Varaha

Varaha: The Boar Avatar of Vishnu and Rescuer of the Earth

Introduction

Varaha, the boar avatar of Vishnu, holds a prominent place in the Hindu pantheon. He is revered as the divine rescuer who emerged from the cosmic waters to lift the Earth goddess, Bhudevi, from the depths of the primordial ocean, saving her from the demon Hiranyaksha. Varaha represents strength, courage, and the preservation of dharma (righteousness). His iconography often depicts him as a boar-headed figure carrying Bhudevi on his tusks, symbolizing the restoration of cosmic order and the protection of the Earth. Varaha is significant in Hinduism as a reminder of Vishnu’s commitment to upholding cosmic balance and rescuing the world from chaos.

Etymology and Names

• Varaha: The name “Varaha” (वराह) is derived from the Sanskrit root vṛh which means “to cover” or “to envelop.” It can also mean “boar” or “wild boar.” Thus, Varaha literally translates to “boar.” This name directly identifies the avatar’s form.

• Other Names and Titles:

  • Yajnavaraha: “The Boar of Sacrifice,” highlighting Varaha’s association with the performance of yajnas (sacrifices) that sustain the universe. Some interpretations also refer to the sacrifice of the demon Hiranyaksha.
  • Adi Varaha: “The First Boar,” often used to emphasize Varaha’s position as the first incarnation to physically manifest in a non-human animal form to perform a specific, crucial task.
  • Bhu-varaha: “The Boar of the Earth,” directly referencing his act of rescuing Bhudevi.
  • Shukra-varaha: Another name referring to the divine boar form.

Mythological Origins

The Varaha avatar appears in multiple Hindu scriptures, each providing slightly varying details about his manifestation. The most common narrative involves the demon Hiranyaksha, who stole the Earth and hid her in the primordial ocean (sometimes referred to as the Rasatala or the underworld).

• Birth/Manifestation: Vishnu, witnessing this cosmic imbalance, takes the form of a gigantic boar. He plunges into the ocean, fights and slays Hiranyaksha in a fierce battle, and then gently lifts Bhudevi out of the water using his tusks. This act restores the Earth to its rightful place and re-establishes cosmic order.
• Lineage: Varaha is considered an avatar of Vishnu, the preserver god of the Hindu Trimurti (Trinity). As such, his lineage is traced back to Vishnu. His parents in this specific avatar are not explicitly mentioned in the Puranas, as the manifestation is considered a divine descent rather than a birth in the conventional sense. Bhudevi, the Earth goddess, is often considered his consort in this context, though this relationship varies across different texts. In some accounts, their union results in the birth of Narakasura (Bhaumasura), although this is a secondary narrative. The other avatars of Vishnu are considered his siblings.

Major Scriptures and References

Varaha is mentioned in several key Hindu scriptures:

• Vedas: While the direct mention of Varaha is limited in the early Vedas, the concept of Vishnu’s protective role and the establishment of order is present, laying the groundwork for later avatar stories.
• Upanishads: Similar to the Vedas, specific mentions are scarce. However, the underlying philosophical concepts of Brahman’s (the ultimate reality) manifestation and the preservation of cosmic order align with Varaha’s role.
• Puranas: The Puranas contain the most detailed accounts of Varaha. Key Puranas featuring his story include:
  • Vishnu Purana: Provides a comprehensive narrative of the Varaha avatar, including the battle with Hiranyaksha and the rescue of Bhudevi.
  • Bhagavata Purana: Narrates the story of Varaha, emphasizing the importance of devotion and the divine play (lila) of Vishnu.
  • Varaha Purana: Dedicated to Varaha, this Purana expands on his mythology, detailing his creation of the world and his dialogues with Bhudevi.
  • Agni Purana: Briefly touches upon the Varaha avatar in its accounts of Vishnu’s incarnations.
• Epics:
  • Mahabharata: Mentions Varaha in the context of Vishnu’s various forms and incarnations.
  • Ramayana: While not directly featuring Varaha, the Ramayana reflects the overarching theme of Vishnu’s avatars restoring dharma.
• Primary Source Texts/Hymns: Certain stotras (hymns) are dedicated to Varaha, praising his strength, his protection of the Earth, and his victory over evil. The Varaha Gayatri mantra is one such hymn recited for his blessings.

Roles and Functions

• Cosmic Roles: Varaha is primarily a preserver within the cosmic scheme. He is responsible for maintaining the balance of the universe by rescuing the Earth and vanquishing evil forces that threaten to disrupt it.
• Association with Dharma, Karma, Moksha: Varaha’s actions directly uphold dharma by restoring order and defeating injustice. He serves as a powerful example of divine intervention to counteract negative karma. While not directly associated with moksha (liberation), his actions create the conditions for individuals to pursue spiritual paths by ensuring a stable and righteous world. The restoration of the Earth allows for the continuation of life, offering opportunities for beings to work through their karma and potentially achieve moksha.

Avatars and Manifestations

As an avatar of Vishnu, Varaha is one of the ten primary avatars (Dashavatara) that descend to Earth in different ages (yugas) to restore dharma. While Varaha himself is a specific avatar, he doesn’t have further avatars within that particular incarnation. His primary purpose is singular: to rescue the Earth from Hiranyaksha.

