Festival Overview
Calendar: Celebrated on Phalguni Krishna Dwadashi (12th day of the dark moon of Phalguna month) (February/March)
Significance: The appearance day of Lord Varahadeva, Lord Krishna's incarnation as a giant Boar who lifted the Earth from the depths of the Garbhodaka Ocean.
Key Highlights: Special prayers, kirtan chanting, and bathing ceremony.
Observance: Held on the scheduled event date. Please check the Vaishnava Calendar for the exact day this year.
Today is the incarnation day of Lord Krishna appearing as the Boar, Lord Varahadeva. He lifted the world when it was submerged within the waters of the Garbhodaka Ocean.
"vasati dasana-sikhare dharani tava lagna
sasini kalanka-kaleva nimagna
kesava dhrta-sukara-rupa jaya jagadisa hare
jaya jagadisa hare, jaya jagadisa hare"
"O Kesava! O Lord of the universe! O Lord Hari, who have assumed the form of a boar! All glories to You! The earth, which had become immersed in the Garbhodaka Ocean at the bottom of the universe, sits fixed upon the tip of Your tusk like a spot upon the moon." — Sri Dasavatara-stotra, Verse 3
The Story of the Boar Incarnation
In Vedic cosmology, planets are conscious persons. The planet Earth once fell into the universal Garbhodaka water when demonic persons disturbed her orbit by drilling for oil and upsetting her balance. The celestial devas, who manage the universe in service to Krishna, prayed for Earth to be rescued.
Responding to their prayers, the Lord assumed the form of a splendid, gigantic boar (Varaha). He dove to the bottom of the universal ocean, picked up Earth, and gently carried her on His tusk to the water's surface.
As He did so, the great demon Hiranyaksha challenged Him. Lord Varaha carefully placed the fearful Earth on the water, giving her the ability to float, and fought the demon in the universal ocean. After defeating Hiranyaksha, Lord Varaha returned to the spiritual sky.
We can just imagine the size of Lord Varahadeva: the entire world sat on His tusk, appearing just like a moon disc with marks on it. Devotees pray to Lord Varahadeva for protection, strength, and purification.
A Prayer for Purification
"Just as You protect the Earth by going to a dirty place within the universe, kindly uncover our pure devotion to Your lotus feet that lies deep underneath the dirt within our hearts, and purify us."
Historical Background
Varaha Dwadashi celebrates Lord Varahadeva, the third incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who appeared as a gigantic boar to rescue the Earth (personified as Bhumi Devi) from the demon Hiranyaksha. Lord Varaha lifted the Earth on His tusks from the depths of the Garbhodaka Ocean and killed the demon.
Spiritual Significance
This incarnation demonstrates the Lord's willingness to assume any form to protect His devotees and the cosmic order. Lord Varaha is also intimately connected with the creation and preservation of the universe.
Blessings & Benefits
Sponsoring Varaha Dwadashi celebrations invokes the Lord's protective blessings. Donors receive protection from all dangers and the assurance that the Lord will always come to their rescue.
Varaha
Support this sacred occasion by offering your contribution. Every donation, no matter how small, is a cherished offering to the Lord.
Offer Varaha Dwadashi Seva