Lord Varaha - 3^rd Incarnation of Lord Vishnu

Lord Varaha

Among the ten primary incarnations of Lord Vishnu, the third is the Varaha Avatara. According to the Hindu calendar, Lord Vishnu took the Varaha Avatara on the Tritiya Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. Devotees of Lord Vishnu celebrate Bhadrapada Shukla Tritiya as Varaha Jayanti. In Sanskrit, 'Varaha' means Boar. Therefore, as Lord Vishnu incarnated as a boar, this Avatara is known as the Varaha Avatara.

The religious scriptures mention three types of Varaha incarnations of Lord Vishnu. These are known as Nila Varaha, Adi Varaha and Shweta Varaha. Based on these incarnations, the current Kalpa is known as Shweta Varaha Kalpa.

According to beliefs, Lord Nila Varaha was the first to incarnate. After the era of Nila Varaha, the Adi Varaha era followed and subsequently, the Shweta Varaha era emerged. Nila Varaha is also worshipped as Yajna Varaha and Adi Varaha as Kapil Varaha. The Varaha Avatara is also written as Varahavatara.

Lord Varaha Origin

Nila Varaha Avatara Katha

According to the eleventh chapter of the third Skandha of the Shrimad Bhagavat Mahapurana, a massive deluge occurred at the end of the Padma Kalpa. During this catastrophe, the sun, moon and other celestial bodies vanished at night. The three worlds Bhu, Bhuvah and Swah merged into the body of Lord Brahma. The intense power of the Lord manifested as fire from the mouth of Sheshaji which caused the three worlds to burn. The seven seas then submerged the three worlds under water due to the severe impact of the deluge. During this period, Lord Vishnu, lying on Shesha in a state of yogic sleep, observed the submerged worlds. Witnessing this, Lord Brahma meditated on Lord Vishnu and prayed for the protection of the universe.

Hearing the prayer of of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu manifested as Nila Varaha, accompanied by His consort Nayana Devi and the Varahi Army. Using his sharp tusks and hooves, He broke through mountains and deposited large heaps of soil into the water to stabilise the submerged earth. After the deluge waters receded, various forests, groves, ponds and aquatic vegetation appeared on the land established by Nila Varaha. Thus concludes the tale of the Nila Varaha Avatara.

Adi Varaha Avatara Katha

Once upon a time, the sages Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana and Sanatkumara went to Vaikuntha to meet Lord Vishnu. At the gates of Vaikuntha, they were stopped by two gatekeepers named Jaya and Vijaya. Despite various attempts by the sages to reason with them, Jaya and Vijaya did not allow them to enter Vaikuntha.

Frustrated by being repeatedly blocked, the sages became angry and said, "Despite residing in the presence of Lord Vishnu, you both have become arrogant and arrogance has no place in Vaikuntha. Therefore, we curse you to be born in sinful wombs and suffer the consequences of your sins." Frightened by the curse, Jaya and Vijaya bowed before the sages and begged for forgiveness.

Upon receiving the news of the arrival of sages, Lord Vishnu, along with Goddess Lakshmi and His attendants, came to greet them. Lord Vishnu said to the sages, "O great sages, Jaya and Vijaya are my attendants. Due to arrogance, they have committed an offence against you. You are my great devotees and by disrespecting you, they have disrespected me as well. You have done the right thing by cursing them. They have insulted Brahmins, which I consider an insult to myself. On their behalf, I ask for your forgiveness. Even though the offence committed by attendants, the society blame their master. Therefore, I request you to be pleased and forgive them."

Upon hearing the sweet words from Lord Vishnu, the anger of sages immediately subsided. Delighted by the generosity of Lord Vishnu, the sages said, "You show such respect for Brahmins to uphold the principles of righteousness. O Lord, we cursed these innocent attendants in a moment of anger and we seek forgiveness. If you find it appropriate, please forgive these gatekeepers and release them from our curse."

Lord Vishnu replied, "O sages, even though I am all-powerful, I do not wish to contradict the words of a Brahmin. The curse you have given was inspired by me. They will be born as demons for three times and I will give them salvation. Though they will harbour enmity towards me, they will remain focused on me. After I kill them, they will return to Vaikuntha."

Due to the curse of Sanakadi Rishis, Jaya and Vijaya were born to Mata Diti the wife of Sage Kashyapa. Two sons were born to Diti, Sage Kashyapa named them Hiranyakashipu and Hiranyaksha. After birth, both demons grew rapidly in size and became extremely large. Hiranyakashipu pleased Lord Brahma with his penance and received the boon that he would not die during the day or night, nor inside or outside a building. Empowered by this boon, he began to rule the three worlds with impunity.

