PLATE XXXI
Bhairon
Originally a village godling of the aborigines, Bhairon has become identified with Bhairava ("the Fearful"), one of the dread forms of Śiva. His animal is the dog. He is essentially a deity whose function is to keep guard and thus to give protection. Accordingly he is usually represented as armed with club or sword, while his terrible aspect appears in the bowl of blood which he carries. After Crooke, The Popular Religion and Folk-Lore of Northern India, Plate facing ii, 218.
