Varahi: The Sow-Headed Goddess of Hinduism

Varahi is one of the prominent deities in Hinduism, often identified as a fierce and protective mother goddess. She is part of the Sapta Matrikas, a group of seven mother goddesses, and is typically depicted with the head of a sow. Known by different names in various regions, she is revered in both Shaktism (goddess worship) as well as in other Hindu traditions like Shaivism (devotees of Lord Shiva) and Vaishnavism (devotees of Lord Vishnu).

Origin and Legend of Varahi

Varahi’s story is intertwined with several key mythological narratives, particularly in the Devi Mahatmya and other scriptures like the Markandeya Purana and Vamana Purana. According to these texts, Varahi’s creation is tied to the battle between the gods and the demons.

•Creation from Varaha: In one legend, Varahi is said to have been created from Varaha, the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu, embodying strength and protection. She takes the form of a sow-headed goddess and fights demons with her tusks and sword.

•Battle Against the Demons: In the Devi Mahatmya, during the battle against the demon Raktabija, the warrior goddess Durga creates the Matrikas, including Varahi, from herself. Together, these goddesses help defeat the demon forces. Later, Durga absorbs them back into her form after defeating the demon Shumbha in single combat.

•Creation from the Divine Mother: In another myth from the Vamana Purana, Varahi emerges from the back of the goddess Chandika, another manifestation of the Supreme Mother, and is described as one of the protectors of the northern direction.

Role and Associations

Varahi has multiple roles and associations in Hindu cosmology:

•Protector and Destroyer of Demons: In her many forms, she acts as a fierce protector, especially in the fight against demons like Raktabija and Andhakasura. Her role in the battle against these malevolent forces is central to her worship.

•Envy and Death: Varahi is also associated with the vice of envy and is sometimes considered to personify death or destruction, linked to Yama, the god of death. Her names like Vaivasvati hint at this connection, positioning her as an incarnation of Yami, the goddess of death.

•The Matrikas: As one of the Matrikas, Varahi’s influence extends to the protection of the physical and metaphysical worlds. She governs the Manipura, Svadhisthana, and Muladhara chakras, associated with personal power, creativity, and survival.

Iconography of Varahi

Varahi’s depictions are striking and vary across different texts and temples. Commonly, she is shown as a powerful goddess with the head of a sow, symbolizing her fierce nature and protective qualities. Some key elements of her iconography include:

•Boar-Head and Human Body: Varahi’s most distinctive feature is her boar head, often set on a human-like body, sometimes depicted with a black complexion or as having a stormy aura.

•Multiple Arms and Weapons: Varahi is typically shown with multiple arms (two, four, six, or even eight). Her weapons vary but usually include a sword, mace, discus, noose, plough, and sometimes a skull cup (kapala). The Varahi Tantra lists five forms of the goddess, each carrying different attributes.

•Buffalo and Other Mounts: Varahi is often depicted riding a buffalo, a common mount in her depictions. However, she may also be shown on a serpent, lion, or even a corpse in Tantric depictions, symbolizing her association with both life and death.

Worship and Practices

Varahi’s worship spans multiple sects of Hinduism, including Shaktism, Vaishnavism, and Shaivism.

•Tantric Worship: Varahi is particularly revered in secretive Vamamarga Tantric practices, which are often conducted at night. Worship of Varahi may include the use of panchamakara (five elements: wine, fish, grain, meat, and ritual copulation) and occurs in temples where she is honored after sunset, and sometimes before sunrise.

•Mantras and Yantras: Devotees use specific mantras and yantras (sacred diagrams) to invoke Varahi’s blessings. These rituals are said to bestow spiritual and material benefits, including protection and victory over adversaries.

•Festivals: In temples dedicated to Varahi, festivals such as Ashadha Navaratri in places like Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, honor her with special decorations, prayers, and offerings.

Temples and Pilgrimages

Varahi is worshipped in various temples across India and Nepal, sometimes as part of the Sapta-Matrika group and other times as the primary deity.

Varahi Temples in India:

The Varahi Temple in Chaurasi, Odisha, is one of the oldest dedicated to her and features Tantric worship rituals.

In Tamil Nadu, the Mylapore Varahi Temple and the larger temple being built near Vedanthangal offer a prominent site for Varahi worship.

Other temples in Kerala, such as the Aalumthazham Sree Varahi Temple in Thrissur and the Sree Panchami Devi Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, also honor Varahi.

Temples in Nepal:

The Tal Barahi Temple in Pokhara, located in the middle of Phewa Lake, is dedicated to Barahi (Varahi).

The Jaya Barahi Mandir in Bhaktapur is another key shrine dedicated to her in Nepal.

Conclusion

Varahi stands as a complex and multifaceted goddess, embodying both nurturing and fierce aspects of the divine feminine. Her role as a protector against evil forces, her association with the forces of life and death, and her deep connection with Tantric practices make her an important figure in Hindu mythology and worship. From her swine-headed form to her dynamic presence in rituals, Varahi remains an enduring symbol of power, wisdom, and divine protection across various traditions in Hinduism.