Varaha

वराह • Varāha

"Boar - The third avatar of Vishnu"

Vishnu Avatar Vaishnavism

Bhumi Varaha Adi Varaha Shweta Varaha

Epithets

Bhudevi-pati (Husband of Earth) Dharani-dhara (Bearer of Earth) Hiranyaksha-samhari (Slayer of Hiranyaksha)

Category & Classification

Type

Vishnu Avatar

Tradition

Vaishnavism

Avatar Type

Amsha (Partial) Avatar

Number

Iconography

Form

Giant boar; or boar-headed human body (Varaha-murti)

Complexion

Dark blue or blue-black

Faces

Boar face with tusks

Arms

4 (in anthropomorphic form)

Posture

Standing; emerging from cosmic waters with Earth

Attributes & Weapons

Shankha (Conch) (Upper left) - Pranava Om
Chakra (Discus) (Upper right) - Cosmic order
Gada (Mace) (Lower left) - Strength
Padma/Earth (Lower right) - Creation; Bhudevi

Distinctive Features

Earth (Bhudevi) resting on tusks or seated on lap

Family & Relations

Origin

Third avatar, appeared in Satya Yuga

Mythology & Stories

Third avatar, appeared in Satya Yuga

Varaha represents the rescuer of those in distress. The avatar demonstrates Vishnu's role in maintaining cosmic order by rescuing Earth and destroying evil forces.

Rescuing Bhudevi

The demon Hiranyaksha, brother of Hiranyakashipu, received a boon of near-invincibility. He became arrogant and challenged even the gods. He dragged Earth (personified as goddess Bhudevi) to the depths of the cosmic ocean (Garbhodaka). The gods appealed to Vishnu. From Brahma's nostril emerged a tiny boar that grew to enormous size. Varaha dived into the cosmic waters, found Earth at the bottom, lifted her on his tusks, and emerged. On the way up, he encountered Hiranyaksha. After a fierce battle lasting a thousand years, Varaha killed the demon with his tusks and mace. Earth was restored to her proper place.

Source: Bhagavata Purana, Vishnu Purana

Marriage to Bhudevi

After rescuing her, Varaha married Bhudevi (Earth). Thus, Vishnu has two consorts: Lakshmi (goddess of prosperity) and Bhudevi (Earth goddess).

Source: Varaha Purana

Worship & Mantras

Mantras

Beej Mantra

Om Varahaya Namah

Mool Mantra

Om Namo Bhagavate Varaha-rupaya Bhur Bhuva Suvaha Pataye Svaha

Gayatri Mantra

Om Varaha Devaya Vidmahe Bhumi Palaya Dhimahi Tanno Varaha Prachodayat

Stotras & Hymns

Varaha Kavacham Varaha Ashtakam Bhupati Stotram

Auspicious Days

Ekadashi Thursday

Offerings

Tulsi
Flowers
Fruits
Payasam

Temples

Sri Varahaswami Temple

Tirumala (near Venkateswara temple), Andhra Pradesh

Ancient temple; tradition says Varaha granted land to Venkateswara

Bhu Varaha Temple

Srimushnam, Tamil Nadu

One of 108 Divya Desams; famous Varaha temple

Varaha Temple

Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Famous monolithic Varaha sculpture

Adi Varaha Perumal Temple

Mammalapuram, Tamil Nadu

Cave temple from Pallava period

Associated Festivals

Varaha Jayanti (Bhadrapada Shukla Trayodashi)

Astrological Connection

Planet

Associated with Mars (strength, action, rescue)

Nakshatra

Associated with Mrigashira (searching, finding)

Remedial For

Property/land issues Need for protection Recovery of lost things Strength in adversity

Symbolism & Philosophy

Cosmic Role: Rescuer and protector; restorer of balance

Strength Determination Protection Rescue Restoration

Earth sinking in waters represents the soul drowning in ignorance/materialism. Varaha lifting Earth symbolizes the divine rescuing the devotee from worldly bondage.