Nar Varah​ Vishnu's third reincarnation as Varaha rescuing Earth

The Nar Varah sculpture from Mandsaur, now in the State Museum Bhopal, beautifully illustrates a core Hindu narrative: Vishnu as Varaha rescuing Earth. This sandstone piece depicts the boar-headed deity, a blend of human and animal, standing powerfully. He holds typical attributes of Vishnu: a conch, a mace (gada), and the discus (Sudarshan Chakra) in his hands. The Earth goddess, Bhudevi, is gracefully seated on his elbow, looking up at him, having been rescued from the cosmic ocean where the demon Hiranyaksha had dragged her. His right foot rests on a turtle, symbolizing the watery depths he conquered. His other foot is placed over the serpent king and his queen, symbolizing his dominion over the netherworld. Surrounding him are smaller figures, likely divine beings witnessing this cosmic act of salvation. This sculpture is part of a vast tradition of Varaha depictions across India, spanning over 1500 years. Examples include the colossal Udayagiri Caves relief (5th century CE), where Varaha grandly lifts Bhudevi, and the massive Eran Boar (6th century CE) covered in miniature figures. Southern Indian sites like Mahabalipuram and Badami (7th century CE) also feature exquisite Varaha reliefs. While forms vary, each sculpture reflects distinct regional styles and interpretations of this enduring motif of divine protection and cosmic order.