Varaha

Attributes

Iconography

Depicted as a giant boar, or as Vishnu with the head of a boar and the body of a man, lifting the Earth (depicted as the goddess Bhudevi) on his tusks from the cosmic ocean. Often shown with four arms holding the conch, discus, mace, and lotus.

The Story

When the demon Hiranyaksha performed severe penance and obtained a boon of invincibility from Brahma, he grew arrogant and began to torment the three worlds. He stole the Earth (Bhudevi) and dragged her to the cosmic depths of the Garbhodaka ocean. The devas, helpless, prayed to Lord Vishnu for help. Vishnu took the form of a giant boar (Varaha) and dived into the cosmic waters. After a thousand years of searching, he found the Earth at the bottom of the ocean. He lifted her gently on his tusks and began to rise. Hiranyaksha attacked him, and a fierce battle ensued — lasting another thousand years. Finally, Varaha slew the demon with his divine discus and restored the Earth to her rightful place in the cosmos. The goddess Bhudevi, grateful for her rescue, became Vishnu's consort alongside Lakshmi.

Significance

Varaha is the third avatar of Vishnu, representing the principle that the divine will rescue the Earth and righteousness whenever they are submerged by the forces of evil. The rescue of Bhudevi (Mother Earth) symbolizes the restoration of stability when the world is on the brink of chaos. Varaha's form — a humble animal with divine power — teaches that the highest divine intervention can come in the most unassuming forms. The story also introduces Bhudevi as a divine consort, balancing the celestial Lakshmi with the earthly Bhudevi — acknowledging that both heaven and earth are sacred.

Famous Temples

Festivals

Stotras & Mantras