Quote:
At our local temple (Mariamman temple) there is a shrine to Bhairava near the entrance to the main temple, right beside a shrine of Hanuman. I've noticed that there are two large, slightly curved swords and a trident placed behind the Bhairava Deity. I've seen similar weapons on a rack in the prayer room at my girlfriend's grandfather's house. I'm wondering, what is the significance of these weapons? Are they simply decorations or is there a significance to them? And are they actually used by the priests in any sacred rites (e.g. breaking the coconut)?
The weapons behind the deity of Bhairava, are probably worshiped as a form of Bhairava, and I'm not too sure if they'd also be used in any sort of ritual. I'm fairly certain the weapons in your girlfriend's grandfather's prayer room, would be used for rituals like breaking coconuts, and possibly sacrificing an animal if he isn't vegetarian.