol, found in multiple colored pieces, was then brought to Hanumandhoka Durbar; and when assembled, it turned out to be greater than a life-sized figure. Therefore, since the idol could not be taken through the wooden doors of the palace to be kept inside the courtyard, it was installed in its present premises facing the northern direction. After which Tantric rituals were performed to consecrate the Bhairab idol.
According to Satwatara Bajra Bajracharya, an about-to-be centenarian priest and the only living being of the shrine’s traditional priestly line, the name of Bhairab is ascribed to the deity relieving the devotees from fear of death. “The name doesn’t suggest the black color of the idol,” clarifies Bajracharya while he offers homage to Bhairab. “Kal Bhairab bears the legend of being the god of justice.”
The priest continues to explain that, as people believed Kal Bhairab to be the god of justice, a court “adda” was established by the idol exactly at the same place where the Metropolitan Police Range building exists now. Suspects were brought to the Kal Bhairab for prosecution in the presence of court officials during their hearing. They were then told to touch the idol’s feet and state their case of guilt or innocence.
“To everybody’s astonishment, the accused lived or died according to the truth or lies they spoke. Those who lied vomited blood and died,” says Bajracharya taxing his memory.
The divine powers of Kal Bhairab even frightened the courtiers of the day. Hence, with the understanding of the king, they modified this prosecution practice tactfully, fearing likelihood of their own death.
“Now the suspects had to maintain only eye contact with the Bhairab from a distance and state their case. The liars only “trembled”, thus confirming their guilt and thus suitable verdict was announced,” the priest unfolds his anecdotes. “This prevented uncountable deaths, yet meting out justice to the innocent.”
Satwatara Bajra Bajracharya’s wrinkled face exudes surprise as he further describes the divine powers of Kal Bhairab he witnessed during the 1990 BS (1934 AD) earthquake. “The idol of the Bhairab leaned, almost touching the ground. But then it raised up itself high in the present posture.”
The mysteries of Kal Bhairab remain deep in history. It may soon fade away with the passing away of such knowledgeable persons as Satwatara Bajra Bajracharya. The priest expresses his sheer discontentment over the negligence of government authorities towards the idol’s preservation.
“I’ve taken several initiatives for the idol’s renovation, but in vain. The Department of Archaeology should soon formulate effective policies for the preservation of such unique and history-bearing idols. Else, the posterity will have to repent,” sighs the priest. “The idol demands suitable and timely renovation.”
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