“Varaha Jayanti”: Celebrating the Divine Boar Avatar of Lord Vishnu

Introduction:

“Varaha Jayanti” is a significant Hindu festival that commemorates the third incarnation of Lord Vishnu during Satya Yuga. On this auspicious day, devotees honor Lord Varaha, who took the form of a powerful boar to rescue the Earth from the demon Hiranyaksha, symbolizing the eternal battle between good and evil. The festival, celebrated mainly in Southern India, holds immense religious significance and is observed with various rituals, including fasting, charitable acts, and special prayers. As per the Hindu Lunar Calendar, “Varaha Jayanti” occurs on the third lunar day, i.e. Tritiya tithi, in the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Bhadrapada month. According to the Gregorian Calendar, it lies in the month of either August or September. This year, we are commemorating the divine birth of Lord Vishnu’s third avatar on the 6th of September ‘24.

As per “Drik Panchang”, the “tithi” for “Varaha Jayanti” in the year ‘24 is as follows:

Varaha Jayanti on Friday, 6th of September ‘24

• Tritiya Tithi Begins - 12:21 PM on 5th of September ‘24
• Tritiya Tithi Ends - 03:01 PM on 6th of September ‘24

Iconography of Lord Varaha:

Lord Varaha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is portrayed with the body of a man and the head of a boar, symbolizing his divine power to rescue and uphold the Earth. His iconography typically shows him with four arms, two of which hold the divine symbols of Vishnu—the Sudarshan Chakra (wheel) and the Panchajanya (conch shell). The other two arms are depicted carrying either a mace, a sword, or a lotus, representing his strength and purity. His tusks gently support the Earth, symbolizing his role as the savior of the planet.

The image of Lord Varaha standing with the Earth held between his tusks is a powerful representation of the cosmic balance and protection he provides. His boar form reflects the raw, untamed strength needed to save the world, while his humanoid body signifies his divine wisdom and compassion. This unique blend of human and animal attributes in Varaha's depiction conveys the message that the divine can manifest in any form to maintain order and protect the universe.

The Legend of Lord Varaha:

In Hinduism, Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, is part of the divine trinity known as the Trimurti, alongside Brahma, the creator, and Shiva, the destroyer. Whenever the world is in chaos, Lord Vishnu incarnates in different forms to restore balance and protect righteousness (dharma). Among his ten divine incarnations (Dashavatara), the third is the Varaha Avatar, where he took the form of a mighty boar to rescue the Earth. Let us understand the purpose behind the Varaha avatar from the story below.

Once there lived two devoted gatekeepers of Lord Vishnu—Jaya and Vijaya—who guarded his heavenly abode, Vaikuntha. They took pride in their duty, allowing only those with legitimate grievances to meet the Lord. One day, the four sons of Lord Brahma arrived at the gates to seek an audience with Vishnu. Since the Lord was resting, Jaya and Vijaya refused them entry, which enraged Brahma’s sons. In their anger, they cursed the two gatekeepers to be born as mortals on Earth.

Although the gatekeepers begged for mercy, Brahma’s sons refused to revoke the curse. When Lord Vishnu arrived and heard of the incident, he expressed his regret but stated that the curse could not be undone. However, he assured Jaya and Vijaya that they would be freed from the curse after being killed by him in their earthly forms. The gatekeepers accepted their fate and were born as the demon brothers Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu.

Hiranyaksha, one of the demon brothers, was a powerful being and a great devotee of Lord Brahma. After years of intense worship, Brahma granted him a boon that no god, human, demon, or animal could kill him. Empowered by this blessing, Hiranyaksha became arrogant and began tormenting the Earth and its inhabitants. His immense power caused the ground to tremble with every step, and he grew more destructive each day.

In his wrath, Hiranyaksha invaded the heavens and even challenged the gods. Fearing his growing might, the gods fled to the mountain caves on Earth. In a final act of defiance, Hiranyaksha captured Bhoomidevi (Mother Earth) and submerged her deep in the cosmic ocean, leaving the planet in chaos.

