#22# Temple # Varaha temple (Western Group of Temples)

 Varaha temple

9) Varaha temple.

The Varaha Temple at Khajuraho (Devanagri) enshrines a colossal monolithic image of Varaha, the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This temple depicts Varaha as a purely animal form. 

Varaha (Sanskrit) is the third Avatar of the Lord Vishnu, in the form of a Varaha (Boar).

Varaha Temple belongs to the Western Group of Temples of Khajuraho. The origin of this temple dates back to AD 900-925, which makes it one of the oldest shrines in the complex.

Architecturally, this temple is an oblong sandstone structure set on a platform. It rests on 14 plain pillars and boasts of a pyramidal roof. There is a lotus flower carved beautifully on the ceiling of the temple, which symbolises a padma (lotus) that is generally seen in the hand of God Vishnu.

Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of a Boar in order to defeat Hiranyaksha, a demon who had taken the Earth (Prithvi) and carried it to the bottom of what is described as the cosmic ocean in the story. The battle between Varaha and Hiranyaksha is believed to have lasted for a thousand years, which the former finally won. Varaha carried the Earth out of the ocean between his tusks and restored it to its place in the universe. Vishnu married Prithvi (Bhudevi) in this avatar.

The Varaha Purana is a Purana in which the form of narration is a recitation by Varaha.

Varaha is depicted in art as either purely animal or as being anthropomorphic, having a boar’s head on a man’s body. In the latter form he has four arms, two of which hold the wheel and conch-shell while the other two hold a mace, sword or lotus or make a gesture (or “mudra”) of blessing. The Earth is held between the boar’s tusks.

The Varaha Temple structure is one of the monuments among Khajuraho Group of Monuments, a World Heritage Site in India. It is dated to c. 900–925 AD. Inside the temple complex, Varaha Temple is located next (South) to Lakshmi Temple and opposite to Lakshman Temple. The Varaha Shrine, built on a lofty plinth, is simple and modest. It has an oblong pavilion with a pyramidal roof of receding tiers, resting on fourteen plain pillars. The shrine is built entirely of sandstone.

The statue of Varaha is 2.6 m long and 1.7 high. The sculpture is colossal and monolithic and made of sandstone. The sculpture is carved with numerous figures on its entire body (also seen in image). The sculpture carved between nose and mouth, depicts goddess (of Saraswati) carrying Veena in her arms.