Ancient sculptures were never meant just for beauty. It always embodies deeper significance, rooted in Indian heritage. The Varaha sculpture is one such artifact. Varaha is the boar form of Vishnu. At first glance, a boar might look like an unusual form to manifest God. However, it has its own purpose for existence.
Across the Indian temples and caves, we have encountered Varaha sculptures. Apart from being a part of the Dash avatar group, Varaha is also presented in zoomorphic and man-boar forms. Only after knowing the symbolism behind the Varaha, you will understand why artists might have visualized Vishnu in such a form.
Let’s take a dive into Hindu mythology and understand the religious symbolism behind the Varaha avatar and how artists have skillfully visualized it in different periods of time.
Who is Varaha?
According to the Puranic stories, Varaha is the third incarnation of Vishnu. He manifested in the form of a boar to rescue the Earth goddess.
So, the story goes like this. Once there was a demon named Hiranyaksha, known to have destructive tendencies, who dragged Earth (Bhudevi) into cosmic water. It disturbed the delicate cosmic balance that was supporting creation. The period of chaos was unveiled after this. So, to save the creation and life, the preserver of the universe, Vishnu, took the boar form. He rescued the Earth from the cosmic water and restored order. Thus, creation was sustained by killing Hiranyaksha and rescuing the Bhudevi.
Varaha is a visual representation of this very act. The scene when he dived into dark water and lifted Bhudevi on his tusks became immortalized in stone.
What does the Varaha form of Vishnu signify?
It is very important to understand the choice of forms. Why might someone visualize Vishnu in boar form? It could be anything. Then why a boar, and what’s special about this boar form? Wild boar is generally associated with digging and uprooting. He can navigate both water and land easily. Thus, these qualities make a boar an obvious choice.
Varaha is also related to yajna. Back in the old days, boars were used as sacrificial animals during yajna. Thus, the installation of many Varaha sculptures during Yajna became a common practice, especially during the Gupta period.
Varaha is known as the protector of the universe. During ancient times, kings often associated themselves with Varaha to send the message to their citizens that they are obligated to protect the land and uphold dharma. They have divine sanctions to restore order and peace in their kingdom. Gupta kings have used this symbolization, and Varaha of Udayagiri is a remarkable example of this.
Iconography of Varaha sculpture in the Indian tradition
Symbolism is subjective, and it changes with time. There are diverse stories behind one symbol. Varaha symbolism is no different. In the present context, Varaha as a deity is not popular. However, there was a time when he was the cult god. We have found many Varaha motifs and sculptures throughout India, mainly from Central India.
Zoomorphic (Animal Form): The earliest form of Varaha is mostly in a free-standing animal form. The body of the boar is etched with the yajna narrative. While his legs are placed on Anant Shesha (cosmic serpent), associating him with the netherworld, Bhudevi (Earth goddess) is on his tusks.
Anthropomorphic (Human Body, Boar Head): With the iconographic development, the rise of the human-boar form of Varaha gained popularity. In this type of sculpture, he is often depicted with four hands and distinct attributes like the following:
Conch (shankha)
Discus (chakra)
Mace (gada)
Lotus (padma)
This Nar Varaha sculpture has given human form to a divine being. It is also one of the remarkable examples of ancient craftsmanship, where they have attached a boar's face to a human body.