Bhairava in the Bhairava Tantra of Kashmiri Shaivism, represents three aspects of Shiva; Srshti-—manifestation,
Stehti---maintenance and Samhara ---withdrawal. Ashta Bhairava (“Eight Bhairavas”) are eight manifestations of the Bhairava. They guard and control the eight directions. The eight Bhairavas represent eight different elements in which five elements represented by Bhairava are sky, air, fire, water and earth and the other three beings are sun, moon and Atma (the soul).Each Bhairava has eight sub Bhairavas under him (total 64).
The concept of ‘Bhairavas’ in Kashmir came during the rule of king Praversen II in
sixth century, who desired to build a new city of his own and give his name to it.
Howevet the city was prone to floods, fires and epidemics. He worshipped his Isht Dev, Vetal Bhairav. With His blessings, the king laid the
foundation of the new city and divided the city of Srinagar into eight zones, which were
presided over by the respective 8 Bhairvas. Temples were constructed in their names.
These Bhairavas were regarded as the protectors of their respective areas.
A few of the 8 bhairav in sirinagar are Anadeshwar Bhairav (Maisuma),
Bhukatkeshwar Bhairav (chattabal), Nandkeshwar Bhairav (sumbal), Vetalraj Bhairav (Dal lake) to name a few.
Further 64 bhairav temples were constructed around Kashmir, which were protectors of their respective villages.
Devraz Bhairav our Ishta Bhairava is one of the 64 Bhairav and is a guardian of our Nunar village for our heritage and traditions. His presence has been a guiding force, helping us navigate through adversities with resilience. In our kashmiri pandit tradtion after every Puja ritual,we offer Naivedya/Prasadam to the Ishta Devata and the Ishta Bhairava, the guardian deity of the area.
Devraz Bairav existed in the form of an idol and a Shiv Ling under a Kashmiri Bargad (Brann) tree in the open. Meanwhile the youths of Nunar formed a committee through a proper voting process, and Late Sh. Laxmanji Pandita, son of the Late Shri Raja Pandit, was elected as president.
After completing 5 year term, elections were held again and Late Sh. Prathvi Nath Pandita was elected as president. It was during his tenure that the present standing Dharamshalla was constructed at Vedsewar temple. A rath yatra of Lord Krishna was started from Vedeshewar mandir to Devraz Bairav temple on Janamashtami, annually.
Under the Presidentship of Late Jawahar Lal Koul, a boundary wall was constructed around Devraz Bhairav temple.
Asthapna sudhar samiti Nunar, came in existence under the presidentship of Late Shri Balji Sharma and patron Late Shri Dina Nath Zutshi.
The present standing Devraz Bhairav temple was constructed under the presidentship of Late Makhan Lal Dhar
In 1985 eletions were held and Shri Ram Krishan Raina was elected as president of Asthapan Sudhar Simiti and patron as Late Shri Sham Lal Raina With the mass exodus of kashmiri pandit community in 1990, there were only handful of pandit family who stayed back and took care of the temple.
Some construction purely for commercial purpose was carried out by the families who had not migrated from Nunar for the maintaince of Devraz Bhairav temple.
Nunar Biradhari memebers who have relocated allover India and world, started the mission to revive and restore the legacy of Devraz Bhairav by rebuilding the temple again.