Bhairavi Aarti
जय जय भैरवि असुर भयाउनि
What is the Bhairavi Aarti?
Bhairavi Aarti The Bhairavi Aarti is a devotional song to goddess Bhairavi, the fierce Mahavidya form of Shakti and consort of Shiva, best known through Vidyapati's Maithili hymn 'Jai Jai Bhairavi Asur Bhayauni'.
The Bhairavi Aarti praises the goddess Bhairavi, one of the ten Mahavidyas and a fierce form of the Divine Mother. Its most sung version is a medieval Maithili composition by the poet Vidyapati, popularised in recent times by the singer Sharda Sinha. The verses picture the goddess as the destroyer of demons and the compassionate mother who does not abandon her devotees.
Bhairavi Aarti Lyrics (English)
Roman transliteration for easy chanting. Tap “Meaning” under any verse for the English translation.
Jai jai Bhairavi asura bhayauni
Pashupati bhamini maya
Sahaja sumati vara diya he gosauni
Anugati gati tua paya
Meaning
Victory to Bhairavi, the terror of demons, beloved of Pashupati (Shiva) and the great cosmic power (Maya). Grant the boon of clear, natural wisdom, O goddess; those who follow you find their ultimate refuge in you.
Basara raini savasana shobhita
Charana chandramani chuda
Katauka daitya mari munh melali
Katau ugili karu kuda
Meaning
Day and night she shines seated upon her seat, her feet and moonstone-jewelled crown radiant. Many demons she has slain and cast into her mouth, and many she has spat out as worthless refuse.
Samara varana nayana anuranjita
Jalada joga phula koka
Kata-kata vikata otha phuta pandari
Lidhura phena utha phoka
Meaning
Dark of complexion, her eyes flush red like the ruddy sheldrake against a rain-dark sky. Her fearsome teeth gnash, her parted lips turn pale, and froth rises at the edge of her fierce form.
Ghana-ghana-ghanana ghughuru kata baje
Hana-hana kara tua kata
Vidyapati kavi tua pada sevaka
Putra visaru janu mata
Meaning
Ceaselessly her anklet bells ring out as the sword in her hand strikes down every foe. The poet Vidyapati is but a servant at your feet; do not forget your child, O Mother.
Meaning & Significance
Bhairavi is worshipped as the sixth of the ten Mahavidyas, the great wisdom-goddesses of the Shakta and Tantric traditions. As Tripura Bhairavi she embodies fierce, transforming energy: the power that dissolves fear, ego and inner obstacles so the seeker can move forward. In this aarti Vidyapati holds both sides of her nature together, the warrior who destroys demons and the mother who will not turn away a devotee who calls on her.
The imagery is deliberately intense, with gnashing teeth, ringing anklets and a raised sword, because Bhairavi’s grace works by cutting through what binds us. The closing line reframes all of it as a plea from a child to a parent, which is why the song is loved as an aarti of surrender rather than only a description of the goddess’s terrifying form.
How Do You Perform the Aarti?
- Prepare a clean space. — Set an image or yantra of Bhairavi or the Divine Mother, and if possible face east or north while sitting.
- Light the lamp and incense. — Kindle a ghee or oil lamp and incense, and offer red flowers, which are traditional for the goddess.
- Begin with a bow. — Fold your hands, remember Shiva and Shakti together, and set a simple intention of devotion and courage.
- Sing the verses in order. — Recite the four stanzas slowly, letting the meaning register; the aarti is short, so an unhurried pace suits it.
- Circle the lamp. — During the closing lines, rotate the lit lamp clockwise before the goddess in gentle circles.
- Close with gratitude. — Take the aarti flame, receive its warmth with your palms, and end with a short prayer for protection and clarity.
What Are the Benefits of Singing This Aarti?
Devotees turn to the Bhairavi Aarti when they want courage, protection and inner change.
- Release from fear: Bhairavi is invoked as the goddess who removes dread and steadies the mind in difficult times.
- Protection from harm: The verses call on her as the destroyer of demons, a shield against negativity and ill intent.
- Clarity and wisdom: The opening prayer asks for 'sahaja sumati', natural and clear understanding for making right decisions.
- Strength to change: As a Mahavidya of transformation, she is sought when a person wants to break old patterns.
- A sense of refuge: The closing plea, mother to child, brings comfort and the feeling of being watched over.
Who Wrote This Aarti?
This aarti is a composition of Vidyapati, the celebrated Maithili poet of the fourteenth to fifteenth century, whose devotional and lyrical songs are still sung across Bihar, Mithila and beyond. He signs the final verse in the classic style of medieval Bhakti poets, naming himself as a servant at the goddess’s feet. Because it is written in older Maithili, a few words differ from modern Hindi, and the hymn has been carried forward largely through oral tradition and, more recently, through the recordings of singers such as Sharda Sinha.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bhairavi Aarti?
The Bhairavi Aarti is a devotional song to goddess Bhairavi, the fierce Mahavidya form of Shakti and consort of Shiva, best known through Vidyapati's Maithili hymn 'Jai Jai Bhairavi Asur Bhayauni'.
Is Bhairavi the same as Bhairav or Kaal Bhairav?
No. Bhairavi is the goddess, a form of the Divine Mother and one of the ten Mahavidyas. Bhairav or Kaal Bhairav is the fierce male form of Shiva. They are related in tradition but are distinct deities with their own aartis.
Who composed the Bhairavi Aarti?
The best-known version was composed by the Maithili poet Vidyapati, who names himself in the last verse. It is written in older Maithili and has been popularised in modern times by singers like Sharda Sinha.
When should the Bhairavi Aarti be sung?
It is sung during daily or special worship of the goddess, and is considered especially fitting during Navratri and on days dedicated to Shakti and the Mahavidyas.
What are the benefits of singing the Bhairavi Aarti?
Devotees sing it to ask for courage, protection from harm, clarity of mind and the strength to overcome fear and inner obstacles, trusting the goddess as a protecting mother.
॥ जय जय भैरवि ॥