Varaha

Recorded by the grammarian Yaska (circa 300 BCE), the Nirukta is one of the six Smriti Vedangas ('limbs of the Vedas') concerned with correct etymology and interpretation of the Vedas.[10] The definition of 'Varaha' provided by Yaska in the Nirukta is:

Varahah means a cloud: it brings (√hr) the best means of livelihood. There is a Brahmana passage: Thou hast brought the best means of livelihood.

From afar he pierced the cloud by hurling his thunderbolt. [RigVeda 1.61.7]
This too is a Vedic quotation. This other (meaning of) varahah (boar) is derived from the same root also: he tears up the roots, or he tears up all the good roots.

Indra (slew) the ravening boar. [RigVeda 8.66.10]
This too is a Vedic quotation. The Angirases are called Varahas also:
The Lord of prayer, with the powerful Angirases. [RigVeda 10.67.7]

Moreover, these groups of atmospheric gods are called varahavah also:
Seeing the groups of atmospheric gods, of golden chariot-wheels, of iron tusks, running. [RigVeda 1.88.5]

— The Nighantu and the Nirukta [of Yaska], translated by Lakshman Sarup (1967), Chapter 5, Section 5[11]

In relation to the Nirukta, according to the Monier-Williams Sanskrit Dictionary:

• The root-word '√hr' means 'to offer, present', 'to outdo, eclipse, surpass', 'to enrapture, charm, [and] fascinate', and 'to take away or remove evil or sin'. The same root-wood also means 'to take away, carry off, seize, deprive of, steal, [or] rob'.[12] The latter definition is relevant because, as discussed below, the boar slain by Indra in the Vedas, considered by academics as the origin of Varaha, was a 'stealer of the good [things]' from the Asuras, which were recovered and distributed amongst the gods by Indra and Vishnu at a sacrifice (e.g. Taittiriya Samhita 6.2.4, of the Black YajurVeda).[13]
• 'Angirases' means 'descendants of Aṅgiras or of Agni [i.e. Angiris, who watch over and protect sacrifices]', 'the hymns of the Atharva-veda', and 'priests who by using the magical formulas of those hymns protect the sacrifice against the effects of inauspicious accidents'.

In respect to the relationship between the boar, clouds, rain, and sacrifice, the Bhagavad Gita elaborates that living beings live on food grains produced by rain, and that rain is produced by sacrifice (yajna).[14] S.G. Nigal states that etymologically, the term 'yajna' is derived from 'Yaj meaning devapuja-sangatikarana danesu',[15] i.e. worship (devapuja),[16] unity or good relationships with others (sangatikarana),[17][18] and charity (dana/danesu).[19] P. Olive agrees, stating that the five daily duties of sacrifice of a married householder, as stated by texts such as the Shatapatha Brahmana (11.5.6)[20] are:

1. A fire oblation as a sacrifice to the gods
2. Recitation of the Veda as a sacrifice to the Brahman
3. Oblations of food and water as a sacrifice to the forefathers
4. Hospitality as a sacrifice to human beings
5. Bali offerings as a sacrifice to beings (bhuta)[21]

A. A. Macdonell notes in the Vedic Index that the term 'sūkara' (Sanskrit सूकर), meaning 'wild boar', is also used in the Rig Veda (e.g. 7.55.4) and Atharva Veda (e.g. 2.27.2).[22] Aiyangar adds that 'sukara', in relation to the Bhagavata Purana, means 'the animal that makes a peculiar nasal sound in respiration, and so our Sukara is born in the Yogin's nasal breath'.[23] In the Bhagavata Purana, Varaha emerged by flying out of the nose of Brahma.[24]

Some academics believe the Varaha avatar is a single-horned rhino, rather than a boar.[25][26]

7 As soon as, at libations of his mother, great Viṣṇu had drunk up the draught, he plundered.
The dainty cates, the cooked mess; but One stronger transfixed the wild boar, shooting through the mountain.

— Rig Veda (translated by R.T.H. Griffith, 1896), Book 1, Hymn 61, Verse 7

10 All these things Viṣṇu brought, the Lord of ample stride whom thou hadst sent-
A hundred buffaloes, a brew of rice and milk: and Indra, slew the ravening boar.

— Rig Veda (translated by R.T.H. Griffith, 1896), Book 8, Hymn 66, Verse 10

Macdonell states the myth of Varaha has its origin in two passages of the RigVeda (1.61.7 and 8.66.10), adding 'their purport is that Vishnu having drunk Soma and being urged by Indra, carried off hundred buffaloes and brew of milk belonging to the boar (= Vritra [given in RigVeda 1.121.11]) while Indra shooting across the (cloud) mountain slew the fierce (emusara) boar'.[34] Roy disagrees, stating 'None of these references [in the Rig Veda] points in any way to the myth of Vishnu's rescuing the earth from waters in the shape of a boar. The origin of the idea... can be found for the first time in the Taittiriya Samhita [relating to the Black Yajur Veda]'.[38]

Notably, Macdonell's assertion that Vritra is the name of the boar in the RigVeda is incorrect as it is contradicted by the Shatapatha Brahmana (1.6.3; relating to the White Yajur Veda).[49] In this account, after Indra destroyed Visvarûpa, the three-headed son of Tvashtri, Vritra - a serpent (i.e. not a boar) - was created to destroy Indra. Indra cut Vritra in two, the Soma half becoming the moon, and the Asurya (demonic) half entering into the stomachs of living beings as Vritra 'was a consumer of food'.

1. The God declares the deities' generations, like Usana, proclaiming lofty wisdom.
With brilliant kin far-ruling, sanctifying, the wild boar, singing with his foot, advances.

— Sama Veda (translated by R.T.H. Griffith, 1895), Part 2, Chapter 2.1, Verse 1

4. Ye who were born the earliest of creation, Ants divine, may
I duly prepare for you this day the head of Makha on
the place of earth where the Gods sacrificed.
For Makha thee, thee for the head of Makha!

5 Only so large was it at first. Duly may I prepare for you
this day the head of Makha on earth's place where the
Gods sacrificed.
For Makha thee, thee for the head of Makha!

— White Yajurveda (translated by Ralph T.H. Griffith, 1899), Book 37, Verses 4-5

Aiyangar notes that Book 37, 'Mighty One, raising high earth, life-bestower, which to the Moon they lifted by oblations' may be the origin of the Earth being lifted by the boar (i.e. earth lifted by oblations / sacrifice).[6] Verse 24.40 states that 'the boar is [sacrificially] for Indra'. The symbolism and import of Book 37 in relation to lifting the earth and to Varaha is explained in the article on Shatapatha Brahmana (e.g. the head of Makha is in reference to Vishnu being decapitated after becoming the 'most excellent' of the gods in 14.1.1,[60] and the ritual in Book 37 is itself explained in 14.1.2).[61] S. Ghose quotes from the Shatapatha Brahmana (14.1.2.11; explanation of Book 37), and states that 'the nucleus of the story of the god rescuing the earth in the boar-shape is found here':[37]

Then (earth) torn up by a boar (he takes), with, 'Only thus large was she in the beginning,'--for, indeed, only so large was this earth in the beginning, of the size of a span. A boar, called Emûsha, raised her up, and he was her lord Prajapati: with that mate, his heart's delight, he thus supplies and completes him 1;--'may I this day compass for you Makha's head on the Earth's place of divine worship: for Makha thee! for Makha's head thee!' the import of this is the same as before.

— White Yajur Veda (Shatapatha Brahmana, translated by Julius Eggeling, 1900), Kanda XIV, Adhyaya I, Brahmana II ('The making of the pot'), Verse 11

A.B. Keith states that this 'boar, which is called Emusa from its epithet emusa, fierce, in the RigVeda, is stated...to have raised up the earth from the waters' in the Shatapatha / Catapatha Brahmana (relating to the Yajur Veda).[36]

Now a boar, stealer of the good, keeps the wealth of the Asuras which is to be won beyond the seven hills. Him smite, if thou art he who smites in the stronghold. He [Indra] plucked out a bunch of Darbha grass, pierced the seven hills, and smote him. He said, 'Thou art called he who brings from the stronghold; bring him.' So the sacrifice bore off the sacrifice for them; in that they won the wealth of the Asuras which was to be won (védyam), that alone is the reason why the Vedi is so called. The Asuras [3] indeed at first owned the earth, the gods had so much as one seated can espy.

— Black Yajur Veda (Taittiriya Samhita, translated by Arthur Berriedale Keith, 1914), Kanda VI ('The Exposition of Soma Sacrifice'), Prapathaka II (vi. 2. 4)

N. Aiyangar states that in the Taittiriya Samhita (relating to the Yajur Veda) 'Vishnu is Sacrifice as well as the aharta or bringer of Sacrifice for the gods. It is also clear that the Boar shot by Indra is Sacrifice'.[6] This links to the term 'vara-aharta' as the 'bringer of the good thing'.

This was in the beginning the waters, the ocean. In it Prajapati becoming the wind moved. He saw her, and becoming a boar he seized her. Her, becoming Viçvakarma, he wiped. She extended, she became the earth, and hence the earth is called the earth (lit. 'the extended'). In her Prajapati made effort. He produced the gods, Vasus, Rudras, and Adityas.

