andhakakṛta śiva stuti

Andhaka, the blind demon whom Shiva impales on his trident, praises him from that position — which is what gives the hymn its particular note of terror mixed with relief. Salutation to you, Bhairava, of fearful form, protector of the three worlds, ruler, trident in hand; skull in hand, wearing the lord of serpents for a necklace, three-eyed — protect me, whose understanding has failed. The second verse turns from fear to refuge in a single line: victory to you, lord of all, whose body is the universe, whose footstool the gods and demons salute; mother of the three worlds, teacher, bull-marked — frightened, I have come for refuge to the one who gives it. The last verse names what the hymn is really about: conqueror of anger, conqueror of enemies, conqueror of the senses.