Meaning and elaboration
Meaning: Salutations To The one who is dearly beloved by his consort, the divine mother.
Elaboration
The name Patipriyāya is a compound of Pati and Priyā.
Pati: This term primarily means "master," "lord," or "husband." In the context of divine relationships, it signifies the consort or the revered partner.
Priyā: This term means "beloved," "dear," or "darling." It denotes one who is held in great affection and love.
Dearly Beloved by His Consort When combined, Patipriyāya refers to Lord Shiva (Kala Bhairava being a fierce aspect of Shiva) as the one who is "dearly beloved by his consort." In Shaivism, Shiva's consort is Parvati (also known as Uma, Gauri, Shakti, etc.). This name emphasizes the profound, reciprocal love and devotion that exists between Shiva and the Divine Mother.
The Cosmic Union This name highlights the inseparable nature of Shiva and Shakti—Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (nature/energy). Their union is the source of all creation, preservation, and dissolution. Parvati's love for Shiva is not merely conjugal affection but a cosmic force, representing the dynamic energy (Shakti) that adores and serves the ultimate consciousness (Shiva). For the fierce form of Bhairava, the Great Mother manifests as Bhairavi, Mahakali, or other fierce goddesses, who are equally devoted to him, participating in his cosmic dance of destruction for renewal.
An Exemplar of Divine Love This name serves as a devotional reminder of the ideal divine relationship. It portrays Bhairava not just as a terrifying deity but also as a being capable of and immersed in deep love. It underscores the belief that even the most formidable aspects of the Divine are softened and made complete by the presence and love of the Divine Feminine. It suggests that his fierceness is directed outwards towards evil, while inwards, he is the recipient of profound affection.
Philosophical Significance From a tantric perspective, Patipriyāya can be seen as an acknowledgment that the ultimate masculine principle (Shiva/Bhairava) is eternally cherished and energized by the ultimate feminine principle (Shakti/Devi). The devotion of the Goddess to Bhairava symbolizes the alignment of divine power with divine consciousness, creating a harmonious and supremely potent divine entity.
-