— Yajur Veda (Taittiriya Samhita, translated by Arthur Berriedale Keith, 1914), Kanda VII ('The Exposition of the Sattras; The Ahina Sacrifices'), Prapathaka I (vii. 1. 5)

Performance of Yajna.

Bibek Debroy states that Vayu (wind) has seven flows, one of which is called Varaha.[62] Macdonell traces the development of the Varaha myth as follows in the following texts of the White and Black Yajur Veda, before becoming an avatar of Vishnu in post-Vedic literature (e.g. the itihāsa and Puranas):

• Shatapatha Brahmana (Śukla Shakha): The boar, Emusa, appears as a 'cosmogonic character' and is 'the nucleus' of the Varaha avatar.[34][36][37]
• Taittiriya Samhita (Taittiriya Shakha): The 'cosmogonic boar, which raised the earth... is described as a form of Prajapati'.[34][38]
• Taittiriya Aranyaka (Taittiriya Shakha): A hundred or thousand-armed black boar lifts the earth out of the waters[34][55][59]
• Charaka Brahmana[63] (Charaka Shakha): Same as the Aranyaka, but with 'slight variations'.[34]
• Taittiriya Brahmana (Taittiriya Shakha): 'Further expands the myth modified in the Taittiriya Samhita'.[34] M.L. Varadpande also quotes from this text:

The lord of creation practiced austerities, (wondering: 'How should this (universe) be?' He saw a lotus leaf standing and thought: 'This lotus must rest on something.' Assuming the shape of a boar, he dived beneath and found the earth. Breaking off a fragment, he rose to the surface and spread it on [the] lotus leaf. As he spread it, it became [abhut] something that is spread. Hence the earth [is] called 'that-which-became (Bhumi)'.

— Mythology of Vishnu and His Incarnations by Manohar Laxman Varadpande, Chapter 4 ('Varaha')[39]

Supporting both the foolish and the weighty she bears the death both of the good and evil.
In friendly concord with the boar, Earth opens herself for the wild swine that roams the forest.

— Artharva Veda (translated by R.T.H Griffith, 1895), Book 12, Hymn 1 ('A hymn of prayer and praise to Prithivī or deified Earth'), Verses 47-48

These references were noted by Macdonell in his Vedic Index, where he adds that the 'variant form of the word, 'Varahu', is not used except metaphorically for divinities [e.g. Rig Veda 1.88.5, 1.121.11]'.[35]

Details are provided in the Varaha Upanishad article.

There are several versions of Mahanarayana Upanishad. There are 80 chapters in one of two versions attached to the Kirshna (Black) YajurVeda, contained within the Taittirtya Aranyaka, quoted below:

bhūmirdhenurdharaṇī lokadhāriṇī uddhṛtāsi varāheṇa kṛṣṇena śatabāhunā

The earth [Bhumi] is the giver of happiness like the milk cow, the sustainer of life and support for all living beings. (Represented as such the earth is addressed:) Thou wert raised up by Kṛṣṇa in His incarnation of the boar having hundred hands.

— Mahanarayana Upanishad, Section 1, Verse 38[67]

As 'Krishna' also means 'black',[68] the verse can also be interpreted as 'black boar' or 'raised up by the black boar', as stated by Daniélou and Eggeling in regards to the Taittirtya Aranyaka (albeit the latter incorrectly stating with 1,000 rather than 100 arms).[59][55]

When the increase of population had been so frightful, the Earth oppressed with the excessive burden, sank down for a hundred yojanas. And suffering pain in all her limbs, and being deprived of her senses by excessive pressure, the earth in distress sought the protection of Narayana, the foremost of the gods... Vishnu said, 'Thou need not fear, O afflicted Earth, the bearer of all treasures. I shall act so that thou mayst be made light'...

...Having thus dismissed the Earth, who hath the mountains for her ear-rings, he suddenly became turned into a boar with one tusk, and of exceeding effulgence. Causing terror with his glowing red eyes and emitting fumes from his blazing lustre, he began to swell in magnitude in that region. O hero, then holding the earth with his single radiant tusk that being who pervadeth the Vedas, raised her up a hundred yojanas.

— Mahabharata (translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli, 1883-1896), Book 3, Varna Parva (Tirtha-yatra Parva), Chapter CXLI (141)

Yama, Lord of Death, whose function was taken over by Vishnu.

Bahadur and Bhusan state that the principal ancient methods of salvation were 'Decajajna' (Deva yajna; sacrifice to the gods) and 'Pitrijajna' (Pitri Yajna; sacrifice to ancestors) and that the mythology behind the Pitrijajna is given in the narration of Varaha in Book 12 (chapter CCCXLVI).[87] In that chapter, Narada states to Nara-Narayana 'I wish to know, however, the reason why the Pitris in days of yore acquired the name of Pindas'; M. Ojha and E.E. Ramathan state that 'the vayu [air] that helps the formation of these pindas is called Varaha.'[88]

In the Mahabharata, the legend of Varaha lifting the earth occurs after Vishnu takes over the functions of Yama. As there were consequently no deaths but the human race continued to increase 'by thousands even like unto a current of water', the Earth could not cope and sank down 100 yojanas (about 760 miles). After the Earth requested help from Vishnu, the boar avatar was manifested to raise the Earth back up with a single tusk to the bewilderment of the celestials (Book 3: CXLI). Other details in the Mahabharata include:

• Bathing at the tirtha called Varaha, 'where Vishnu formerly stood in the form of a boar', has the same merit as a horse-sacrifice (3.LXXXIII)
• Vishnu kills Naraka before the legend of the Varaha avatar is told (Book 3: CXLI); Naraka is the son of Varaha in the Brahma Purana and Vishnu Purana, and is similar to Vrtrasura in the Bhagavata Purana
• Two accounts are given of the sage Kasyapa - synonymous with Kurma - being awarded the Earth and raising her from the depths of the waters (3.CXIV and 12.L)
• Narayana states He is Vishnu, supports the Earth on His head as Sesha, and lifted the Earth out of the waters as Varaha (3.CLXXXVIII)
• When the Earth was 'one vast sea of water', Vishnu manifested as a sacrificial boar 'for sporting in water' with 'a complexion like dark clouds' to lift Her out (3.CCLXX)
• After the Earth sinks under the weight of the Asuras and Danavas, Varaha destroys them, and due to His roars is called Sanatana and Padmanabha (12.CCIX)
• Narayana states He will incarnate as Varaha to raise the Earth and destroy 'the son of Diti named Hiranyaksha, filled with pride of strength' for the good of all (12.CCCXL)
• Nara-Narayana states that after lifting the Earth and dropping three balls of mud from His tusks, Varaha performed 'the rite of dedication, sitting with face turned towards the East' and established Pitri-Yajna (12.CCCXLVI):

Having first spread some blades of Kusa grass, the deities and the Pitris (who were their children) placed three Pindas thereon and in this way worshipped each other. I [Narada] wish to know, however, the reason why the Pitris in days of yore acquired the name of Pindas...

[Nara-Narayana said: Varaha] saw that the three balls of mud, shaken off his tusk, had fallen towards the South. He then said unto himself 'These balls, shaken off my tusk, have fallen on the Earth towards the southern direction of her surface. Led by this, I declare that these should be known henceforth by the name of Pitris. Let these three that are of no particular shape, and that are only round, come to be regarded as Pitris in the world. Even thus do I create the eternal Pitris. I am the father, the grandfather, and the great grandfather, and I should be regarded as residing in these three Pindas. There is no one that is superior to me'.

— Mahabharata (translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli, 1883-1896), Book 12, Mokshadharma Parva, Chapter CCCXLVI (346)

The Vishnu Sahasranamam (1,000 names of Vishnu) is from the Anushasana Parva of the Mahabharata (Book 13, Chapter CXLIX/149 in the Ganguli translation; CXXXV/135 in other translations). It is also published separately for prayer rituals.[89] Relevant names and their meanings from the Vishnu Sahasranamam include:

• Brhadrupah: One who has adopted mysterious forms like that of a boar
• Kapindrah: Kapi means Varaha (boar). The word means the Lord who is Indra and also one who manifested as Varaha
• Maha-Varahah: The great Cosmic Boar
• Yajnangah: All parts of His body as the incarnate Cosmic Boar are identified with parts of a yajna

Narayana lying on Shesha.

