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