Hiranyakashipu's younger brother, Hiranyaksha, emulated his actions and started to oppress all living beings. One day, Hiranyaksha reached the city of Lord Varuna. In the Patala Loka, Hiranyaksha challenged Varuna to a duel, saying, "O Lord Varuna! You have conquered all demons of the world. I seek a duel with you. Prove your martial prowess by fighting me."

Varuna was furious by the words of Hiranyaksha, but understanding the intent of the arrogant demon, he laughed and said, "I have no interest in fighting and I am not worthy of duelling with a mighty warrior like you. If you desire a battle, go to Lord Vishnu; he is the one who is fit to fight you."

After hearing Varuna's words, Hiranyaksha approached Sage Narada to inquire about Lord Narayana's whereabouts. Sage Narada informed him that Narayana had taken the form of Varaha to rescue the Earth from the Patala Loka. Hearing this, Hiranyaksha also made his way to the Patala Loka. There, he saw Lord Varaha carrying the Earth on His tusks. The powerful demon addressed Lord Varaha, saying, "You wild beast! Where have you emerged from in the water? You foolish creature! Where are you taking this Earth? It was granted to us by Lord Brahma. Wretched being! You can't take this Earth from the Patala Loka while I am here. You are the enemy of demons, and today I will end your life."

Hearing Hiranyaksha's words, Lord Varaha became extremely angry. However, he did not think it appropriate to abandon the Earth in the Patala Loka to fight, so he tolerated Hiranyaksha's harsh words and emerged from the water. Hiranyaksha followed Him, challenging Him to a fight, saying, "You coward! Aren't you ashamed to flee? Face me in battle!"

After placing the Earth in a suitable spot in the water, Lord Varaha said to the demon, "Hey dog! We are wild animals and you only seek dogs like you. Now your death is near." Hearing this, Hiranyaksha attacked Him. A fierce battle ensued between Lord Varaha and Hiranyaksha for many years. Finally, Lord Varaha killed Hiranyaksha. Afterwards, Lord Brahma and all the deities showered flowers from the sky and praised Lord Varaha.

Shweta Varaha Avatara Katha

According to the descriptions found in religious scriptures, there was a king named Sumati who ruled the Dravidian region. Sumati had a son named Vimati. As Sumati neared old age, he handed over the kingdom to his son and set out on a pilgrimage. During his journey, Sumati died at a pilgrimage site. After Sumati's death, Sage Narada approached his son Vimati and said, "A true son is the one who pays off his father's debt."

Vimati consulted with his ministers and asked, "How can I repay my father's debt?" The ministers replied, "Your father was killed by the Tirthas i.e. pilgrimage sites, which means you should seek revenge on them." The king said, "But pilgrimage sites are countless." One minister suggested, "Destroy the city that is the chief among all pilgrimage sites."

Following the advice of his ministers, the powerful king of the southern region decided to destroy the pilgrimage sites, causing fear among the people of the pilgrimage city in northern India. Consequently, the residents migrated to the icy region of the North Pole. During that time, this region was known as Swarga or Devaloka. At the Shwetadwip located in the North Pole, they had the Darshana of Lord Shweta Varaha. He granted protection to the devotees of Vishnu. Subsequently, a fierce battle ensued between Lord Shweta Varaha and King Vimati. Ultimately, Lord Shweta Varaha defeated King Vimati and his entire army.

Lord Varaha Family

In His Nila Varaha form, Lord Varaha's wife is Nayana Devi, while in His Adi Varaha form, Goddess Bhumi is described as His wife. According to religious scriptures, Lord Varaha emerged from the nostrils of Lord Brahma, which is why Lord Brahma is considered His father.

Lord Varaha Iconography

In images related to Lord Varaha, He is depicted in a four-armed form with a dark complexion. Lord Varaha has the face of a boar, while the rest of His body is human. He is adorned with beautiful golden ornaments and wears a yellow garment. Lord Varaha is often depicted holding the Earth on His tusks.

In some other images, Goddess Bhumi is depicted seated on His thigh.

Lord Varaha Mantras

General Mantra -

Varahavatara Mantra -

Varaha Gayatri Mantra -

Lord Varaha Festivals

• Varaha Jayanti
• Varaha Dwadashi

Famous Temples of Lord Varaha

• Varaha Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
• Vishnu Varaha Temple, Majholi, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh
• Prachin Varaha Temple, Varaha Ghat, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
• Varaha Shyam Temple, Jalore, Rajasthan
• Varaha Temple, Pushkar, Rajasthan
• Shri Varahaswamy, Thirumala, Andhra Pradesh
• Varaha Temple, Hajipur, Bihar
• Shri Varaha Temple, Hampi, Karnataka