P. Terry and S. Ghose state that the Harivamsa, an accompaniment to the Mahabharata composed around the same time as the Puranas, 'lists the boar as one of the six past incarnations' of Krishna.[93][94] Roy adds the account of Varaha in the Harivamsa is similar to the Vishnu, Matsya, and Bhagavata Puranas.[38]

In the Harivamsa, the universe was created in the shape of a golden egg with water covering everything. The Earth was 'thick set with mountains' wherever the water dropped, causing her to sink under the weight into the region underneath towards Rastala. Eulogised and asked by the Earth to raise Her, Narayana thought of His sacrificial boar form - 10 yojanas in length, 100 in height, and 'a dark-blue cloud in hue' - and raised her with His tusks. He then divided the Earth (Bhavishya Parva: XXX). After battles between the devas and asuras, Vishnu later incarnated as Varaha a second time to destroy the asura-King, 'Hiranyaksha the holder of the club', with his discus (Bhavishya Parva: XXXV). Having defeated Hiranyaksha, 'Hari released Purandara [Indra] and all the celestials' that were captured by the defeated asuras, and tells them they must 'behave impartially towards the good and the wicked.' (Bhavishya Parva: XXXVI)

• The sacrificial nature of Varaha is described ('The (four) Vedas were he feet, the sacrificial altar was his tusk...'), virtually identical to descriptions in the Puranas (XLI)
• Narayana is stated to be identical with all the gods (e.g. Vishnu, Brahma, and Prajapati) and with all yajnas (Bhavishya Parva: XXIX)
• The horse-sacrifice (Ashvamedha) is described as 'the best of all sacrifices' and that this 'great yajna [is in] the shape of a boar with golden horns, iron hoops and gait fleet like the mind, which has profuse gold and is the origin of the universe, is highly sacred' (Bhavishya Parva: XLV)
• Bali, after the three worlds were taken from him by the Vamana avatar and stricken by the consequences, mentions Varaha lifting the Earth to Narada (Bhavishya Parva: XLVI)

M. Prasad states some aspects of the Varaha-Katha (story) are in the Ramayana.[100] Of the two versions attributed to Valmiki given below, the first states Brahma incarnated as Varaha to lift the earth from the cosmic ocean (CX). The second states Narayana incarnated as Varaha, albeit without reference to lifting the earth (119). The Adhyatma Ramayana mentions Varaha lifting the earth and states Varaha killed Hiranyakashipu, not Hiraṇyākṣa as stated in the Mahabharata (X.48; Hiranyakashipu was killed by the Narasimha avatar in other scriptures while Hiraṇyākṣa is otherwise stated to have been killed by the Varaha avatar).

Water was everywhere. The earth was constructed therein. Then sprang the self-create[d] Brahma along with all the celestials. Having become a boar, he raised up the earth, and along with his sons of subdued souls created everything.

— Ramayana (translated by M.N. Dutt, 1891), Yuddha Kanda, Section CX (110)

Thou art the great and effulgent God Narayana, the fortunate Lord armed with the discus. Thou art the One-Tusked Boar, the Conqueror of thy Foes in the past and the future.

— The Ramayana of Valmiki (translated by H.P. Shastri, 1952),Yuddha Kanda, Chapter 119

When the earth had gone down the nether regions, at the time of the universal dissolution, this scion of the Baghu race, assumed the form of a boar and balanced it on the point of his tusk.

Hiranyakashipu, who was greatly addicted to evil, was killed by the great being in the form of a boar when he bore up the earth in a certain place.

— The Adhyatma Ramayana (translated by R.B.L.B. Nath, 1979), Yuddha Kanda, Chapters V.17 and X.48

Visnu being praised by the celestials (who had) gone (to him), (he) assumed the form as Yajnavaraha (boar). Having killed that demon [Hiranyaksa] along with the (other) demons (he made the earth) devoid of thorns (difficulties).

— Agni Purana (unabridged, translated by J. L. Shastri, G. P. Bhatt, N. Gangadharan, 1998), Chapter 4, Verse 2

Varahi, the feminine - Shakti - form of Varaha.

In the Agni Purana, a brief account of Varaha ('Yajnavaraha') killing Hiranyaksa and other asuras to relieve the earth's burden is given (4.2). Varaha is stated to be the third avatar of Vishnu (276.11), and Varahi, 'the shakti [feminine form] of Vishnu in the form of a boar' is mentioned (146.1). Focusing on temple construction, prayer, and worship, other details include:

• Narada states Varaha should be worshipped 'in the lotus in the east' as part of the worship of the thirty-six forms of Hari (29.40)
• Hayagriva states images of Varaha in temples should be in the east (42.24-25)
• Vishnu adds the Varaha murti should be placed in the north-east in temples (43.2), that worship of such is for emancipation (47.2), and that the form itself should 'have a human body and as carrying a mace and other (weapons) in the right hand, and the conch, (the goddess) Lakshmi or a lotus in the left [or] (the goddess) (is represented) as resting on the left elbow and the earth and (the serpent) Ananta at the feet. The installation of the figure secures for a person a kingdom and (such a person) gets across the ocean of Mundane existence' (49.2-3).
• Agni states 'Lord Visnu resides in... Ketumala [western side of Mount Meru] as Varaha' (108.29-30), and should be worshipped at Vardhamana and Cakrapani (305.3)
• Puskara (guru of Paraśurāma) states gifting the Varaha Purana with a golden image of an eagle during Caitra (April-May) obtains 'the place of (Lord) Visnu' (272.16-17a).
• Agni lists Varaha (the North-East and the letter 'bhūḥ') in the navavyuharcana (Nava-Vyuha), the worship of Vishnu in nine compartments (201.1-6)

He was personally the Supreme Lord Viṣṇu and was therefore transcendental, yet because He had the body of a hog, He searched after the earth by smell. His tusks were fearful, and He glanced over the devotee-brāhmaṇas engaged in offering prayers. Thus He entered the water.

— Srimad Bhagavatam (Translated by Swami Prabhupada. 1970-77), Canto 3, Chapter 13, Verse 28

Brahma emerging from Vishnu. Hiranyaksa and Hiranyakasipu are in the background.

Dalal states that Varaha emerging from the nostrils of Brahma in the Bhagavata Purana 'thus connects the earlier legends of Brahma as a boar, with Vishnu's incarnation as Varaha'.[1] Two accounts of Varaha are given. In the first, after Manu, the first human being, asks his father Brahma to lift the submerged Earth out of the Garbhodaka Ocean. Pondering on the matter, Brahma concludes 'It is best to let the Almighty Lord direct us' before 'a small form of a boar came out of his nostril... the creature was not more than the upper portion of the thumb'. As the boar grows in size to gigantic proportions and the sages of Janaloka chant from the Vedas, Brahma releases it is Vishnu. Diving into the ocean, Varaha 'found the limits of the ocean, although it is unlimited', lifted the earth, and 'immediately killed the demon [Hiranyaksa], although he tried to fight with the Lord'. Assuming a 'bluish complexion like that of a tamala tree', the Vedic and sacrificial attributes of Varaha are given by the sages ('Your four legs are four kinds of fruitive activities [cātuḥ-hotram]... Your tongue is a plate of sacrifice [Srak]...') who also state the Earth is his Wife (3.13).

Several chapters are dedicated to the second account. Diti, 'very apprehensive of trouble to the gods from the children in her womb', gave birth to the asuras Hiranyakasipu and Hiranyaksa after 100 years of pregnancy. The birth of these demons caused 'many natural disturbances, all very fearful and wonderful' in the three worlds and the younger brother, Hiranyaksa, 'took a club on his shoulder and travelled all over the universe with a fighting spirit just to satisfy Hiranyakasipu'. After defeating all the gods and confronting Varuna for battle in the ocean, Hiranyaksa is told that Vishnu 'can give satisfaction in battle to you' (3.17). Told by Narada where to find Him, The asura confronts and insults Varaha as He lifts the Earth, telling Him 'You cannot take it from my presence and not be hurt by me'. Varaha places the Earth back on the ocean and is asked by Brahma to kill the demon (3.18). Varaha and Hiranyaksa then battle, and after being toyed with, the demon is ultimately killed with a strike 'in the root of the ear, even as Indra, the lord of the Maruts, hit the demon Vrtra' (3.19). Other details include:

• Varaha is listed as the second incarnation of Vishnu that 'for the welfare of the earth He lifted the earth from the nether regions of the universe' (1.3.7)
• Brahma states Varaha killed the first demon, Hiraṇyākṣa, with his tusk when lifting the earth as His lila (past-time or divine play; 2.7.1)
• Narada relates to Yudhiṣṭhira the story of the curse of Jaya and Vijaya by the Kumaras, and their incarnation as the asuras Hiranyaksa and Hiranyakasipu (7.1.36-41).
• As mentioned above, the boar killed by Indra in the RigVeda was called Vrtra.

Formerly, the term 'Nara' was given by me to the waters. They are my perpetual resort. Hence, I am called Narayana. I am Narayana. I am the permanent unchanging, source of origin, the dispenser of destiny and the annihilator of all living beings. O excellent brahmin [Markandeya], I am Visnu, I am Brahma, I am Indra too. I am king Vaisravana [Kubera] and Yama the Lord of Ghosts. O excellent brahmin, I am Siva, Soma, and Patriarch Kasyapa [sage and husband of Diti]. I am the creator and dispenser of destiny and I am sacrifice too...

O brahmin, formerly, this earth was about to sink under water. Assuming the form of a boar, it was lifted up by me with my strength.

— Brahma Purana (unknown translator, 1955), Chapter 53, Verses 12-15 and 21

Yajna implements.

The Brahma Purana contains multiple legends relating to Varaha, the third of which - involving the Raksasa called Sindhusena - is noted by M. L. Varadpande in his account of the mythology of Varaha.[39] In the first account, having slept in the waters, Vishnu 'assumed the form of a Boar... Yajnavaraha (the Boar of the sacrificial form) appeared thus', before a description of his Vedic and sacrificial attributes are given ('The Vedas constituted his face. Sacrificial posts were his legs. Sacrifice was his tooth... He was a Yogin in the form of a great sacrifice'). Seeing the Earth submerged, Varaha 'dived into the vast sheet of water and lifted the Earth by means of his curved fang, with a desire for the welfare of the worlds' (104.3-36).

