Bhairava Raga, c.1640-50 (opaque w/c on paper)

Bhairav, or Bhairon, is a raga in Hindustani classical music that was for centuries considered to be the most important raga. Its modern form with an important komal rishabh is, however, very different from that described in the old texts. Bhairav has its name from Bhairava, an incarnation of Shiva, and was historically associated with glory and awe, but became identified with peace and devotion. Raga Bhairav is sometimes linked to raga Bhairavi via Bhairavi's association with the consort of Bhairav (as aspect of Shiva) of the same name; Hijaz Bhairav is an example of this. There are several allied ragas such as Ahir Bhairav, Bairagi, Gunkali, Hijaz Bhairav, Nat Bhairav, Ramkali, Jogiya and Kalingda.