Varaha is the form of a boar and is called the ‘Embodiment of Sacrifice’, according to Puranic literature. He is the third avatar of the Rigvedic God, Lord Vishnu amongst his ten principal avatars. His abode is Pushkar and the weapons he uses are Kaumodaki Gada and Sudarshana Chakra. Varaha is commonly linked with the legend of lifting Mother Earth out of the Cosmic Ocean. Varaha is mentioned in the Puranas, to be the embodiment of the Vedic sacrifice called Yajna. He is the upholder of the Earth.
In Sanskrit, Varaha means ‘wild boar’, ‘boar’ and ‘cloud’. Varaha is also called as Varaha Deva (Divine Boar), Adivaraha (the first boar), Yajna Varaha (sacrificial boar) and the Dharani Varaha (boar that maintains or holds). As per traditions of the Madhwa Brahmins, Sri Vaishanavism and Vaishanasas, Varaha is a major deity.
Varaha has various other meanings like ‘the bringer of rain water’ or ‘to choose a boon like wealth or treasure’. As far as the meaning ‘cloud’ is concerned, Varaha is one who brings in the best means of livelihood. The RigVeda has mention of the Angirasas being called as Varahas. Indra is known to have killed the ravening boar, according to the Rigveda.
Varaha’s tusks constitute sacrificial stakes, his feet the Vedic scriptures, his hair is the sacrificial grass, tongue the fire, mouth is the altar, teeth are the offerings and eyes represent the night and day. Varaha’s nostrils are the oblation, mane represents the Vedic hymns, ears are the obligatory and voluntary rites, joints represent different ceremonies and lastly the seat of all is represented by his head. Devotees worship him during the Varaha Jayanti. His consort is Bhudevi and children are Mangala and Naraka.