In the second, Vyasa narrates the story of Varaha, who 'uplifted the manes [or Pitrs, souls of ancestors] who were drowned in the waters of Koka river, by performing Sraddha [Pitri Yajna; sacrifice to ancestors] for their sake'. Between the Treta and Dvapara Yugas, the manes were cursed by the Moon-god Soma to 'fall off from your Yoga, [and] be confounded' due to their sexual desire for his daughter, Kala (also called Urja Svadha and Koka). As the world was then deprived of manes for thousands of years, 'the asuras, yutudhanas, and raksasas became powerful' and fell upon the Pitrs, who escaped by hiding in the Koka river, not recognising this was the Moon's daughter. Distressed, the manes 'sang songs of praise in favour of Vishnu', resulting in the manifestation of Varaha who 'brought the manes [up] to the Earth'. At Kokamukha, Varaha performs Sraddha for them and grants boons, before stating that Koka will be born as the daughter of Daksa called Svadha, and that He (as Varaha) would remain in the Koka river (110).

In the third, the Devas, after defeat by the 'Raksasa well known by the name of Sindhusena', approach Vishnu 'the Purana Purusa' (primeval male) and tell him of 'the entire destruction of sacrifice'. Vishnu states that in the Boar form with 'the conch, discus and mace in hands I shall go to the nether region and bring the holy sacrifice after killing the leading demons'. Varaha destroys the Raksasas and Danavas in Rasatala, and 'holding the great sacrifice in his mouth... came out of Rasatala by the same path whereby Visnu had entered it'. After Hari places the sacrifice held in his mouth in front of the Devas, thereafter 'the sacred ladel is called the most important part of sacrifice. Its form became that of a Boar for another reason' (Gautami-Mahatmya, 9). Other details include:

• in Ketumala, situated on the western side of mount Meru, Vishnu 'stays in the form of a boar'; bathing in the river Vaitarana removes sins, and worship there obtains 'Vishnu's abode' (16.57 and 40.5)
• The prayer of King Indrayumna to Varaha is almost identical to his prayer in the Narada Purana (40.5; Narada Purana Part 5: 53.18-19)
• The Earth, after Krishna kills her son Naraka, takes 'with her the earrings of Aditi' to give to Varaha and states Naraka was His (i.e. Varaha's) son (93.28)
• Varaha states that on Amavasa night (when there is no moon), staying for five nights at Kokamukha and offering 'libation of water to the pitrs will reap the fruit of the same... I [Varaha] shall be staying here on the eleventh and twelfth tithi always' (110.110-111)
• After the sage Kamadamana 'propitiated the lord in Kokamukha' he attained Siddhi and went to heaven from 'the extremely sacred and excellent Tirtha' (121.86-87)

He [Narayana] remembered the form of a Boar that is suitable for the aquatic sports. It was invisible unto all living beings. It is the nature of speech termed Brahman... It resembled the dark cloud in complexion. It had a rumbling sound like that of the clouds... Assuming this inimitable form of a boar, Hari entered the nether worlds for uplifting the earth.

The conclusion of the Diksa ([religious] initiation) and Isti (sacrifice) were his curved fangs, the Kratu (sacrifice) was his tooth. The Juhu (the crescent-shaped wooden ladle) was his mouth; the fire was his tongue; the Darbha grasses were his hairs, the Brahma (one of the four Rtviks employed at a Soma sacrifice or vedic knowledge of great penance) was his head. The Vedas were his shoulders... he was the master of Yoga with Sakina for his heart; he was the lord full of Śrāddha (faith) and Sattva (good quality)...

— Brahmanda Purana Part 1 (translated by G.V.Tagare, 1958), Chapter 5, Verses 11-22

Varaha and Hiranyaksha.

G.V.Tagare notes that the Vedic and sacrificial attributes of Varaha given in the Brahmanda Purana (part 1, 5.16-23) is used in other Puranas as well as 'Smrti works, Tantra works and even Sankara adopted it'.[101] In this first account, Narayana wakes in the waters, and 'knowing that the great (universe) had gone deep into that vast expanse of water, he thought of uplifting the earth with steadiness of composure... in the beginnings of Kalpas as before'. Remembering 'the form of a Boar that is suitable for the aquatic sports' - 10 Yojanas wide, 100 in length, and resembling a 'dark cloud, in complexion' - He dived into the ocean. A description of His aforementioned Vedic and sacrificial attributes is then given before 'that Prajapati' finds, lifts, and divides up the earth, including mountains that 'had been burnt in the previous Sarga (period of creation) by the Samvartaka fire (i.e. fire of destruction at the time of universal annihilation)'. This happens at the beginning of every Kalpa (Part 1, 5).

In the second account, similar to that of Prajapati in the Yajur Veda, waking at the beginning of creation 'in that vast expanse of water, Brahma became wind and moved about (in that ocean)'. To find and lift the submerged earth, Brahma then 'assumed the truthful form of a boar as remembered in the beginnings of previous Kalpas'. After entering into the ocean, He 'lifted up the earth and placed it again along with its child'. The mountains in the previous age had melted due to the Samvartaka fire at the end of the last Kalpa, and as Varaha divided the earth, 'Wherever the (molten rocks) were split there arose a mountain. They are called Acalas (not-moving or immobile)... [and] Parvatas because they had Parvans (or joints)' (Part 1, 7.1-11). Other details include:

• It is stated the Sumanas mountain is where Varaha killed Hiranyaksa (Part 1: 19.12b-13a)
• Varaha is mentioned as being in the third of twelve battles between the Devas and Asuras in the Varaha Kalpa (Part 3: 72.73, 77-78)
• Mantras pertaining to the goddess Varahi are stated to be 'more excellent' that those for other gods (Part 5: 38.7)

In the second Kalpa, that is, Varaha, Vishnu in the form of a boar raised from the infernal region the earth on the verge of destruction.

— Brahmavaivarta Purana (translated by R.N. Sen, 1920), Brahma Khanda, Chapter V, Verses 12-17

Mangala.

J. Dowson notes that in the Brahmavaivarta Purana, 'the story of Brahma-varaha is repeatedly told'.[122] Two different accounts are given. In the first, the saint Sauti narrates 'how the world was created at each Kalpa.... In the second Kalpa, that is, Varaha, Vishu in the form of a boar raised from the infernal region the earth on the verge of destruction' (Brahma Khanda: V.12-17; 5.12-17). In the second, Narayana narrates, similarly to the account of Prajapati in the Yajur Veda, that after killing 'Hiranyaksa and other demons, [He] released the Earth from the Patala and placed her on the waters as a leaf of a lotus on the surface of the ocean'. Vasundhara, the Earth and wife of Varaha, then 'begat upon her [from Varaha] a son named Mangala, the father of Ghantesa' (Prakriti-Khanda: VIII.21-26; 8.21-26). Other details include:

• It is briefly mentioned that Hiranyaksa 'in his very youth was slain by Vishnu in the form of a boar' (Brahma Khanda: IX.32-41; 9.32-41)
• Krishna is stated to have lifted the Earth 'in a guise of a boar' (Brahma Khanda: XXVI.58-65; 26.58-65)
• Varaha is stated to have 'uplifted the earth with the fore-part of His teeth or tusk' (Brahma Khanda: XXX.1-10; 30.1-10)

At the end of the Kalpa, in the form of Rudra [Shiva] he destroys the universe. At the time of creation Brahma takes up the physical form of a boar and by means of curved teeth lifts up the earth, learning that it is submerged in water.

Lord Vishnu became a hog and took the earth out of waters. He slew Hiranyaksa, protected the pious and established rule of law over the earth.

— Garuda Purana (translated by 'a board of scholars', 1957), Part 1, Chapter 4, Verses 12-13 and Part 3 (Moksa Kanda), Chapter 15, Verse 9

Garuda, mount of Vishnu.

S. Ramaswami notes that the (letter 'Bhuh') mantra for Varaha in the Garuda Purana (Part 1: 11.36) is detailed in texts such as the Yoga Yajnavalkya, amongst others.[126] The legend of Varaha is only briefly mentioned, as shown in the above quotes. Other details include:

• Varaha is stated to be the second incarnation of Vishnu (Part 1: 1.15)
• One of the thousand names of Vishnu given is 'Sakura', which means 'Boar' (Part 1: 15)
• The Salagrama (iconic symbol) with 'two uneven ring-like marks' is called Varahasaktilinga (Varaha-Shakti-Linga), i.e. Varaha (Part 1: 45.18)
• Varaha is one of the 10 primary avatars of Vishnu (Part 1: 86.10-11 and Part 3: Preta Kanda: 30.37)
• Worship of Varaha obtains 'suzerainty over the whole Earth' (Part 1: 86.29)
• Varaha is mentioned in the sacred rites (Vratas), representing the 'two feet' (Part 1: 127.13-17)
• It is briefly mentioned that Varaha 'killed Hiranyaksa, extricated the Earth from his clutches and saved the deities' (Part 1: 142.6)
• In the month of Karttika (October-November), Varaha 'himself performs a sacrifice' at Puskara lake (Part 3: Preta Kanda: 6.120)

The creator then, knowing by inference that within the water lay the earth, and desirous of raising it up got himself ready. While sporting in water, he assumed a radiant shape of a boar, invincible even by mind by others, having speech as his essence and named as Brahman.