At this time, Manu and his wife Shatarupa were ruling over Earth. Distressed by the submergence of Mother Earth, they sought the help of Lord Brahma. Manu asked Brahma where they could live now that the Earth was lost beneath the ocean. Brahma, realizing the seriousness of the situation, called upon Lord Vishnu for assistance.

As Brahma meditated, a tiny boar emerged from his nostrils and rapidly grew into a giant. This boar was none other than Lord Vishnu, who had taken the Varaha Avatar to rescue the Earth. He declared, "I will dive into the ocean and retrieve Mother Earth."

As Varaha plunged into the depths of the cosmic ocean, Hiranyaksha, unaware of Vishnu's plan, sought out Varuna, the Lord of the oceans, for a fight. Varuna, recognizing Hiranyaksha's strength, calmly advised him to challenge Lord Vishnu instead. Around this time, the sage Narada appeared and informed Hiranyaksha that Vishnu was indeed in the ocean, rescuing the Earth. Enraged, Hiranyaksha rushed toward the ocean's depths to confront him.

Varaha, meanwhile, had already lifted Bhoomidevi onto his tusks and was rising to the surface. When Hiranyaksha saw this, he roared in fury and accused Varaha of stealing the Earth, demanding that he return it immediately. However, Lord Vishnu ignored his threats and continued his ascent.

Angered by this disregard, Hiranyaksha challenged Varaha to a battle. Once Varaha safely placed Mother Earth back on her axis, he turned to face the demon. Hiranyaksha hurled his mace at Varaha, but the divine boar easily dodged the attack. The two then engaged in a fierce battle that shook the heavens.

As they fought, Lord Brahma warned Vishnu that Hiranyaksha had powerful black magic, which could only be unleashed after sunset. He advised Vishnu to defeat him before darkness fell. Hearing this, Hiranyaksha grew desperate and attacked with all his might, but Lord Vishnu overpowered him.

In the final moments, Varaha struck Hiranyaksha hard in the face, sending him flying through the air. The demon crashed to the ground and died instantly. With Hiranyaksha defeated, the gods rejoiced, and peace was restored. Mother Earth, now safe, was once again placed on her axis, and order returned to the universe.

Thus, the Varaha Avatar of Lord Vishnu not only saved Bhoomidevi from destruction but also reaffirmed the victory of good over evil, reminding everyone of the power of dharma.

Rituals & Observances of “Varaha Jayanti”:

“Varaha Jayanti” is celebrated to honor this incredible story of divine intervention. It commemorates the victory of good over evil, the preservation of life, and the restoration of cosmic order. On this day, devotees perform the following rituals to reflect on the protective nature of Lord Vishnu and seek his blessings for overcoming personal and spiritual challenges:

• Devotees wake up early, take a bath, and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu during “Varaha Jayanti Muhurat” (considered the most auspicious by Vedic astrologers).

As per “Drik Panchang”,

Varaha Jayanti Muhurat - 01:47 PM to 04:16 PM on 6th of September ‘24 Duration - 02 Hours 29 Mins

• An idol of Lord Varaha is placed inside a Kalash (metal pot) filled with water and mango leaves.
• A coconut is placed atop the Kalash, which is later donated to Brahmins as part of the ritual.
• Devotees recite the Shrimad Bhagwad Gita and chant hymns dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
• Many devotees observe a fast throughout the day.
• Engaging in charitable activities, such as donating clothes, food, and money to the needy, is an important part of the observance to enhance spiritual merit.

Significance of “Varaha Jayanti”:

“Varaha Jayanti” is more than just a celebration of Lord Vishnu’s third incarnation; it holds profound spiritual significance. Observing the festival is believed to bestow good health, prosperity, and protection from evil forces. Devotees who participate in the rituals with sincerity are said to be freed from past sins and obstacles, paving the way for salvation. The day is also believed to ward off negative influences such as ghostly obstructions and the ill effects of black magic, ensuring a life of peace and happiness.

According to the Narada Purana, Lord Varaha is intricately linked with kingship and prosperity. Devotees seeking to enhance their regal status or achieve success in their leadership roles often turn to Varaha for divine intervention. The text prescribes specific mantras to invoke Varaha's blessings. One such mantra is "Om namo Bhagavate Varaharupaya Bhurbhuvassvah pataye Bhupatitvam me dehi dadapaya svaha," which is chanted to gain kingship and authority. This mantra praises Varaha as the divine ruler and requests his grace to bestow the qualities necessary for leadership and governance.

