U Lakshman Rao
The Varaha Avatar is the third incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This divine manifestation holds immense significance, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and the restoration of cosmic balance.
In ancient times, Sage Marichi, one of the mind-born sons of Lord Brahma (a Brahma Manasa Putra), and his wife Kala gave birth to Kashyapa. Kashyapa later joined the ranks of the revered Saptarishis. Known for his wisdom, devotion, and deep sense of responsibility, he played a vital role in the creation of various forms of life. He married the daughters of Daksha Prajapati.
From these unions, numerous beings came into existence:
Aditi gave birth to the celestial deities (Devas).
Diti gave birth to the Daityas (demons).
Vinata gave birth to the divine bird Garuda.
Kadru gave birth to the serpents such as Karkotaka, Takshaka, and Vasuki.
Diti also gave birth to two powerful sons—Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu. The younger one, Hiranyakashipu.The Hiranyaksha, undertook severe penance in the Himalayas, devoted to Lord Brahma. His austerities became so intense that they generated yogic fire (yogagni), threatening all beings—including the gods and celestial realms.
His penance shook the three worlds, forcing many beings to flee their homes. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Lord Brahma descended to intervene. Finding Hiranyaksha deep in meditation, unaware of his surroundings, Brahma sprinkled sacred water from his kamandalu to awaken him. Upon regaining consciousness, Hiranyaksha was filled with joy at the sight of the Creator. He circled Brahma in reverence, prostrated himself, and said, “Grandfather, after thousands of years of penance, I am blessed to finally see you. My life’s purpose is fulfilled. I was prepared to give up my life in devotion to you.”
Pleased by his humility, Brahma asked, “What is the purpose of your penance? What boon do you seek?”
The Daitya replied, “You are aware of the deepest desires of all living beings. Grant me this: I should not die at the hands of gods, animals, serpents, birds, humans, sages, hermits, or from weapons—neither bow and arrow, trident, mace, sword, disc, nor any weapon should harm me. Secondly, I should rule the three worlds without opposition from any of these sources.”
Impressed by his devotion and austerity, Brahma granted the boons and returned to Satyaloka.
Empowered by these divine boons, Hiranyaksha drunk with pride and strength, began invading the worlds. He slew and imprisoned all who opposed him, attacking gods, sages, and divine beings. His acts of terror escalated to such an extent that many beings hid in forests, mountains, caves, rivers, and oceans to escape his wrath.
Unchecked, Hiranyakasha invaded the realms of Indra, Vayu, and Varuna, and finally approached Vaikuntha seeking Vishnu. The divine guards informed him that the Lord was not present. Believing them, he descended to Rasatala in search of him. There, he saw many Vishnu devotees, each radiating with the Lord’s likeness. Failing to identify the real Vishnu, he concluded the guards were right and began seeking a way to Rasatala.
He then perceived the Earth as an obstacle and, seizing it, wrapped it like a carpet and flung it into the depths of the cosmic ocean. Life on Earth fell into great distress and cried out for Lord Vishnu’s protection.
Knowing that Hiranyaksha could not be killed by any being or weapon, Lord Vishnu manifested as a colossal form—half-man, half-boar—with mighty tusks. This was the Varaha Avatar. He appeared before the demon, who had cast the Earth into the ocean. Varaha dove in, retrieved the Earth on his tusks, and held it high.
A fierce battle ensued between Varaha and Hiranyakasha The fight raged for a thousand years. In this epic struggle, Varaha defended the Earth and eventually pierced the demon with his tusks, restoring the Earth to its rightful place in the universe.
The purpose of this incarnation was to rescue the Earth (Prithvi) from the clutches of Hiranyakasha Lord Vishnu ensured that life returned to balance.
This avatar symbolizes the power of righteousness over tyranny, light over darkness. It brought immense relief to the celestial worlds, reinforcing the faith that divine intervention will always restore dharma when it is under threat. It also highlights the sacredness of nature and the divine presence of Bhudevi (Mother Earth), who is worthy of protection under all circumstances.
The Varaha Avatar holds a profound place in Hindu mythology, reminding us of the eternal promise that good shall always prevail.
