Meaning and elaboration
Meaning: Salutations To The one who is the current Manu, the progenitor of the human race.
Elaboration
The name Vaivasvataya connects Kalabhairava with Vaivasvata Manu, a pivotal figure in Hindu cosmology, signifying profound roles in creation, time, and cosmic order.
Current Manu: Progenitor of Humanity Vaivasvata Manu is the current Manu, presiding over the seventh Manvantara (epoch of Manu) in the present Kalpa (cosmic day of Brahma). He is revered as the progenitor of the human race, the father of humanity, and the lawgiver who established the socio-religious code (Dharma) for the current age. His flood narrative is strikingly similar to other ancient flood myths, where he is saved by Lord Vishnu (in his Matsya avatar), thus ensuring the continuity of life and Dharma. By being "Vaivasvataya," Kalabhairava is implicitly linked to this foundational aspect of human existence and its continuation.
Son of Vivasvan (The Sun God) The name Vaivasvata literally means "son of Vivasvan," who is the Sun God, Surya. This lineage imbues Vaivasvata Manu with solar energy, light, and the principle of life-giving warmth. Connecting Kalabhairava to Vaivasvata suggests that Bhairava embodies the very essence and source of this life-sustaining force, or watches over its cosmic trajectory.
Cosmic Regulator and Lawgiver The Manu provides the framework of Dharma (righteous conduct, moral law) for his Manvantara. Thus, Vaivasvataya also signifies the divine authority and cosmic law that governs the human world. Kalabhairava's association with Vaivasvata Manu underscores his role as a supreme regulator and upholder of cosmic order (Rta) and karmic justice. He is the ultimate enforcer of the laws that Manu promulgates, ensuring that the cosmic balance is maintained and that beings adhere to their prescribed Dharma.
Symbol of Time and Cyclical Creation The Manvantara itself is a vast temporal unit, signifying cycles of creation and dissolution. By being the "one who is the current Manu," Kalabhairava is affirmed as the Lord of Time (Kala) who oversees these immense cosmic cycles, including the current age of humanity and its eventual dissolution and re-creation. This further enhances his identity as Kalabhairava, the Ultimate Time, who controls the destiny of all Manifestation, including humanity as guided by Vaivasvata Manu.
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