Nataraja नटराज | Bhairava — Lord of Time and the Faithful Dog | Museum Poster

In the old city of Kashi, child, they remember Shiva in his fierce face — Bhairava, the Lord of Time. The kapala in his hand, the cup that drinks the wine of the ego. The garland around his neck — every bead a year, every year a teacher. The third eye burning small at his brow. The Sri Yantra above, the cosmos behind. And there, faithful at his foot — the black dog Shvana, his closest companion. Do not fear this form. Bhairava is the one who guards the threshold. He is the fierce love of a father who will not let you fall.