True beauty, we have often been told, is not about appearances. True beauty resides within. The Kalabhairava form schools you on this like no other. Frightening at first appearance, He tests the aspirant’s devotion, which is more used to bewitching scents and flowery adornments. Swami Ishwarananda adeptly and convincingly dismantles early notions of this fierce form, exposing what lies beyond the naked body, slithering snakes, and wild dancing. As new understanding dawns with the turn of each page, it will be impossible not to be drawn into this telling of the Kalabhairava Ashtakam. Swamiji explains that the rude-looking, impatient Kalabhairava conceals a deep wellspring of compassion as He guides us from bondage to complete freedom. In contrast to this, is the Shiva Pratah Smaranam with its pleasant imagery, the chanting of which, explains Swamiji, is the best way to begin the day.
