Varaha Jayanti

 

Varaha Jayanti celebrates the birth of Lord Varaha, the third incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who took the form of a boar to rescue Earth from cosmic destruction. It’s a powerful reminder of divine intervention, dharma, and the triumph of good over evil.

Tithi & Date in 2025

• Date: Monday, August 25, 2025

History & Scriptural Significance

• Found in Vishnu Purana, Bhagavata Purana, and Padma Purana
• Lord Vishnu incarnated as Varaha, a boar, during Satya Yuga to rescue Bhudevi (Earth) from the demon Hiranyaksha, who had submerged her in the cosmic ocean
• Varaha lifted Earth on his tusks and restored cosmic balance, symbolizing ecological harmony, righteousness, and divine protection

Legends of Varaha Avatar

• Hiranyaksha, born to Diti and Sage Kashyapa, performed severe penance and gained a boon of near-invincibility from Lord Brahma
• In his arrogance, he abducted Earth and hid it in Rasatala, causing chaos across realms
• Lord Vishnu, in Varaha form, battled Hiranyaksha for a thousand years, ultimately defeating him and restoring Earth
• The story also connects to Jaya and Vijaya, Vishnu’s gatekeepers cursed to be born as demons, later redeemed through divine slaying

Symbolism & Spiritual Meaning

• Varaha represents:
• Strength and courage in adversity
• Protection of nature and dharma
• Balance between power and compassion
• Worship on this day is believed to remove fears, negativity, and obstacles, and bring prosperity and spiritual growth

Scriptural Reference

• Found in Vishnu Purana, Bhagavata Purana, and Padma Purana
• Describes how Hiranyaksha, empowered by a boon from Brahma, submerged Earth in the cosmic ocean
• Lord Vishnu incarnated as Varaha, battled Hiranyaksha for a thousand years, and lifted Earth on his tusks to restore cosmic balance

Rituals & Observances

Devotees perform Shodashopachar Puja (16-step worship) and observe fasting to honor Lord Varaha:

• Purification: Early morning bath and sanctifying the home with Ganga water
• Kalash Sthapana: Brass pot filled with holy water, mango leaves, and coconut placed atop
• Abhishekam: Idol bathed with milk, honey, ghee, and coconut water
• Charity: Donating food, clothes, and essentials to Brahmins and the needy
• Reading Scriptures: Reciting Vishnu Sahasranama and Bhagavad Gita passages

Temples to Visit

Here are prominent temples where Varaha Jayanti is celebrated with grandeur:

Temple Name	Location	Highlights
Sri Varaha Swamy Temple	Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh	Visited before Balaji darshan; special abhishekams held
Srimushnam Varaha Temple	Tamil Nadu	One of the 108 Divya Desams; ancient Vaishnavite shrine
Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple	Mysore, Karnataka	1500+ years old; located on Hemavati riverbank
Varaha Temple, Pushkar	Rajasthan	Built in 12th century; Rajasthani architecture
Panniyoor Varaha Moorthy Temple	Palakkad, Kerala	Only Varaha temple in Kerala; 7-day festival in Meenam

Regional Observance

• South India: Celebrated widely in Tirupati, Srimushnam, and Mysore with temple processions, abhishekams, and cultural programs
• North India: Observed with Bhandaras, pujas, and chanting of Vishnu mantras in Mathura and other Vaishnavite centers
• Kerala: Unique 7-day celebration at Panniyoor Temple, including Kalam ezhuthu paattu, elephant processions, and evening deeparadhana