— Kurma Purana (translated by A.S. Gupta, 1972), Part 1, Chapter 6, Verses 7-8

Page of the Kurma Purana, in Sanskrit.

The Kurma Purana contains two legends of Varaha. In the first, after sleeping in the primeval waters for 1,000 Yugas, the 'creator then knowing by inference that within the water lay the earth... assumed a radiant shape of a boar, invincible even by mind by others, having speech as his essence and named as Brahman'. Entering the Nether region and raising the Earth 'with his tusk', Hari is glorified by the residents of Janaloka such as the sage Sanaka, before placing it back on the vast waters, levelling it, and fixing 'all the mountains which had been consumed at the destruction of the previous creation' (Part 1: 6.1-25).

In the second, Hiranyakasipu is first killed by the Narasimha avatar (contrary to the sequence in other literature) and 'Hiranyaksa, nervous with fright, fled away leaving the child Prahlada [son of Hiranyakasipu] there'. Hiranyaksa later begets Andhaka as his son, defeats the gods, and carries the Earth to the nether region. The gods relate their troubles, and 'Narayana then pondered over the means of killing him, and assumed the figure of a white boar having the entire divinity within' to do so before lifting the Earth 'with his tooth at the commencement of the Kalpa'. Prahlada ascended the throne but after being cursed by an ascetic Brahmana, remembered 'the killing of his father [and] cherished anger against Hari'. Prahlada was vanquished and later 'sought shelter unto Hari' while Andhaka inherited the asura kingdom (Part 1: 15.69-87). Other details include:

• Visiting Varahatirtha 'gives the power of going to the world of Vishnu' (Part 2: 40.13)
• The current Varaha Kalpa 'is regarded to be endowed with Sattva-quality' (Part 2: 43.50)

Seeing the earth submerged in water all round he thought "What form shall I adopy to lift up this Earth?" He adopted the form of a boar as befitting the sport in water. The form was unassailable to all living beings. It had speech and was actually "Brahman" itself. He entered the nether words in that form for lifting up the earth...

For the welfare of the worlds, the lord lifted up the earth by means of his curved fangs, the earth, that had submerged and got embedded in the nether worlds.

— Linga Purana (translated by J.L.Shastri), Part 1, Chapter 70, Verses 119-132

Boar tusks.

In the Linga Purana, Hiranyaksa, leader of the Daityas 'comparable to Kala the destroyer' (and father of Andhaka), bound the Earth and held it prisoner in the Nether regions. The devas 'including Brahma were oppressed, struck and bound' by the demon, and asked Vishnu for help. Vishnu 'assumed the form of Yajnavaraha as at the time of the manifestation of the Linga [and with] the tip of his curved fangs he killed Hiranyaksa... The boar looked like a heap of blue collyrium'. Then, 'as in the beginnings of kalpas before, he entered the Nether regions and brought the earth out of the ocean and made her seated on his lap'. After being eulogised by the devas (including Prajapati) and returning to the Ocean of Milk, Varaha's curved fangs that had fallen as He returned were picked up and worn by Shiva as an ornament (Part 1: 94). Other details include:

• Brahma in the form of a Swan and Vishnu in the form of a Boar attempt to find the top and bottom of Shiva's Linga, respectively, but cannot (Part 1: 17.37-43)
• Varaha created the rivulets, rivers, oceans, and mountains of the Earth when dividing it up (Part 1: 38.7-10)
• Brahma and Vishnu should be depicted as praying with reverence on the Swan and Boar, respectively, to the Linga (76.59-63) including in the month of Jyestha (Part 1: 87.35-38a)
• Shiva is called Mahadamstra ('one who has projected tusks'; Part 1: 65.54b-60) and Varahasrngadhrk ('one who wears the horn of a boar'; Part 2: 98.141-150)
• Varaha is one of the 10 primary avatars of Vishnu for the good of the world; other avatars are due to the curse of Bhrgu (Part 2: 48.30-32)

As of old, at the commencement of the previous Kalpas he had assumed the bodies of [a] fish and tortoise, similarly now he assumed another body - that of a boar... having assumed the luminous form composed of Vedic sacrifices [he] entered into the waters, and recovering the earth from the nether regions posited it upon the waters.

— Markandeya Puranam (translated by M.N. Dutt, 1896), Chapter XLVII (47), Verses 7-9

Fragment from a Markandeya Purana.

In the Markandeya Purana it is stated that Vishnu 'Formerly assuming the form of a boar, and dividing the water with the projection of the mouth, it, with one tooth, raised up the earth like a lotus' (IV.54; 4.54); this account is repeated later with the implication the same avatars are incarnated cyclically (i.e. repeatedly; XLVII.7-9; 47.7-9).

In a second legend, during a battle between the Matrikas (Mother Goddesses) and the asuras, 'Hari assumed the peerless form of Yagna-Varaha, took the form of the boar and attended there in a terrific shape'. This battle included the feminine form or Shakti of Vishnu (Vaishnavi, riding Garuda) and the feminine form of the Narasimha avatar (Narasimhi; LXXXVIII; 88). Other details include:

• 'Vishnu exists... in Ketumala [a region on the western side of Mount Meru] as the boar' (XLIV.31; 44.31)
• 'Hari, the possessor of the six great qualities, the Bhagas, exists in the form of the boar with his feet, breast, back and sides, all like the boar,- in this Barasha [Ketumala], which has three stars attached to it, and all these stars are propitious' (LIX.16-17; 59.16-17).

Arjuna, I shall relate to you all about the Varaha manifestation of the wonderful Krishna. Hear the most interesting history of Varaha as sung in the Vedas. Hear attentively how He raised the earth from the oceans assuming the form of a boar and lifting the Earth on His tusks.

— Matsya Purana (translated by A. Taluqdar, 1916), Chapter CCXLVII (247), Verses 5-9

Golden cosmic egg.

In the Matsya Purana, at the beginning of the Kalpa, Vishnu 'ripped open' the cosmic egg to create the lokas. Then 'thousands of mountains sprang up' and the Earth, unable to bear the weight and losing her energy, sank down. Hearing the prayers of the Earth 'greatly oppressed by the demons and Rakshasas', Vishnu 'manifested Himself as a boar that He might enjoy playing in the waters'. 100 yojanas in length and 200 in height, a description of His Vedic and sacrificial qualities are given ('having the Vedas for His feet, the sacrificial posts for His tusks...') before raising up the earth from Rasatala on His tusk for 'the welfare of all' (CCXLVIII; 248). Other details include:

• Varaha is mentioned as being in the first of twelve battles between the Devas and Asuras in the Varaha Kalpa (XLVII.41-45; 47.41-45)
• Varaha is mentioned in a mantra for sacred rites (Vrata), representing the 'two ears' (LIV.16; 54.16)
• It is stated that Mount Ambikeya, also known as Sumana, is where Varaha killed Hiranyaksa (CXXII.16-18; 122.16-18)
• A detailed description of the Varaha murti is given (CCLX.28-31; 260.28-31)
• After Svastivachana (or Swasti Vachan, a religious rite), images of Varaha and other deities should be made of gold (CCLXXXIX.5-9; 289.5-9)

O great boar, just as the earth that was formerly sunk into the waters had been lifted up from the nether-worlds, so also you rescue me from the ocean of misery. O Krsna, the forms of your limbs (your ancillary forms) that bestow boons have been eulogised by me.

— Narada Purana (unknown translator), Part 5, Chapter 53, Verses 18-19

In the Narada Purana, it is only briefly mentioned that Varaha 'With his pointed and curved fang, the Infinite Being lifted the earth from the ocean, and stabilised this entire universe' (Part 1: 2.38). It is later also briefly mentioned that Varaha 'lifted up the Earth after striking down Hiranyaksa' (Part 5: 69.22B-24). Other details include:

• Yajnavaraha, the boar incarnation, represents Yajna (Part 1: 11.53 and 11.78)
• 33-syllable Varaha Mantra: 'Om namo Bhagavate Varaharupaya Bhurbhuvassvah pataye Bhupatitvam me dehi dadapaya svaha', meaning 'OM, obeisance to the lord in the form of a boar, grant me kingship...' (Part 3: 70.107-113); a mantra for the feminine (Shakti) form of Varaha - Varahi - is also given (Part 3: 88.233-255)
• Varaha is one of the 10 primary avatars of Vishnu (Part 4: 119.14-19)
• In month of Magha one should give a gold image of Varaha (Part 4: Uttara Bhaga: 31.37-41); atonement is given by touching the boar murti (Part 4: Uttara Bhaga: 35.67-68A)
• The holy site called Saukara is 'wherein formerly Acyuta manifested himself in the form of a Divine Boar' (Part 5: 40.31)
• The means of worship of Varaha is specified, including seeing Him on the ground while chanting (Part 5: 57.18) and performing Nyasa in the south-east (Part 5: 57.39-41)
• Varaha is the first form of the Caturvyuha, or four manifestations of Vishnu, followed by Narayana, Vamana, and Haladhara / Sankarsana (Part 5: 79.48-49)

The Vedas are at your feet, your tusk is the tying post, sacrifices are in your fangs, and the sacred texts in your mouth. Your tongue is fire, your hair the sacred darbha grass. O lord, you alone are the sacrificial man...

