varahal

Varahal, also known as Varaha, is a prominent avatar of the Hindu deity Vishnu. He is typically depicted as a boar, a divine form that Vishnu assumed to rescue the Earth (Prithvi) from the cosmic ocean. The story of Varaha's descent is found in several ancient Hindu scriptures, including the Puranas. According to the mythology, the demon Hiranyaksha dragged the Earth to the bottom of the ocean, causing immense suffering and imbalance. Vishnu, in his boar incarnation, descended to the depths, located the Earth, and lifted her out on his tusks, restoring order to the universe.

The Varaha avatar is a symbol of strength, protection, and the triumph of good over evil. He is often worshipped for his ability to overcome obstacles and provide stability. Temples dedicated to Varaha are found throughout India, with some of the most famous being in places like Mahabalipuram, where a rock-cut shrine features a large sculpture of the deity lifting the Earth. His iconography usually portrays him with the head of a boar and the body of a human, often shown with four arms holding divine symbols. The act of Varaha rescuing the Earth signifies Vishnu's role as the preserver of the cosmos.