Varāha Purāṇa

The Varāha Purāṇa is one of the eighteen major Purāṇas, devoted to the Varāha (boar) avatāra of Vishnu and his rescue of the earth goddess from the cosmic ocean.

Overview

The received text contains approximately 10,000 verses (the traditional claim is 24,000) and narrates the story of Vishnu’s descent as a boar to lift the earth (Bhūmi) from the netherworld where she had been dragged by the demon Hiranyāksha. It is a major Vaiṣṇava text that emphasizes the soteriological power of Vishnu’s incarnations.

Content and Structure

The Varāha Purāṇa recounts the cosmic battle between Vishnu in his boar form and the forces of darkness. It describes the creation of the universe, the genealogies of the gods and sages, and the performance of various rituals and sacrifices. The text includes hymns in praise of Vishnu and instructions for worship at various pilgrimage sites.

Significance

The text is significant for its development of the avatāra (divine descent) theology, particularly the Varāha myth which became a major theme in Hindu art and iconography. It influenced Vaiṣṇava temple traditions, especially the worship of Varāha at sites like Mahābalipuram.

Verification Notes

• Classified as a Mahāpurāṇa; the received text may be a later compilation.
• Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026).