5 Varaha Temples One Must Not Miss

Varaha Kshetras holds a special place in the Vaishnava tradition as sacred places associated with Bhagwan Vishnu’s Varaha Avatar. According to puranic scriptures, Bhagwan Vishnu assumed the form of Varaha to rescue Bhudevi (Mother Earth) and restore cosmic order. Several ancient temples and pilgrimage centres across Bharat and Nepal are dedicated to this divine form.

In the sacred land of Bharat, there are only few only temples where Bhagwan Varaha is worshiped. Varaha is the third Avatara of Vishnu. He incarnated as boar form on earth, to save Bhudevi from the demon Hiranyaksha. 

Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple is a famous Varaha temple located in sacred town of Srimushnam in Cudalore Taluq of Tamil Nadu. This is one of the Swayam Vyakta Kshetras where Varaha Swamy is Swayambhu and it is Saligrama Shila. Varaha Swamy is so powerful that one visit at this temple and offer your sincere prayers, grants you moksha in this lifetime itself.

The Presiding Deity of the temple is Sri Varaha Swamy, having the boar face facing South and body facing west.

This is a temple to visit for those childless couples, who are waiting for the progeny. The couples should take bath in Nithya Pushkarini and circumambulate around the Peeple tree 12 times and have the darshan of Varaha Swamy and recite Varaha Kavacham. Also, should distribute milk and fruits to small children. He definitely blesses those who offer their sincere prayers.

Masi (Magha) Masam and Chithirai (Chaitra) Masam Brahmotsavam are the major festivals celebrated at this temple.

Baraha Kshetra, also known as Barahakshetra, Barahachhetra or Varahakshetra, is one of the most prominent Varaha pilgrimage sites in Nepal. Located at the sacred confluence of the Koka and Sapta Koshi rivers, the kshetra is surrounded by scenic hills and is revered as an important Vaishnava pilgrimage centre. The glory of Varaha Kshetra is described in sacred texts including the Brahma Purana, Varaha Purana and Skanda Purana. Devotees visit the temple to worship Bhagwan Varaha and seek His blessings.

According to the sacred tradition associated with Varaha Kshetra, Bhagwan Vishnu manifested as Varaha to restore the Earth and protect creation from destruction. After accomplishing this divine task, Bhagwan Varaha remained at this sacred region, making it a blessed Varaha Kshetra.

Yajna Varaha Temple in Jajpur, Odisha, is a sacred temple dedicated to Bhagwan Vishnu in His Varaha Avatar. Located in the ancient Viraja Kshetra near the sacred Baitarani River, the temple holds special significance in Vaishnava tradition.

Yajna Varaha is worshipped as the divine form of Vishnu and the preservation of Dharma. The temple is particularly important during Varaha Jayanti, when devotees offer prayers and seek the blessings of Bhagwan Varaha.

In ancient times, Brahma Deva performed an Ashvamedha Yajna at this sacred place after realising that the Vedas had been stolen. He prayed to Bhagwan Vishnu and sought His help in recovering the sacred scriptures. Upon the completion of the Yajna, Bhagwan Vishnu appeared in His Varaha Avatar, rescued Bhudevi (Mother Earth) and recovered the stolen Vedas. From then onwards, the place came to be known as Jajfiapura or Jajpur, deriving its name from the sacred Yajna performed by Brahma.

Originally, four forms of Bhagwan Varaha were worshipped in the temple—Yajna Varaha, Vishnu Varaha, Adi Varaha and Lakshmi Varaha. Today, only three forms remain at the temple: Yajna Varaha, Vishnu Varaha and Adi Varaha. According to local tradition, the fourth deity, Lakshmi Varaha, was taken to Kendrapara by King Ali.

Located near the sacred Swami Pushkarini, to the north of the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, the Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple holds a special place in the spiritual tradition of Tirumala.

According to the Vedic traditional, Tirumala was originally known as Adi Varaha Kshetra, where Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy resided. When Bhagwan Venkateswara arrived on the sacred hills, Varaha Swamy granted Him permission to stay. As part of this tradition, Sri Venkateswara Swamy is said to have accorded Varaha Swamy the honour of receiving the first darshan and first naivedyam.

Following this age-old tradition, devotees are encouraged to seek the blessings of Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy before visiting Lord Venkateswara. Special rituals and abhishekam are also performed at the shrine during Varaha Jayanti.

The sacred city of Mathura, closely associated with Bhagwan Sri Krishna, also preserves an ancient Varaha tradition. Near Vishrama Ghat, devotees can find a temple associated with Shweta Varaha, where Bhagwan Vishnu is worshipped in His distinctive white Varaha form. Traditional accounts also mention the presence of Adi Varaha and Shweta Varaha temples in the region.

Vishrama Ghat is itself connected with the Varaha tradition. According to sacred accounts, Bhagwan Varaha rested at this sacred spot after rescuing Bhudevi. The location is also associated with Bhagwan Krishna, who is believed to have rested there following His victory over Kamsa.

With its connection to Bhagwan Varaha, Bhudevi and the sacred heritage of Mathura, the Shweta Varaha shrine offers devotees an opportunity to explore one of the lesser-known Vaishnava sacred traditions of Braj.