varahi devi
Varahi Deviis one among the seven mother goddesses in the Hindu religion. With the head of a boar, Varahi is the female aspect of Varaha, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. Varahi is worshipped by the Hindus throughout India and by the Buddhist people in a different name. Her origin was found in ancient vedas and Hindu sacred texts.
Varahi was described as a beautiful goddess, wearing red garments and sitting in the lotus flower. Her face shines as equivalent to that of millions of suns and she wears diamond ornaments on her neck, and carries various weapons on her several hands and protects us in one hand. Several sages and rishis were worshipped and got benefited through her. Her glory cannot be explained fully even by Lord Shiva himself. She contains such a great divine feature.
She was created mainly for the purpose of killing the demons and to maintain law and order in the entire universe. She was formed from Goddess Chandika, a form of Mata Parvati Devi.
According to the ancient Puranas, she bestows various boons to us and protects us from the evil forces.
The Devi Bhagavata Purana tells her valour and praises her victory over the killing of the ferocious demons.
There are five forms of Varahi
1. Svapna Varahi
2. Canda Varahi
3. Mahi Varahi
4. Krcca Varahi
5. Matsya Varahi
The vehicle of Varahi is a buffalo. Varahi can be worshipped by offering pujas to her and we can recite Varahi Anugrahashtakam and Varahi Nigrahashtakam for getting good fortunes in our life and towards getting protected ourselves from enemies and also for getting good health and for having a clear mind and to avoid unnecessary confusions in our life.
FAMOUS VARAHI TEMPLES
1. Varahi temple at Chaurasi, Orissa
2. Varahi Amman temple in Madurai
3. Varahi Amman temple in Salem
4. Sri MahaVarahi Amman temple in Coimbatore
5. Sri Varahi Amman temple in Pondicherry
6. Varahi temple in Mylapore, Chennai
7. Varahi temple in Trichy
8. Varahidevi temple in Gujarat
9. Varahi Amman temple in Malaysia
IMPORTANCE
Varahi homams are popularly done in the temples of varahi, and it is done mostly for maintaining peace in the mind, for getting cured from prolonged illness and also done for getting better prospects in the life. By doing abhishekhams with honey, coconut water, milk, fruit mixture and ghee will fetch very good fortunes in our life. She is the divine mother, who not only gives a particular thing alone. Even if we forget to tell our list of prayers to her, she will study our mind, and fulfil our wishes.
Let us worship the divine mother and be blessed.
“OM SREE MATA VARAHIYE NAMAHA”
“OM NAMAH SHIVAYA”
WRITTEN BY
R.HARISHANKAR
what is swetha varahi matha
Varahi Devi is a powerful and fierce goddess in Hindu mythology, particularly within the Shakta tradition. She is often depicted with the head of a sow (female pig) and is considered one of the Sapta Matrikas (seven divine mothers) or Ashtamatrikas (eight divine mothers) in Hinduism.
Origins and Mythology:
Birth: Varahi is said to have emerged from the boar form of Lord Vishnu, specifically from his Varaha (boar) avatar. According to some legends, she emerged to aid Vishnu in his battles against demons.
Incarnation: Varahi is considered a ferocious incarnation of Devi, embodying the protective and destructive aspects of the divine feminine. She is associated with shakti (power) and is invoked for protection and strength.
Iconography: Varahi is typically depicted with the face of a sow, which symbolizes her fierceness and ability to root out evil. She is adorned with various weapons and is often shown standing or seated on a lotus or on top of a buffalo demon, symbolizing her victory over evil forces.
Devotional Aspects:
Mantras and Worship: Devotees of Varahi recite her mantras and perform rituals to invoke her blessings for protection, courage, and success. Her worship is prevalent in parts of South India, especially Tamil Nadu, where she is revered as a powerful deity.
Temples: There are temples dedicated to Varahi Devi across India, with notable ones in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha. These temples often conduct special rituals and festivals dedicated to her.
Symbolism and Significance:
Fierce Protector: Varahi is worshipped by those seeking protection from negative forces and obstacles. Her ferocious form signifies her readiness to destroy ignorance and evil.
Goddess of Power: She embodies the primordial energy (shakti) of the universe and is believed to grant strength and courage to her devotees.
Tantric Traditions: Varahi is also a significant figure in tantric traditions, where she represents the kundalini shakti, the divine feminine energy coiled at the base of the spine.
Stories and Legends:
Battle against Evil: Varahi is often invoked during times of war or to defeat powerful adversaries. Her association with Varaha, the boar incarnation of Vishnu, ties her to the cosmic battles against demons and evil forces.
Protective Mother: As a maternal figure among the Matrikas, Varahi is seen as nurturing and protective towards her devotees, especially those who seek her guidance and blessings.
Varahi Devi’s worship highlights the multifaceted nature of the divine feminine in Hinduism, where she represents both the nurturing mother and the fierce warrior goddess who protects and empowers her devotees.
Varahi Devi, a prominent deity in Hinduism, is depicted in various forms and manifestations, each carrying symbolic significance and associated attributes. Here are some of the notable forms and aspects of Varahi Devi:
Sow-faced Varahi: This is the most commonly depicted form of Varahi. She is portrayed with the face of a sow (female pig), symbolizing her ferocity and ability to root out evil forces. Her sow face represents her fierce nature in protecting her devotees from negativity and obstacles.