Symbols and Iconography

• Typical Depictions: Varaha is typically depicted in the following forms:
  • Boar-Headed Human Body: This is the most common representation. He has the head of a boar and the body of a strong human male.
  • Holding Bhudevi: Often depicted lifting Bhudevi (the Earth goddess) out of the cosmic ocean, carrying her on his tusks. Bhudevi is usually shown as a small, graceful woman.
  • Four Arms: He usually has four arms, carrying various attributes of Vishnu.
• Symbolic Meanings of Objects Held or Worn:
  • Chakra (Discus): Represents the power of the mind and the cycle of creation and destruction.
  • Gada (Mace): Symbolizes strength, authority, and the power to punish evil.
  • Shankha (Conch Shell): Signifies the sacred sound of Om, creation, and victory.
  • Padma (Lotus): Represents purity, spiritual awakening, and divine beauty.
  • Tusks: Symbolize strength, courage, and the ability to overcome obstacles. They are also essential for carrying Bhudevi, representing the nurturing aspect of his role.
  • Garlands and Ornaments: Adornments indicate his divinity and regal status.

Temples and Worship

• Famous Temples: Several temples across India are dedicated to Varaha:
  • Adi Varaha Temple, Pushkar, Rajasthan: One of the most prominent Varaha temples, highly revered for its ancient origins.
  • Sri Varahaswami Temple, Simhachalam, Andhra Pradesh: A significant temple dedicated to Varaha Narasimha, a combined form of Varaha and Narasimha avatars.
  • Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh: Another important temple honoring Varaha Narasimha.
  • Other Temples: Smaller shrines and temples dedicated to Varaha can be found throughout India.
• Common Rituals, Festivals, and Prayers:
  • Daily Puja (Worship): Includes offering flowers, incense, and food to the deity. Mantras dedicated to Varaha are recited.
  • Special Prayers: Performed to seek protection from harm, to overcome obstacles, and to gain strength and courage.
  • Varaha Jayanti: Celebrates the birth anniversary of Varaha, usually observed on the twelfth day (dwadashi) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the Bhadrapada month.
  • Community Rituals: In some regions, Varaha is invoked during agricultural festivals to ensure the fertility of the land and a bountiful harvest.
• Role in Daily Worship and Community Rituals: Varaha is invoked for protection, strength, and the restoration of order. His worship serves as a reminder of Vishnu’s unwavering commitment to upholding dharma.

Cultural Impact

• Influence on Indian Literature, Art, Dance, and Music: The Varaha avatar has profoundly influenced Indian art and culture:
  • Literature: Varaha’s story is a common theme in religious literature, folklore, and plays.
  • Art: Depictions of Varaha carrying Bhudevi are common in sculptures, paintings, and temple carvings. These representations often highlight the power and compassion of the deity.
  • Dance: Classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi incorporate the story of Varaha, often depicting the battle with Hiranyaksha and the rescue of the Earth.
  • Music: Devotional songs and hymns dedicated to Varaha are sung during worship and religious festivals.
• Representation in Modern Media:
  • Movies and Television: The Varaha avatar story is occasionally featured in animated movies and television series based on Hindu mythology.
  • Literature: Modern adaptations of Hindu epics and Puranas often include the story of Varaha, reinterpreting the myth for contemporary audiences.

Comparative Theology

• Comparisons with Other Deities:
  • Within Hinduism: Varaha can be compared with other Vishnu avatars like Narasimha (the half-man, half-lion) in terms of their role in defeating evil and restoring dharma. Similarly, his role as a preserver aligns with Vishnu’s overall function in the Trimurti. The themes of rescue and divine intervention also resonate with stories of Krishna and Rama.
  • Across Religions: In comparative mythology, the theme of a divine figure rescuing the world from chaos or the underworld can be found in other religious traditions. Parallels can be drawn with deities associated with fertility, agriculture, and the protection of the Earth in various cultures.
• Interpretations in Different Hindu Traditions:
  • Vaishnavism: Varaha is considered a vital avatar of Vishnu and is widely revered. Vaishnava traditions emphasize the divine love and compassion of Vishnu through this incarnation.
  • Shaivism: While Shaivism primarily focuses on Shiva, Varaha is still respected as an avatar of Vishnu. Some syncretic traditions might integrate Varaha’s iconography or stories into their practices.
  • Shaktism: Shaktism, centered on the worship of the divine feminine (Shakti), often views Bhudevi as an embodiment of Shakti. Varaha’s rescue of Bhudevi can be interpreted as the restoration of the divine feminine to its rightful place in the cosmos.

Philosophical Interpretations

• How the Deity is Interpreted by Different Schools of Hindu Philosophy:
  • Vedanta: In Advaita Vedanta, Varaha can be seen as a manifestation of Brahman (the ultimate reality), illustrating the illusory nature of the world and the power of divine intervention to maintain order within that illusion. Vishishtadvaita Vedanta emphasizes the personal nature of God, viewing Varaha as a tangible expression of Vishnu’s grace and his connection to the world.
  • Samkhya: Samkhya philosophy distinguishes between Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (matter). Varaha’s rescue of Bhudevi (who can be seen as representing Prakriti) can be interpreted as the re-establishment of the balance between consciousness and matter.
  • Bhakti: The Bhakti movement emphasizes devotion and love for God. Varaha is revered as a loving and compassionate deity who protects his devotees from harm. Devotees express their love through prayers, songs, and rituals, seeking his blessings and protection.
• Role in Spiritual Practices and Metaphysical Ideas: Varaha’s story serves as a metaphor for the struggle between good and evil within individuals. The act of rescuing the Earth represents the triumph of righteousness over ignorance and the potential for spiritual growth. His story encourages individuals to cultivate strength, courage, and compassion in their own lives, striving to uphold dharma and overcome obstacles on the path to self-realization.