Adi Varah Boar Incarnation of Vishnu Red Sandstone
Directorate of Archaeology, Archives and Museums M.P.
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This grand Varaha sculpture captures Vishnu in his boar form, heroically lifting the Earth goddess Bhudevi from the depths of the cosmic ocean. Beneath him coils Sheshanaga, the cosmic serpent, symbolizing the vast forces of the universe that Vishnu helps keep in balance. The entire composition is rich with symbolism—carved around Varaha are gods, sages, and planetary deities, reflecting his role in upholding ritual and cosmic order. Brahma is seated atop his head, Saraswati rests gracefully on his snout, and eight directional figures stand at his feet, grounding the sculpture in both myth and cosmology. It’s a stunning vision of divine power, balance, and protection.
Name: Adi Varah Boar Incarnation of Vishnu Red Sandstone
Origin: 11th-12th Century C.E.,Sunaari village, Vidisha
Currently at: Distt. Museum, Vidisha
Adi Varah Boar Incarnation of Vishnu Red Sandstone
Varaha a colossal boar is an incarnation of Vishnu one of the main deities of Hinduism. Vishnu takes the form of Varaha to rescue the Earth goddess (Bhudevi) who is seen holding onto his tusk after being lifted from the cosmic ocean. In the ancient Indian creation myths, Sheshanaga (a seven-hooded snake) is regarded as the bed of Vishnu during the intervals of two cosmic cycles where the world is created and destroyed. Here the Sheshanaga is seen below the Varaha on the ground and connected to his tail. The sculpture is both, an offering, and a narrative tool revealing the philosophy of the creation of the earth, and its place in the cosmos. Here, Varaha represents yajna or ritual offerings and his body is covered with images of divinities, sages, and planets whose presence is required for such rituals. Brahma, one of the supreme gods in Hinduism, sits on the head of the boar, symbolically presiding over the ritual. Saraswati, associated with the ancient Vach devi, the personification of primordial speech, is seen on his snout. Near the hoofs of each leg of the Varaha are standing figures, and together they represent the eight cardinal directions of east, west, north, south and the intermediaries. During the Vedic period, the period of metamorphosis of thought and culture in India, we witness quite a number of anthropomorphic ideas taking shape. This sculpture comes from central India where there are numerous images and temples dedicated to Vishnu.
