Who is Lakshmi Varaha
Lakshmi Varaha is a composite form of Vishnu as the boar-headed Varaha, accompanied by his consort Bhudevi (the Earth goddess). This icon represents the divine couple's role in protecting and sustaining the earth. In the Varaha Purana (Chapter 1) and the Bhagavata Purana (Canto 3, Chapter 13), it is narrated that the earth (personified as Bhudevi) was submerged in the cosmic waters by the demon Hiranyaksha. Vishnu assumed the form of a giant boar, dove into the depths, lifted the earth on his tusks, and restored her to her place in the universe.
After this rescue, Bhudevi is depicted seated on Varaha's left arm or lap, symbolizing their eternal union and Vishnu's protective embrace. The Skanda Purana (Maheshvara Khanda) further describes this form as bestowing prosperity and stability. Iconographically, Lakshmi Varaha is shown with a boar head and a human body, four-armed, holding a conch (shankha) and discus (chakra), while one hand supports the earth or Bhudevi. Bhudevi is often depicted with a crown, holding a lotus or in a gesture of blessing.
This form is distinct from the solitary Varaha murti, as it emphasizes the sattvic (harmonious) aspect of the divine couple. In South Indian temples, especially in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Lakshmi Varaha shrines are common, and the deity is worshipped for agricultural prosperity and protection from natural calamities. The festival of Varaha Jayanti celebrates the appearance of Varaha, and special rituals honor the union of Vishnu and Bhudevi. In Hindu cosmology, this form underscores the principle of dharma (righteousness) upholding the earth, and the inseparable relationship between the preserver and his creation.
The mantra 'Om Lakṣmīvarāhāya namaḥ' is chanted for blessings of abundance and stability.
Names by which the divine is addressed
What they hold
Form, mudras, weapons & vahana
Boar-headed Vishnu with Bhudevi seated on his left lap or arm. Four arms holding shankha, chakra, and supporting the earth.
Sacred utterances
Vedic remediation guidance
- Manglik dosha
- Anger / aggression
- Blood issues
- Sibling disputes
- Property quarrels
Worship of Lakshmi Varaha is prescribed for Vedic remediation when Mars (Mangala) is afflicted, as the boar-headed form of Vishnu carrying Bhudevi on His tusk subdues the fiery, aggressive tamas of Mars through the sattvic embrace of the Earth goddess. This deity’s worship is most recommended when Mars occupies a dusthana (6th, 8th, or 12th house) or is combust by Sun, when Mars is in Mrigashira, Chitra, or Dhanishta nakshatra, or when the native suffers Manglik dosha, blood disorders, sibling disputes, or property quarrels. Remedial practice requires recitation of the Lakshmi Varaha stotra from the Varaha Purana 108 times on a Tuesday, using a black sesame oil lamp. Japa of the twelve-syllable mantra “Om Lakshmi Varahaya Namah” is performed 1,008 times, ideally during Mrigashira nakshatra. Complementary observances include fasting from grains, offering black gram and jaggery to a Brahmin, and donating iron or red cloth to pacify Mars. This practice invokes the deity’s protective, stabilizing grace to neutralize Mars’ maleficence and restore earthly harmony.