Who is Varaha?

Varaha, known in Guyana as Aghori Baba, is the 3rd avatar of Perumal (Vishnu) in Hindu mythology. In Caribbean Shaktism, we give him the same offerings as Perumal/Narayana. Hindu mythology, rich in allegory and symbolism, describes Lord Vishnu as the preserver of the universe, who descends to Earth in various forms to restore balance and uphold Dharma (cosmic order). Among his ten principal avatars, known as the Dashavatara, Varaha—the boar incarnation—stands out as a profound tale of resilience, cosmic duty, and the triumph of good over evil. This avatar portrays Vishnu in the form of a boar, a seemingly humble and earthy creature elevated to divine status through its role in rescuing the Earth itself. The story of Varaha emerges in the Puranas, including the Vishnu Purana and the Bhagavata Purana. It begins with the demon Hiranyaksha, a malevolent being who terrorized the universe after receiving a boon of invincibility from Brahma. In his quest for dominance, Hiranyaksha dragged Bhudevi, the personified goddess of Earth, into the cosmic ocean, submerging her in darkness and chaos. This act threatened creation itself, as the Earth’s balance was crucial for life to thrive. The gods, unable to combat Hiranyaksha’s might, turned to Vishnu for deliverance.

To counter this threat, Vishnu assumed the form of Varaha—a boar with immense strength and resolve. This incarnation signifies the idea that divinity can manifest in any form, even in those considered mundane or earthy, to serve the greater good. Varaha’s journey began with a powerful leap into the cosmic ocean. Boars, known for their ability to dig deep into the earth, symbolize persistence and the capability to delve into the depths of adversity. With his immense strength, Varaha searched the endless waters for Bhudevi. Upon finding her trapped and helpless, he lifted her onto his mighty tusks. This act symbolizes the elevation of Earth from despair to stability and restoration.

However, the mission was far from over. Hiranyaksha, angered by Varaha’s intervention, confronted him in a fierce battle. The conflict between the two symbolizes the eternal struggle between Dharma (order) and Adharma (chaos). The fight lasted for eons, with Varaha ultimately defeating the demon. With Hiranyaksha’s demise, Varaha triumphantly restored Bhudevi to her rightful place in the cosmos.

The Varaha avatar carries deep symbolic meaning. The boar, an animal known for its determination, underscores the idea that even the humblest forms of life can perform extraordinary deeds when driven by purpose. The act of lifting Bhudevi represents the preservation of nature and the environment, emphasizing humanity’s responsibility to protect and sustain the Earth.

Bhudevi herself symbolizes fertility, sustenance, and the nurturing aspect of nature. Her submersion into the ocean signifies periods of imbalance and chaos, while her rescue by Varaha illustrates the restoration of harmony.

The cosmic ocean in the story is a metaphor for the unknown or the primordial chaos from which order and life emerge. Varaha’s dive into these waters exemplifies the need to confront and overcome darkness and uncertainty to achieve balance. Varaha has been celebrated through art, architecture, and literature across India. He is often depicted as a humanoid figure with the head of a boar, holding Bhudevi delicately on his tusks. This iconography not only highlights his divine power but also his gentleness and protective nature. Sculptures of Varaha can be found in many temples, particularly in regions where Vishnu is venerated. The Varaha Cave Temple in Mahabalipuram and the Udayagiri Caves in Madhya Pradesh are notable examples of ancient architectural tributes to this avatar. On a deeper level, the story of Varaha teaches the cyclical nature of creation, destruction, and preservation. It illustrates Vishnu’s unwavering commitment to protecting the cosmos and highlights the idea that even the smallest or least likely form can achieve greatness when motivated by righteousness.

Varaha also inspires resilience in the face of challenges. His journey into the depths of the ocean and his victory over Hiranyaksha remind devotees that persistence and moral conviction can overcome the darkest of adversities. Offerings: Panjiri Cigars (This is given in the Arjune Davi Niraj Shakti Temple) Wine (this is also one of the offerings that he is given in the Arjune Davi Niraj Shakti temple in Marabella Heights, Trinidad, so I decided to include it) An interesting one, again found in the Arjune Davi Niraj Shakti Temple: Provisions, Tomatoes, and White Rum Neem Leaves Peepal Leaves Sundal Sakkarai Pongal 52 food items during Purattasi Panagam Pulihora Sweet Rice Laddoo Vadas Appam Payasam Gugillu (Gugula/Banana Fritter Balls) Athirasam Typical offerings of Gods such as flowers, fruits, incense, sindoor, etc.