Varaha

Varaha, meaning "boar" in Sanskrit, is the third avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu. In Vaishnava traditions, Varaha is celebrated as the avatar that rescues the Earth (Bhūmi or Bhūdevi) from the demon Hiranyaksha by diving into the cosmic ocean and lifting the Earth on his tusks, thereby restoring balance to the cosmos.

Origins and legend: The asura Hiranyaksha had submerged the Earth in the primeval waters during a period of cosmic imbalance. Vishnu appeared as Varaha, a boar-headed form of Vishnu, and wrestled with Hiranyaksha, ultimately killing him and carrying Bhūmi out of the waters. In some versions, the rescue leads to the earth re-establishing contact with the heavens and creation resumes.

Iconography and worship: Varaha is typically depicted as a boar-headed Vishnu with a human-like body, often with four arms bearing the symbols of Vishnu (conch, discus, mace, lotus). Bhūdevi, the Earth goddess, is commonly shown perched on Varaha's tusk or resting on his arm, symbolizing the restoration of the earth. Temples and artworks across India and Southeast Asia depict Varaha in various forms, from fierce to benevolent.

Significance: As the third avatar of Vishnu, Varaha represents the restoration of order and the retrieval of the earth from chaos. The Varaha myth is tied to themes of creation, protection, and cosmic renewal and is referenced in multiple Puranas, including the Vishnu Purana and the Bhagavata Purana.