Kathmandu - Relief of Kala Bhairava

Entering the square from Bazaar Street, a huge stone relief of Kala Bhairava is seen ahead. Carved from a single piece of stone the ferocious six-armed Bhairava is depicted crushing the demon Vetala underfoot. In his right hand he holds a kapala (a skull cup) while his left hand displays the vyakhyana mudra (thumb as ring finger). The Nepalis come here to settle disputes, believing that anyone who tells lies in front of Kala Bhairava will spit blood. To appease the terrifying god hundreds of buffaloes are sacrificed during the Dasain Festival. The relief was originally endowed by Pratapa Malla.