The Varaha (Boar) Avatar of Lord Vishnu.

The Varaha (Boar) Avatar of Lord Vishnu.

In the rich legacy that is Sanatan Dharma, Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the cosmic order, incarnates in various forms to restore dharma and protect the universe. Among the ten principal incarnations, known as the Das Avatar, the Varaha Avatar, or the boar incarnation, holds a significant place as the third avatar. This article explores the Varaha Avatar, delving into its scriptural narratives, symbolic significance, iconography, and enduring legacy in Hindu tradition.

Scriptural Narratives.

The story of the Varaha Avatar is vividly detailed in several Hindu scriptures, including the Bhagavat Puran, Vishnu Puran, Ramayan, Mahabharat, and Varaha Puran. These texts narrate Vishnu’s divine intervention as Varaha to rescue the Earth from the demon Hiranyaksha, restoring cosmic balance.

Bhagavat Puran.

The Bhagavat Puran (Canto 3) provides a detailed account of the Varaha Avatar. During the cosmic cycle, the demon Hiranyaksha, empowered by a boon, plunged the Earth (personified aa Bhumi Devi) into the depths of the cosmic ocean, Garbhodaka. As chaos threatened creation, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Varaha, a colossal boar with immense strength. Diving into the ocean, Varaha battled Hiranyaksha in a fierce confrontation, ultimately slaying the demon. He then lifted the Earth on his tusks, restoring it to its rightful place. The Bhagavat Puran emphasizes Varaha’s role as the protector of the Earth, showcasing Vishnu’s compassion and power in safeguarding creation.

Vishnu Puran.

The Vishnu Puran elaborates on the Varaha narrative, highlighting Vishnu’s swift response to the pleas of the Devas and Goddess Bhumi. Emerging from Brahma’s nostril as a tiny boar, Varaha rapidly grew to an enormous size, symbolizing his boundless divine power. The text describes how Varaha’s battle with Hiranyaksha restored order, and his act of lifting the Earth signifies Vishnu’s role as the sustainer of the cosmos, ensuring its stability for the continuation of life.

Ramayan and Mahabharat.

In Valmiki’s Ramayan (Bala Kanda), the Varaha Avatar is briefly referenced as one of Vishnu’s incarnations, underscoring his role in rescuing the Earth. Similarly, the Mahabharat (Adi Parva) recounts the Varaha episode, emphasizing Vishnu’s dual role as both warrior and protector. These accounts reinforce Varaha’s significance in re-establishing dharma during a time of cosmic crisis.

Varaha Puran.

The Varaha Puran offers an extensive narrative, portraying Varaha not only as the Earth’s saviour but also as a teacher of dharma. After rescuing Bhumi, Varaha imparts spiritual wisdom to her, outlining principles of righteousness and devotion. The text highlights Varaha’s benevolence, as he ensures the Earth’s safety while guiding humanity toward virtuous living.

A profound mantra encapsulates his divine essence:

Mantra:
Om Namaste Khilamantra Devataa,

Dravyaaya Sarva Kratave Kriyaatmane,

Vairaagya Bhaktayaatma Jayaanu Bhaavita,

 Jnaanaaya Vidyaa Gurave Namo Namah.

Translation:
Hail, Hail to You, who represent in Your person all the Mantras used, the deities worshipped and the items used as offerings in rituals, as well as all the ritual acts and other activities. Also, You embody the wisdom gained through the threefold process of dispassion, devotion and self-control, You are our divine Teacher imparting all sorts of knowledge. Salutations, salutations to You!

This mantra underscores Varaha’s role as the embodiment of divine wisdom and ritual sanctity, guiding devotees toward spiritual enlightenment.

Symbolic Significance.

The Varaha Avatar symbolizes strength, protection, and the triumph of good over evil. The boar, known for its tenacity and ability to unearth hidden treasures, represents Vishnu’s determination to recover the Earth from the depths of chaos. Varaha’s act of lifting the Earth signifies the restoration of stability and fertility, reflecting Vishnu’s role as the preserver who safeguards creation. The narrative also underscores the importance of confronting adharma (unrighteousness) to maintain cosmic harmony, a timeless lesson in Hindu philosophy.

Iconography of Varaha.

In Hindu art and temple iconography, the Varaha Avatar is depicted in two primary forms. The most common representation is a colossal boar with the Earth resting on its tusks, symbolizing its rescue from the cosmic ocean. In anthropomorphic depictions, Varaha appears with the head of a boar and the body of a human, often holding Vishnu’s traditional attributes: conch (shankh), discus (chakra), mace (gada), and lotus (padma). Goddess Bhumi is frequently shown clinging to Varaha’s tusks or seated near him, signifying her rescue. Such sculptures are prominent in temples like the Varaha Temple in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, and the Udayagiri Caves, showcasing Vishnu’s divine authority.

Temples Dedicated to Varaha.

Several temples across India honour the Varaha Avatar. The Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Simhachalam, Andhra Pradesh, is a prominent site where Varaha is worshipped alongside Narasimha, another Vishnu avatar. The Varaha Temple in Khajuraho, built in the 10th century, features exquisite carvings of Varaha, attracting devotees and historians alike. The Udayagiri Caves in Madhya Pradesh house one of the earliest known Varaha sculptures, dating to the 5th century, reflecting the avatar’s historical and spiritual significance.

Conclusion.

The Varaha Avatar of Lord Vishnu stands as a powerful symbol of divine protection and the restoration of cosmic order. Through his heroic act of rescuing the Earth and defeating Hiranyaksha, Varaha exemplifies strength, compassion, and the unwavering commitment to dharma. The narratives across scriptures highlight Vishnu’s role as the preserver, while the iconography and temples dedicated to Varaha inspire devotees to seek resilience and righteousness. As the third of the Das Avatar, Varaha continues to remind us of the eternal struggle between good and evil and the divine intervention that ensures the triumph of dharma.

A Verse Praising Lord Vishnu as Varaha.

Bhumi-uddharana-karana-rupa, Hiranyaksha-vinasha-karaka,

Kesava Varaha-sarira, Jaya Jagadisa Hare!

Translation: O Kesava, Lord of the universe, who assumed the form of a boar to lift the Earth and destroy Hiranyaksha! All glories to You!

Om Varaha Roopaaya Namah!

Stay tuned, as the next article in the Das Avatar series explores the Narasimha (Man-Lion) Avatar of Lord Vishnu.