Varaha

Varaha (Sanskrit: वराह, 'boar') is the third avatar of Vishnu in the Dashavatara, appearing during the Satya Yuga to rescue the Earth goddess Bhudevi from the demon Hiranyaksha. The earliest reference to Varaha is in the Rigveda (1.32), where the boar is a form of Vishnu or Prajapati who raises the Earth from the cosmic waters. The Bhagavata Purana (Canto 3, Chapters 13-19) elaborates the myth: Hiranyaksha, a powerful asura, dragged the Earth to the bottom of the cosmic ocean (Garbhodaka). Vishnu assumed the form of a giant boar with a body as vast as the sky, dove into the waters, and after a thousand-year battle, slew Hiranyaksha with his tusks.

He then lifted the Earth on his tusks and restored her to her place in the universe. The Varaha Purana, a major Purana dedicated to this avatar, describes the boar's cosmic dimensions and his role as the yajna-varaha (sacrificial boar), symbolizing the Vedic sacrifice that sustains the world. Iconographically, Varaha is depicted with a boar's head on a human body, four arms holding a conch (shankha), discus (chakra), mace (gada), and the Earth personified as Bhudevi resting on his tusk. He is often shown with Bhudevi seated on his lap or arm, signifying his protective role.

The symbolism is profound: the boar represents the power of the divine to descend into the darkest depths of material existence to retrieve and uphold dharma. Varaha is also associated with the concept of yajna (sacrifice), as the boar's snout is likened to the sacrificial altar. Regional worship is prominent in South India, especially at the Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha temple in Simhachalam, Andhra Pradesh, and the Bhu Varaha Swamy temple in Srimushnam, Tamil Nadu. The Varaha Jayanti festival, celebrated on the 14th day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada, marks the avatar's appearance.

In Hindu cosmology, Varaha's act of lifting the Earth is a recurring motif of cosmic restoration, reaffirming Vishnu's role as the preserver who intervenes when the balance of creation is threatened.

The name Varaha (Sanskrit: वराह) derives from the Proto-Indo-Iranian *warāȷ́ʰá, meaning 'boar' or 'wild boar', cognate with Avestan varāza and Persian gorāz. The Sanskrit grammarian Yāska (circa 300 BCE) in his Nirukta derives varaha from the root √hr, meaning 'to take away' or 'to remove evil', and explains that the boar 'tears up the roots' (of plants).

The word appears in the Rigveda (e.g., 1.88.5, 8.77.10) meaning 'wild boar', and also denotes 'rain cloud', as in Rigveda 1.61.7 where Vritra is called a varaha. Later, the term evolved to vara-aharta, 'bringer of good things' (rain).

Varaha is also referred to by the epithet sūkara (Sanskrit: सूकर), meaning 'wild boar', found in the Rigveda (7.55.4) and Atharvaveda (2.27.2). The Bhagavata Purana (3.13.19) states that Varaha was born from Brahma's nostril, hence called Sūkara.

The earliest references to a boar deity appear in the Rigveda, where the boar is associated with Prajapati and Indra. Rigveda 1.61.7 and 8.66.10 describe Vishnu (or Indra) slaying a boar (identified as Vritra) and stealing buffaloes. The Taittiriya Samhita (6.2.4) elaborates: the boar hides the asuras' wealth beyond seven hills; Indra kills it with kusha grass, and Vishnu, as the sacrifice (yajna), offers the boar to the gods.

This establishes the boar as a sacrificial symbol. The Shatapatha Brahmana (14.1.2.11) identifies the boar as Prajapati who raises the earth. The classical myth of Varaha as Vishnu's avatar rescuing the earth from Hiranyaksha first appears in the Mahabharata (Vanaparva, chapters 141-142) and is fully developed in the Puranas.

The Bhagavata Purana (Canto 3, chapters 13-19) provides a detailed narrative: Hiranyaksha drags the earth to the cosmic ocean; Vishnu as Varaha dives in, battles for a thousand years, kills the demon, and lifts the earth on his tusks. The Varaha Purana, a major Purana dedicated to this avatar, describes Varaha's cosmic dimensions and his role as yajna-varaha (sacrificial boar). The avatar rises to prominence in the Puranic period, especially in Vaishnavism, where Varaha is the third of the Dashavatara.

Varaha is depicted either as a full boar or in anthropomorphic form with a boar's head on a human body. He typically has four arms, holding a conch (shankha), discus (chakra), mace (gada), and the earth goddess Bhudevi resting on his tusk or seated on his lap.

His complexion is often white or dark blue. In South Indian bronzes, Varaha is shown with a fierce expression, tusks prominent, and Bhudevi clinging to his tusk.

In North Indian miniature paintings, he is more serene, often with a crown and ornaments. The dhyana-shloka from the Varaha Purana describes him as having a body like a dark rain cloud, with a boar's face, and adorned with jewels.

Regional variations include the Bhu Varaha Swamy temple in Srimushnam (Tamil Nadu), where the deity is shown with a boar's head and four arms, and the Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha temple in Simhachalam (Andhra Pradesh), where Varaha is combined with Narasimha. The Shilpa-shastras prescribe specific proportions for the icon, such as in the Vishnudharmottara Purana (3.44.1-10).

In Vaishnavism, Varaha is the third avatar of Vishnu, representing the divine descent to rescue the earth (Bhudevi) from the demonic forces. In Advaita Vedanta, Varaha is a manifestation of the supreme Brahman, who appears in the world to restore cosmic order, illustrating the principle of lila (divine play).

The act of lifting the earth symbolizes the retrieval of the individual soul from the ocean of samsara. In Vishishtadvaita, Varaha is a form of Vishnu with a special relationship with Bhudevi, who is considered his consort and a symbol of the surrendered soul.

The Dvaita tradition emphasizes Varaha's role as a savior, distinct from the jiva, and his power to destroy evil. In Tantric traditions, Varaha is associated with the earth element and the muladhara chakra, representing stability and grounding.

The Varaha Upanishad (a minor Upanishad) discusses Varaha as the supreme reality who teaches the nature of the self. Commentators like Ramanuja and Madhva reference Varaha in their works, highlighting his role in the cosmic preservation.

Varaha is a prominent figure in South Indian temple architecture, with major shrines at Srimushnam (Tamil Nadu) and Simhachalam (Andhra Pradesh). The Varaha Jayanti festival is celebrated on the 14th day of Bhadrapada.

In Bharatanatyam, the episode of Varaha rescuing the earth is depicted in dance dramas. Carnatic composers like Muthuswami Dikshitar have composed kritis on Varaha (e.g., 'Varaha roopam' in Raga Todi).

In painting, Varaha appears in Tanjore and Pahari miniatures, often with Bhudevi. The iconography spread to Southeast Asia: in Cambodia, a 10th-century statue of Varaha at Phnom Rung; in Bali, Varaha is depicted in temple reliefs.

The Varaha Purana has influenced Hindu cosmology and ritual. The boar motif also appears in folk traditions, such as the 'Varaha' dance in parts of Karnataka.