O you lotus-eyed one, unlimited self, lift up this earth that is plunged (in the ocean). You are enhanced with energy, O lord Govinda. Lift you this earth for the well-being (of the world); bring about the good of the world.

— Padma Purana (translated by N.A. Deshpande, 1988), Part 1, Chapter 3, Verses 46 and 53

Brahma.

The Padma Purana contains multiple legends and versions of legends relating to Varaha. In the first, Brahma 'who had slept at night, at the end of the bygone Kalpa', woke, saw the earth 'plunged in the flood of water... and comprehending up the form of Visnu in order to carry off the Earth... resorted to the form of Vedic Sacrifice.' After plunging into the waters down to the Nether region, Varaha is eulogised by and lifts the Earth with a fang, rising like 'a great blue mountain'. Eulogised by sages describing his Vedic and sacrificial nature ('The Vedas are your feet, your tusk is the tying post...'), Varaha flattens and divides the Earth (Part 1: 3.25b-52a).

In the second, manifesting at Pushkara Lake, a description of the Vedic and sacrificial nature of Varaha is first given ('feet in the form of the Vedas, fangs in the form of tying posts...'). Varaha agrees to protect Brahma's sacrifice and to destroy any evil that obstructs it. Both the gods and the asuras, 'Having heard the words of Vishnu of a truthful vow', participate in the sacrifice together as auspicious signs appear throughout existence (Part 1: 16.54-89).

In the third, the demon-king Hiranyaksa, 'who was invincible to the gods and the demons', defeats the gods single-handedly in a battle before they 'went, along with Indra, to Visnu the protector, to seek his succor'. Vishnu battles Hiranyaksa for a 'hundred divine years' and decapitates jeering demons with his discus. Hiranyaksa grows in size 'like Vamana', seizes the three worlds in his mouth, and enters the nether region. Vishnu follows him in the form of a boar and lifts 'the earth, the support of the people, on his two fangs' while insulted by Hiranyaksa. After 'Depositing his power in to the earth' to make it steady, Varaha battles Hiranyaksa again, killing him with his discus before being eulogised by the gods (Part 2: 75).

Varaha.

In the fourth, receiving a boon from Brahma for his penances, the immortal Hiranyaksa 'occupied the three worlds.' Narayana, 'who was enjoying his sleep at the end of a Yuga in the Milky Ocean' is woken and asked for help by the gods, sages, and others led by Brahma. Vishnu first kills Hiranyakasipu as Narasimha and then Hiranyaksa and other demons as Varaha before lifting the earth. The demon-brothers' mother, Diti, is left 'oppressed by grief' and 'tormented by the bereavement of her sons'. Diti later gave birth to another demon, Bala (Part 3: 23.3-20).

In the fifth - continuing from the fourth - during a battle between armies of the Devas (e.g. Yama and Indra) and the asuras (e.g. Bala and Jalandhara), 'Hari, with the body (i.e. in the form) of a boar moved with a desire to kill the army of the demons, after he had speedily come from heaven'. Indra kills Bala, but is defeated by Jalandhara and forced to run away. Vishnu (seemingly back in His original form) kills the demon army blocking Him from fighting Jalandhara, who goes to and back from the Ocean of Milk. After Vishnu is struck down by Jalandhara, Lakshmi interrupts the fight and Jalandhara is granted a boon; Vishnu agrees to stay with Lakshmi at the abode of Jalandhara's father, Shiva (Part 7: 5.61-67).

In the sixth, Hiranyaksa and Hiranyakasipu 'were with Visnu (as his doorkeepers) named Jaya and Vijaya' but having 'prevented the greatest meditating sages' from seeing Vishnu, were cursed. Given the choice by Vishnu, the doorkeepers chose three existences as His enemy rather than sixteen as His 'sinless devotees'. Incarnated as Hiranyaksa and Hiranyakasipu, the sons of Diti, they took the Earth to the Nether realm, causing the gods to seek 'the shelter of Narayana, Vishnu'. Taking the 'Boar-form, existing everywhere and having no beginning, middle or end' Varaha kills Hiranyaksa and then lifts the Earth with one fang to the praise of the gods. The Nrisimha form later kills Hiranyakasipu (Part 9: 237). Other details include:

• Another name for Varaha is 'Pauskaraka', due to manifesting at Pushkara Lake, where 'gods and groups of sages were produced' (Part 1: 16.54-89 and 19.41b-46a); bathing there obtains 'Vishnu's heaven' ( Part 4: 21.71-72) and visiting on a pilgrimage obtains 'the fruit of Agnistoma' (praise of the fire-god, Agni; Part 4: 26.16-19)
• Varaha is the 'destroyer of those who (try to) destroy the sacrifices. He is the refuge of those who perform sacrifices' (Part 7: 71.169-188)
• Vishnu states: '(I am called) Varaha on the Vindhya mountain' (Part 2: 34.138)
• Identifying marks Varaha are described as 'three marks and two uneven circles' (Part 6: 78.28-48 and Part 8: 120.51b-73)
• Varaha is one of the 10 primary avatars of Vishnu (Part 7: 66.44-54 and 71.23-29)

• Pulastya describes how the devotee should see Vishnu in others - including 'Varaha in the fat' - and the need to pray to Varaha (Part 7: 78.16-29 and 78.30-43).
• 'Varaha' is one of the 108 names of Vishnu (Part 10 17.98-102).

Then the gods, sages, and the Siddhas propitiated Visnu of infinite vigour in the form of a Boar that constituted all sacrifices and all beings and was terrific in form... With his Sudarsana dazzling like a crore of suns he chopped off the burning head of Hiranyaksa and reduced the wicked Daityas to ashes. He was then delighted to crown his son Andhaka as the king of Daityas.

— Shiva Purana (translated by J.L.Shastri, 1950), Part 2 (Yuddha-Khanda), Chapter 42, Verses 43-44

Śiva and Pārvatī.

In the Shiva Purana, two accounts are given. In the first, Hiranyaksa 'desired to obtain a son at the pressure of his wife who was envious at the sight of many sons of her husband's elder brother [Hiranyakashipu]'. After performing penance, Shiva appeared and gave his son, Andhaka, to Hiranyaksa, who then 'conquered all the gods and took the earth to Patala'. After being asked for help by the gods and sages, Vishnu took the form of a boar, split the earth with his snout to enter Patala, destroyed hundreds of Daityas and armies of Asuras, and beheaded Hiranyaksa with his discus. In this form He then lifted the earth 'by means of His fangs' before returning to His Abode (Part 2: Yuddha-Khanda: 42.28-49). Hiranyakasipu was enraged by death of his brother, and after being killed by the Nrisimha avatar, his son, Prahlada, became king of the Asuras (Part 2: Yuddha-Khanda: 43.4 and 43.32).

In the second account, 'when the previous Kalpa had ceased' and the Earth was submerged in the waters of dissolution, 'Brahma assumed the form of Visnu, [and] slept soundly in that vast expanse of water' (as Narayana, the meaning of which is explained in the same chapter). After waking, Brahma, 'desirous of uplifting the Earth, thought of the divine Boar', took that form, and 'entered the Nether worlds to lift up the earth'. A detailed description of His physical nature is given (e.g. 'lustre of a blue cloud') as He lifts and 'brought the Earth to its own place' to the rejoice of humanity (Part 4: Vayaviya Samhita: 11). Other details include:

• Brahma in the form of a Swan and VIshnu in the form of a Boar make several unsuccessful attempts to find the top and bottom of Shiva's Linga, respectively; In a second attempt, Varaha is referred to as Svetavaraha, meaning 'white boar' (Part 1: 7.16-18, Rudra-Samhita: 7.53-61, and Part 5: Vayaviya Samhita: 34.38).
• The Boar has the power of 'steadily going deep below. Hence Vishnu, the wanderer in the forest, took the form of a boar' (Part 1: 15.14-16)
• A bramin 'who died due to the curse of Varaha' was at the request of the thee deities of chastity 'resuscitated by Atri's wife (Anauya) due to power of chastity' (Part 2: Parvart-Khanda: 54.79)
• Shiva wears skull of Kurma and the fangs (tusks) of Varaha 'felled by the slayer of Taraka [i.e. Kartikeya]' (Part 3: Satarudra Samhita: 11.49-50)
• Two names of Shiva are Vrsakapi, meaning 'of the form of Dharma or the Boar incarnation' and Varahasrnga dhrk, meaning 'holding the horn of a Boar' (Part 3: Kotirudra Samhita: 35)
• Varaha is one of the 10 primary avatars of Vishnu (Balarama replaces Buddha in this list) in the chapter that also mentions the four murties as Krishna, Aniriddha, Pradyumna, and Samkarsana (part 4: Vayaviya Samhita: 31.134-136)

"Om obeisance to Sri Varaha who lifted up Earth. Svaha." This Mantra should always be repeated by one who wishes to be liberated...

O Earth having the oceans for your robes, the devotee shall meditate upon me accompanied by you seated on my left thigh. I shall be meditated as having the lustre of a pure crystal mountain with eyes resembling the petals of red lotus, the face of a Boar, gentle appearance, four arms and the crown. There is the mark Srivatsa on the chest. In the lotus-like hands a conch and a discus are held (with one making) the mystic gesture of granting immunity from fear. I wear reddish yellow robes. I am bedecked in red ornaments. I am stationed on a lotus over the body of Sesa lying on the middle of the back of the divine Tortoise. After meditating thus the devotee shall always repeat the Mantra one hundred and eight times. He shall attain all desired objects. He will certainly attain salvation in the end.

