Ashta Bhairav
Kapala Bhairav (Laat Bhairav)
Alaipur · Laat Bhairav precinct
History & traditions
Laat means a pillar. The pillar itself is the focus of devotion at this shrine. The local Kapal Mochan story connects the site with the release of Brahma’s skull and with a ritual tank remembered in the precinct’s history.
Deity & sacred image
- Deity or sacred figure
- Kapala Bhairav, locally known as Laat Bhairav
- Idol or shrine image
- Here Bhairav is worshipped in the form of a stone pillar, called a laat.
PILGRIMAGE CONTEXT
Ashta Bhairav
In the Kashi Khanda’s account of Durga’s victory, eight Bhairavas guard the quarters of Kashi. The field survey links those names to present-day worship sites, some inside goddess or Shiva precincts. Kaal Bhairav is separately honoured as the city’s Kotwal.
SKANDA PURANA
In the Kashi Khanda
Chapter 31 recounts the release of the skull at Kapalamochana. Chapter 72 names Kapali, the skull-bearing guardian, among the eight Bhairavas. The local Alaipur identification of Laat Bhairav belongs to the guide’s modern shrine record.
Browse the Kashi Khanda reading guide