Additionally, a shorter mantra, "Om bhu varahay namah," is recommended for those seeking prosperity. This mantra is simple yet powerful, focusing on invoking Varaha’s abundance and wealth. By reciting these mantras with sincerity, devotees believe they can attract prosperity, enhance their financial stability, and achieve overall success. The association of Varaha with these auspicious qualities underscores his significant role in fostering both material and spiritual well-being, as prescribed in the sacred texts.

Astrological Significance of “Varaha Jayanti”:

The Varaha avatar of Lord Vishnu, who assumed the form of a boar to rescue Mother Earth from the demon Hiranyaksha, holds profound astrological significance. In Vedic astrology, Rahu, often seen as a malefic influence, can, when operating at its higher principle, transform and protect the universe. This aligns closely with the essence of the Varaha avatar, which embodies strength, protection, and the restoration of cosmic balance. Just as Varaha restored Earth from the depths of chaos, Rahu, when properly channeled, can bring about positive change and safeguard against negative influences.

Additionally, Rahu's connection to Goddess Durga, who symbolizes divine power and protection, further highlights how Rahu's transformative energy can be harnessed for beneficial purposes. Worshiping Varaha during Varaha Jayanti can help devotees elevate their Rahu energy, aligning it with divine protection and guidance. Thus, participating in this observance offers a unique opportunity to mitigate Rahu's malefic effects and channel its energy constructively, reflecting the protective and restorative qualities exemplified by Lord Vishnu’s Varaha form.

“Varaha Jayanti” Celebration at Temples:

"Varaha Jayanti" is celebrated with devotion across various temples in India, particularly those dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s Varaha incarnation. At the Sri Varahaswami Temple in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, the deity is given a sacred abhishekam (holy bath) with ghee, milk, honey, butter, and coconut water. Pilgrims gather in large numbers to offer prayers and seek blessings. According to legend, Lord Venkateswara sought permission from Varaha to reside in Tirumala, making the temple a significant site for Varaha worship. As prescribed in the Agni Purana, Varaha is often placed in the north-east direction in Vishnu temples to bring sovereignty, prosperity, and moksha (liberation).

In Tamil Nadu, the Bhuvarahaswami Temple in Srimushnam, renowned as one of the eight self-manifested Varaha shrines, also celebrates the festival with grandeur. The temple’s annual festival sees processions of the utsava murti (festival deity), uniting devotees of both Hindu and Muslim faiths.

Other prominent temples, such as the Varaha shrine in Pushkar, Rajasthan, and the Adi Varaha Perumal temple in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, observe the festival with traditional offerings, rituals, and devotional songs. The unique traditions in each temple highlight Varaha’s role as the protector of the Earth, making "Varaha Jayanti" a significant event for Vishnu devotees.

The Cultural and Spiritual Impact of “Varaha Jayanti”:

“Varaha Jayanti” not only emphasizes the worship of Lord Vishnu but also serves as a cultural celebration of the triumph of good over evil. In Hinduism, Lord Vishnu is revered as the preserver of the universe, and his various incarnations represent different aspects of protection and salvation. The Varaha avatar, in particular, highlights the divine role in maintaining cosmic balance and safeguarding the Earth.

For devotees, the day is an opportunity to reflect on the deeper meanings of life, the importance of righteousness, and the need for divine guidance in overcoming challenges. The rituals performed on this day are believed to invoke Lord Vishnu’s blessings, ensuring protection from misfortunes and the fulfillment of wishes.

Conclusion:

Overall, “Varaha Jayanti” is a festival that celebrates the heroic deeds of Lord Vishnu in his Varaha avatar. It is a day filled with devotion, prayers, and acts of charity, aimed at seeking divine blessings for a prosperous and righteous life. As devotees across India and particularly in the southern regions celebrate this festival, they are reminded of the eternal truth that good will always triumph over evil, and with the blessings of Lord Vishnu, the world will continue to be protected from harm.