“Varaha” is the third avatar (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu in Hindu mythology. The term “Varaha” translates to “boar” in Sanskrit, and the Varaha Avatar is associated with the rescue of the Earth from a demon named Hiranyaksha.
The story of Varaha Avatar is as follows:
- Emergence of Hiranyaksha: The demon Hiranyaksha, a powerful and malevolent being, had gained immense strength through severe penance. With his newfound power, he wreaked havoc on Earth, terrorizing both humans and celestial beings. Hiranyaksha eventually managed to overpower the Devas (celestial beings) and take the Earth and other worlds to the bottom of the cosmic ocean.
- Varaha’s Descent: To rescue the Earth and restore cosmic order, Lord Vishnu assumed the form of Varaha, a giant boar. Varaha dived into the cosmic ocean and located the Earth, which was in the clutches of Hiranyaksha.
- Battle with Hiranyaksha: A fierce battle ensued between Varaha and Hiranyaksha. Varaha fought valiantly, using his tusks and divine powers against the demon. Ultimately, Varaha defeated Hiranyaksha, rescuing the Earth from the depths of the ocean.
- Restoration of Cosmic Order: After defeating the demon, Varaha lifted the Earth on his tusks and placed it back in its proper orbit, restoring balance to the cosmos. The Devas and sages praised Lord Vishnu for his heroic deed.
The Varaha Avatar symbolizes the divine intervention to rescue the Earth from the forces of chaos and evil. It also underscores the concept of dharma (righteousness) and the willingness of the divine to incarnate in various forms to protect the universe.
The story of Varaha is narrated in several Hindu texts, including the Puranas and the Mahabharata. Depictions of Varaha can be found in Hindu art and temple sculptures, often portraying the boar lifting the Earth with its tusks. The Varaha Avatar is a significant episode in the larger narrative of Lord Vishnu’s incarnations, highlighting the deity’s role as a preserver and protector in Hindu cosmology.