Varaha Avatar: The Divine Boar

As the cosmic boar the Lord lifted the Earth out of the waters and slew the demon Hiranyaksha.

Varaha, the divine boar, is the third avatar of Lord Vishnu. According to the Shrimad Bhagavatam, at the beginning of creation the Earth had sunk into the depths of the cosmic waters, and Brahma and Svayambhuva Manu were anxious about where living beings could dwell. As Brahma was meditating, a tiny boar no bigger than a thumb came out of his nostril and in a moment grew as large as a mountain. His mighty roar filled the sages with joy, and Lord Varaha plunged into the ocean.

At that time the demon Hiranyaksha, twin brother of Hiranyakashipu, was intoxicated with pride in his strength and was searching for someone to fight. As the Lord rose from the waters, gently holding the Earth, Bhudevi, upon his tusks, Hiranyaksha challenged him. A fierce battle followed, and the Lord slew Hiranyaksha. He then set the Earth in her place upon the waters so that creation could continue. This took place in Satya Yuga.

In Varaha the Lord is seen as the protector of the Earth herself. Devotees learn from this story that however deep a soul may sink, the Lord can lift it up again, just as he lovingly lifted Bhudevi. The story also reminds us that the Earth is sacred and deserves to be honoured as a mother.

Number

3

Yuga

Satya Yuga

Form

Boar

Source

Shrimad Bhagavatam, Canto 3