— Skanda Purana (Unknown translator, 1951), Part 4 (Venkatacala Mahatmya), Chapter 2, Verses 10 and 14-17

Shiva Linga.

In the Skanda Purana several legends are given, particularly in part four where Varaha is also a narrator. Similar to the Shiva Purana, there are several accounts of Brahma in the form of a Swan and Vishnu in the form of a Boar unsuccessfully attempting to find the top and bottom of Shiva's Linga, respectively (Part 3: Purvardha: 1.38-61a, 4.40-41, 5.42b-46; Arunacalamahatmya Uttarardha: 4.43b.47a, 11, 13.8-12; Part 8: Setu Mahatmya: 14.34). In one account, Brahma concludes that neither penances, pilgrimages, nor Vedic knowledge results in knowledge of Shiva, only grace (Part 3: Purvardha: 1.38-61a). In another account, unable to find the root of the Linga, Vishnu in the form of a boar was drowning in an ocean of sweat before the Linga lifted Him to safety (Part 3: Arunacalamahatmya Uttarardha: 11).

In part four, another account is that the Lord takes the form of a boar in the forest of Svamipuskarini, 'and grazed in the field of Syamaka grains every night'. During the day a forester by the name of Vasu sees footprints but could not find the boar. During the night he sees the boar and attempts to hunt it but Varaha disappears down into an anthill. As Vasu attempts to dig up the anthill he falls unconscious, and his devout son upon seeing this 'eulogized Lord Varaha (Boar). Thereby Hari became pleased'. Possessing Vasu, Varaha tells the son to instruct Emperor Tondaman to install a temple at the anthill and worship Him there. This is recounted to the emperor who agrees and does so (Part 4: Venkatacala Mahatmya: 10). As mentioned earlier, the anthill is mentioned in the Shatapatha Brahmana (Yajur Veda) account of the Boar.

The World Turtle: The Earth supported by the Elephants of Quarters and the Tortoise.

Several accounts of Varaha lifting the earth are also given throughout the Purana. In part 4, at 'the end of the Night of the Creator, the Slayer of Madhu woke up', and suspecting that none but the Earth 'will be able to bear the burden of the flood (i.e. mass) of living beings', saw her frightened and 'flooded with a vast sheet of water' near Patala. Adopting the form of a boar 'identical with Yajna', His Vedic and sacrificial attributes are given ('the four Vedas were his four legs... The wooden ladle Sruk was his snout...') before entering into the ocean, where His 'curved teeth [tusks] resembling a Crescent Moon, he forcibly dispelled the dense darkness characterizing the close of the Kalpa'. Making the Cosmic Egg reverberate, Varaha dominates the Lord of Serpents, finds the trembling Earth, and placing Her 'on the tip of his curved teeth... rose up to the surface of the Ocean'. Eulogised by the sages in Janaloka, and thus married, the 'Earth shone as if her body was rendered wet due to the perspiration arising from intense love' before being placed 'in the midst of the waters of that Ocean'. Varaha then placed 'the Elephants of the Quarters, the King of Serpents and the Tortoise for giving her extra support' and gave his own Shakti (power) for additional support (Part 4: Venkatacala Mahatmya: 36).

Another account of Varaha lifting the Earth is given in part 12, about how the Sipra river became the daughter of Varaha. The doorkeepers of Vishnu called Jaya and Vijaya were cursed by the four Kumeras for forbidding their progress to see Vishnu, and consequently, in sequence, 'attained the rebirth in the womb of Tamasa nature as [first, the] extremely powerful [asuras] Hiranyaksa and Hiranyakasipu, [second] as Daityas Kumbhakarna and Ravana... and [third] as Dantavaktra and Sisupala'. Vijaya, incarnated as Hiranyaksa, dominates all the worlds, defeats the gods, and steals their Yajnas. Due to his ruling as a despot, the 'entire earth became full of barbarians, painful and overwhelmed by many torments... The entire earth became dark and ignorant... [and] all the three worlds became defective and defiled'. The gods seek refuge with MahaVishnu, who incarnates as a boar 'divine and auspicious, comparable to Svetadvipa ('White continent')'. His Vedic and sacrificial attributes are given ('the curved teeth served the purpose of the Yupa (sacrificial post)... the feet are the Vedas... This yajnakaya (embodiment of Yajna) was highly skilful...'), before Hiranyaksa, after 'fighting many battles with great difficulty', is killed by Varaha. The Earth is then 'lifted by Varaha on his curved teeth (tusks) resembling the crescent moon. All the Danavas were killed. All those who remained when to Patala'. With many auspicious signs, Varaha becomes the bestower of all bliss and boons (Part 12: Avantiksetra Mahatmya: 52).

Swami Pushkarni (Svamipuskarini) of Tirumala at Daytime, a temple dedicated to Sri Varaha.

Numerous other condensed and variegated accounts of Varaha lifting the Earth are also given throughout (Part 2: 47.27-33; Part 5: Purusottama-Ksetra Mahatmya: 1.13, 30.112; Part 9: Dharmaranya Khanda: 14.16-21; Part 13: Caturasiti-Linga Mahatmya: 28.20-28; Part 15: Reva-Khanda: 151.8-17, 189, 193.25-35; Part 19: Prabhasa-Ksetra Mahatmya: 81.22; and Part 20: 354). Other details include:

• Narada has a vision of Varaha and describes Him in detail as the embodiment of Yajna (Part 4: Venkatacala Mahatmya: 1)
• Varaha describes His image to meditate on before repeating a specified mantra 108 times (Part 4: Venkatacala Mahatmya: 2)
• It is auspicious to visit and worship Varaha at Svamipuskarini [Swami Pushkar] (Part 4: Venkatacala Mahatmya: 11.89-92a, 17.23-25, 28.31-36, 39.29-35)
• In the ritual for gifting idols, a silver idol of the 'noble-souled Varaha' should be given at the end (Part 7: Vaisakhamasa Mahatmya: 10.17-19)
• Instructions for installing an image of Varaha in temples are provided (Part 7: Vaisakhamasa Mahatmya: 26.29-31)
• Vishnu states 'the devotee should take his holy bath in the Varaha Tirtha [Pushkar], visit me here in the form of a Boar and worship me with great fervour. He will never face the torture of being in a womb... People sinking into the deep ocean of great sins will not get drowned even in Pralaya after obtaining the raft of devotion unto me' (Part 11: Uttarardha: 61.203-204)
• Varaha is listed as one of a thousand epithets (names) of Vishnu by the sage Markandeya (Part 12: Avantiksetra Mahatmya: 63.82)
• The Tirtha named Varaha on the northern bank of Narmad is stated by Markaneya to be where Vishnu 'assumed the form of a Boar and stations himself for the sake of the welfare of the worlds' and on seeing the face of Varaha 'all sins perish quickly' (Part 15: Reva-Khanda: 132.1-13)
• Varaha is listed in the Dashavatara, or ten primary incarnations of Vishnu (Part 15: Reva-Khanda, 151.1-7)
• Isvara states pilgrims should visit the shrine of Varaha at Varahasvami as this destroys sins; he also describes greatness of Varaha, including detailed description of His Vedic and sacrificial nature (Part 20: 262.1-2 and 277)
• A description of the sacrificial nature of Varaha as 'Yajna-Varaha' is given; that a tip of His tooth smeared with mud fell in the Prabhasika Ksetra, and is now remembered as Kardamala is stated; and that Dandodheda is a great Kunda where the fangs [tusks] are located where all sins for a 'thousand births perish as soon as the Boar is viewed' (Part 20: 354)

Varaha Purana

May the foremost God, Varaha, dispel my foes; who is Krsna, Vishnu and the lord of gods; who is the enemy of the demon Kamsa; who killed (the demons) Mura, Naraka and Ravana (in his different incarnations); who, in his huge and extensive form, raised, like a clod of clay, by the tip of his tusk, the Earth encircled by oceans and full of mountains and rivers.

— Varaha Purana (Unknown translator, 1960), Part 1, Chapter 1, Verse 3

The Vamana avatar.

H.H. Wilson notes the Varaha Purana is 'is narrated by Vishnu as Varaha, or in the boar incarnation, to the personified Earth' and adds that as a religious manual occupied with forms of prayer and rules for devotional observances, unlike general Puranic literature, it contains no detailed genealogies and no account of the Manus.[174] Of the two legends narrated, in the first, the Earth tells Vishnu (in the form of Varaha) that in 'each Kalpa (cosmic age) it is you who raise me up' and briefly recounts His previous incarnations as Matsya, Kurma, Nrsimha, Parasurama, Rama, and Vamana. After stating that as the Varaha incarnation 'you, again, with one of your tusks lifted up me, the Earth from the deep ocean when I was sinking down to the nether regions', the Earth asks several questions about the nature of creation, causing Varaha to laugh. Reminiscent of Yashoda looking into the mouth of boy-Krishna in the Bhagavata Purana, as Varaha laughs, the Earth sees the entire universe in His belly, and is fear-stricken of the 'boar dark like collyrium all over' (Part 1: 1.1-25).

