Batuka Bhairava () or Vatuka Bhairava is a fierce form of Shiva in Hindu iconography, associated with his manifestation of Bhairava. This form of Shiva is depicted as a fierce, nude youth, usually accompanied with a dog in the Tantric tradition.

Iconography

In the Rupamandana, Batuka Bhairava is prescribed to be depicted with eight arms, in which six hold the khatvanga (club), the pasha (whip), the shula (spear), the damaru (drum), the kapala (skullcup), and a snake, with the other two carrying a piece of flesh and expressing the abhaya mudra. A dog is stated to be depicted nearby, the same shade as the deity.

Batuka Bhairava

The Sharadatilaka Tantra text prescribes various depictions of the deity according to their sattva, rajas, and tamas gunas.

Batuka Bhairava

References

Hindu gods

Forms of Shiva

Batuka Bhairava