Chaturbhuja Varahi: In this form, Varahi is depicted with four arms, holding various weapons and symbols of power. Her iconography typically includes a sword and a shield, representing her readiness to battle against demonic forces and protect her devotees.
Mahishamardini Varahi: This form of Varahi is associated with her victory over the buffalo demon Mahisha. She is often depicted standing or seated on top of a buffalo demon, symbolizing her triumph over evil forces and her role as a protector.
Lakshmi Varahi: In this aspect, Varahi is associated with wealth, prosperity, and abundance. She is worshipped for bringing material and spiritual wealth to her devotees, often depicted with symbols of wealth and prosperity.
Rakta Varahi: This form of Varahi is associated with blood sacrifice and rituals in certain tantric traditions. She is worshipped for her ability to protect and bless her devotees, especially in rituals involving sacred blood offerings.
Matangi Varahi: Matangi is sometimes considered a form of Varahi, associated with knowledge, music, arts, and speech. She embodies the creative aspects of the divine feminine and is revered for her intellectual and artistic prowess.
Ashtadasa Bhuja Varahi: This rare form of Varahi is depicted with eighteen arms, each holding various weapons and symbols. She represents the embodiment of cosmic power and is worshipped for her immense strength and protective capabilities.
Navavarahi: Varahi is also included in the Navavarahi group, which consists of nine forms of Devi representing different aspects of the goddess. Each form of Navavarahi has specific attributes and mantras associated with them, collectively embodying the diverse aspects of feminine energy.
Varahi Devi’s various forms highlight her multifaceted nature as a fierce warrior goddess, protector, bestower of wealth, and embodiment of cosmic energy. Devotees worship her in these diverse forms according to their specific needs and spiritual aspirations.
Varahi Devi is worshipped at several prominent temples across India, especially in South India where her cult is particularly strong. Here are some notable Varahi temples:
Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Simhachalam, Andhra Pradesh: While primarily dedicated to Lord Narasimha, this famous temple also houses shrines for Varaha and Varahi Devi. Varahi is worshipped here as one of the Sapta Matrikas (Seven Mothers).
Sri Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu: This ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi also has a shrine for Varahi Devi. She is worshipped here as one of the Matrikas.
Sri Kurungaleeswarar Temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu: This temple is known for its association with Varahi Devi, where she is worshipped fervently by devotees seeking her protection and blessings.
Sri Ashtabhuja Varahi Temple, Kanakadurga Varahi Temple, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh: This temple is dedicated to Ashtabhuja Varahi, depicting her with eight arms holding various weapons and symbols of power.
Sri Varahi Devasena Sametha Athmanathaswamy Temple, Tiruchendur, Tamil Nadu: Located near the famous Murugan temple in Tiruchendur, this temple houses a shrine for Varahi Devi along with Lord Athmanathaswamy.
Sri Rajarajeswari Temple, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh: This temple complex is dedicated to Goddess Rajarajeswari, with a separate shrine for Varahi Devi, who is worshipped as a powerful protector and giver of boons.
Sri Varahi Amman Temple, Ariyalur, Tamil Nadu: This temple is dedicated exclusively to Varahi Amman and is revered by devotees for her fierce protective powers.
Sri Kanyakaparameswari Temple, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu: This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kanyakaparameswari, where Varahi Devi is worshipped as one of the Matrikas, symbolizing her protective aspect.
These temples attract devotees seeking Varahi Devi’s blessings for protection, prosperity, and spiritual growth. Each temple often holds special rituals and festivals dedicated to Varahi Devi, emphasizing her role as a fierce and benevolent goddess in Hindu mythology.
Varahi Navratri is a special festival dedicated to Goddess Varahi, celebrated with great devotion and fervor by her devotees. It typically falls during the Ashada month (June-July) in the Hindu calendar and spans for nine days, similar to other Navratri festivals dedicated to different forms of Goddess Durga.
Significance and Celebration:
Devotional Observances: During Varahi Navratri, devotees engage in various spiritual practices such as fasting, recitation of Varahi mantras and stotras, and performing special pujas dedicated to Varahi Devi.
Importance of Varahi: Varahi is worshipped during Navratri for her protective and nurturing qualities. Devotees seek her blessings for strength, courage, and liberation from obstacles and negative influences.
Rituals and Offerings: Offerings of special foods, fruits, flowers, and incense are made to Varahi Devi during the Navratri period. Some devotees also perform homas (fire rituals) and yagnas to invoke her divine presence and blessings.
Spiritual Significance: Navratri is considered an auspicious time for spiritual growth and transformation. Worshipping Varahi Devi during this period is believed to enhance one’s spiritual progress and remove karmic obstacles.
Community Celebrations: In regions where Varahi Devi is particularly revered, community gatherings, cultural programs, and processions may be organized during Varahi Navratri. These events foster a sense of community and collective devotion towards the goddess.
Temple Celebrations: Temples dedicated to Varahi Devi, especially in South India, conduct elaborate rituals and celebrations during Navratri. Special alankarams (decorations) of the deity, daily homas, and recitations of sacred texts are part of the temple festivities.
Cultural Significance: Varahi Navratri also holds cultural significance, showcasing traditional music, dance, and art forms that pay homage to the goddess and celebrate her divine attributes.
Overall, Varahi Navratri is a time for devotees to connect deeply with Goddess Varahi, seek her blessings for protection and spiritual advancement, and participate in vibrant celebrations that honor her presence and significance in Hindu mythology.