In the second, 'a Brahmin in the line of Bhrgu' called Satyatapas was witnessed on the 'northern side of mount Himavan' accidentally cutting his finger with an axe, but instead of blood 'there were only ashes'. Having been told of this by the witnesses, Vishnu visited the Brahmin the form of a boar seeking refuge, followed by Indra in the form of a Hunter seeking to kill the boar. Asked by the hunter if he had seen the boar, Satyatapa was put in a dilemma as if he told the hunter, the boar would be killed, but if he did not, then the family of the hunter would starve. The Brahmin then exclaimed to the hunter: 'The eye is directed to see the moving objects and the tongue is directed to speak to the hunter. There is no eye now to see or the tongue to speak. Does the tongue really have the eye?' Pleased with this response, Vishnu and Indra showed their true forms and granted Satyatapas boons as a reward (Part 1: 98). Other details include:

• Varaha is one of the 10 primary avatars of Vishnu (Part 1: 4.2-3 and Part 2: 211.69)
• Rudra states 'In every aeon Lord Narayana assumes the form of a boar and raises it up by a tusk and restores it to its original position' (Part 1: 89.5)
• Varaha lifted the Earth on His left tusk and held it for a thousand years; on it, the Earth 'looked like a clod of clay with a lotus stalk' (Part 1: 114.1-10)
• Varaha instructs the Earth on appropriate mantras and means of worship, a secret 'not known even to the gods, other than lord Narayana in this form of the boar' (Part 1: 124)
• The Earth states that 'The Lord in the form of the boar is the abode of all illusion' (Part 1: 134.46)
• Varaha states that he remains in Kokamukha, where pilgrimage is greater than Sankya or Yoga (Part 2: 40.87-93)
• Varaha tells the Earth that His single form of Narayana transformed into the Trimurti of Brahma, Vishnu, and Hara (Part 2: 187.12-13)
• 'Those who bow down to that boar-shaped Visnu, possessed of unlimited energy, are always adorable even by the gods' (Part 2: 211.86)

Having thus assumed the form of a sacrificial Boar, the lord entered the waters. He, the lord of the subjects, got at the Earth covered with the waters. He approached and lifted it quickly. He diverted the waters of the oceans in the oceans and of the rivers in the rivers. The lord, for the welfare of the worlds, lifted with his curved fangs, the Earth that had gone deep into the nether world.

— Vayu Purana (Unknown translator, 1960), Part 1, Chapter 6, Verses 22-24

The wind-god, Vayu.

The translator(s) of the Vayu Purana note that its account of Brahma assuming the form of Vayu (wind) before assuming the form of Varaha originates from the Taittiriya Brahmana, a text related to the Yajur Veda, and that the Vedic and sacrificial description of Varaha 'is found in other Puranas also'.[102] In this account, having slept in the Ekārṇava (universal deluge or 'ocean of cosmic waters')[177] for a thousand yugas, 'Brahma, called Narayana' woke up 'due to the preponderance of Sattva... and he beheld that the world was a void'. Brahma assumed the form of Vayu, 'moved about in the water like a glow-worm at night during the rainy season', and 'as in the previous Kalpas for lifting up [the] earth' conceived of the divine and sacrificial form of Varaha, 'comfortable in sporting about in waters'. A description of His Vedic and sacrificial qualities are given ('The Vedas were his shoulders. He had the fragrance of sacrificial offering...') before He dives into the waters, lifts the Earth in His hands, and divides it 'as well as the four worlds, viz. Bhur and others' (Part 1: 6.10-33). A condensed version of this account is repeated later, adding 'He created another body [Varaha] which he recollected (as having been assumed) in the previous Kalpas' (8.3-10). Other details include:

• An island called Varaha has a mountain called Varaha, from which the river Varahi flows with holy centres on its banks; the people there 'bow to Vishnu the powerful deity in the form of a Boar. They do not honour any other god' (Part 1: 48.36-40)
• It is states that the mountain Sumanas / Rsabha is where the demon Hiranyaksa was killed by Varaha (Part 1: 49.11)
• Varaha is mentioned as being in the third of twelve battles between the Devas and Asuras in the Varaha Kalpa (Part 2: 35.74)
• There is a brief mention Varaha killed Hiranyaksa before lifting the Earth (Part 2: 35.78-79)

Thou art sacrifice; thou art the oblation; thou art the mystic Omkara; thou art the sacrificial fires; thou art the Vedas, and their dependent sciences.

— Works by the late Horace Hayman Wilson (Volume 6), Vishnu Purana (Book I), Chapter IV (4), pp. 60-61

Vishnu and Lakshmi on Shesha Naga.

J. Roy notes that in the Vishnu Purana, 'the Boar occupies the space between the heaven and earth: dyavaprthivyyoratulaprabhava yadantaram tat capusa tavaiva',[38] which, as noted earlier, relates to the word 'Varaha' also meaning Madhyamika-devaganas, 'the deities of the middle region'. The legend is that at the end of the previous (Padma) Kalpa and commencement of the present Kalpa, 'Narayana, who is named Brahma... awoke from his night of sleep, and beheld the universe void'. Having the desire to raise the earth from the cosmic waters, as (similarly stated in the Markandeya Purana) 'in preceding Kalpas, he had assumed the shape of a fish or a tortoise, so, in this, he took the figure of a boar' and plunged into the ocean. Eulogised by the Earth, Varaha, who 'was of the dark colour of the lotus-leaves', uplifted it from the nether world on His tusks. Varaha is then eulogised by the sages of Janaloka, who describe His Vedic and sacrificial attributes ('thy feet are the Vedas; thy tusks are the stake to which the victim is bound [i.e. 'sacrificial stakes']...') before the Earth is placed back on the ocean, levelled, and divided 'into seven great portions or continents, as it was before' (Volume 6: Book 1: IV). Other details include:

• Vishnu resides as 'Varaha (the Boar)... in Bharata' (Volume 6: Book II: Chapter II, pp. 125)
• After the demon Putana attempts to kill baby-Krishna, Nanda tells Him: 'May that Kesava, who assumed the form of a boar, protect thee!' (Volume 9: Book V: Chapter V, pp. 277)
• As in the Brahma Purana, The Earth, after Krishna kills her son Naraka, takes the 'two the earrings [of Aditi]' to give to Him and states Naraka was His son as Varaha (Volume 10: Book V: Chapter XXIX, pp. 90)

• A painting of Varaha should be placed on the left/north side (Adhyaya 44.10)
• A detailed description of the Varaha murti is given (Adhyaya 79)
• Varaha is stated to be an incarnation of Krishna (Adhyaya 100.2)
• it is stated that those 'desirous of prosperity' should worship Varaha (also called 'Nrvaraha', Man-Boar; Adhyaya 118.9)

J. Roy states that the 'Kalika Purana does not narrate the legend of Hiranyaksa, but introduces a new legend' whereby Varaha, following 'union with the goddess Earth [as Varahi]... three sons named Suvrtta ['virtuous'], Kanaka ['gold'], and Ghora ['awful'] were born'. This causes creation to suffer, so 'Visnu instructed Siva to kill the Boar by assuming the shape of a Sarabha, a mythical eight-footed animal'. During the fight, Narasimha is killed, from which Nara-Narayana is born. Varaha then 'requested Sarabha to construct implements of sacrifice... to kill him when he would became a burden to the earth'.[38] U. Dev and Dalal concur.[184][1]

The Vishnu Samhita (also called the Vishnu Smriti and 'The Institutes of Vishnu') is focused on Bhakti (devotion) and Puja (worship) of Vishnu. In this text, at the end of the night of Brahma, Vishnu awakes with a desire to create and 'knowing the earth to be under water, he, as in the cycle before, uplifted the earth, supported upon the auspicious [figure of the] boar, delighting to sport in the water'. The Vedic and sacrificial attributes of Varaha are then given (He 'had the Vedas for his four feet, the sacrificial stake for his tusk...') and desiring 'the well-being of the worlds' Varaha enters into the ocean, raises the earth 'with the tip of his tusk', and divides it. Afterwards, He creates the universe in His boar form, including the 'seven Patalas (nether regions) and seven worlds' and all the living beings within them (1.1-18). Other details include:

• Bathing at Pushkara Lake or 'at the hill of Varaha' absolves sins (LXXXV.2-6; 85.2-6)

May your great sire defend the sons he loves
In the dread hour of battle; may Varaha,
All mighty and eternal, grant you fame,
And victory, and virtue, till you equal
The founder of your house;

— Works by the late Horace Hayman Wilson (Vol. XI): Uttararamacarita by Bhavabhuti[187]

The Uttararamacarita is a Sanskrit play written by Bhavabhuti (believed to be around the 8th century CE), about the final events of the Valmiki Ramayana (Uttara Kanda section).

Now harassed by barbarians, Earth repairs
For refuge to the bosom of true Royalty,
As erst, by strength divine upstaid,
she rode safe on the tusks of that celestial boar,
Who snatched her from the o'er incumbent floods,
And reared her green hills once again to heaven.

— Works by the late Horace Hayman Wilson (Vol. XII): The Mudrarakshasa ('The Signet of the Minister') by Vishakhadatta[188]

The Mudrarkshasa is a Sanskrit play written by Vishakhadatta (believed to be between the 4th-8th century CE), about the rise of king Chandragupta Maurya.