Varah Temple

Varah Temple is one of the oldest and largest temples that form a significant part of Pushkar Pilgrimage. The temple is dedicated to the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the Varah. Lord Vishnu is the preserver according to the Hindu mythology. The pilgrims flocking to Pushkar hold the Varah Temple in reverence. The idol of Lord Vishnu in the Varah incarnation inside the temple commands respect from all. The Varah Ghat, on Pushkar Lake, near the temple is also quite popular among the pilgrims.

Built, destroyed and rebuilt at various times during the past, the Varah Temple, has an interesting history. It was first built during the reign of King Anaji Chauhan who ruled from 1123 to 1150.

The first destruction of the Varah Temple was by the Ghaznis but it was the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb who completed the destruction. The idol of Varah with the body of a man and the head of a wild boar repelled Aurangzeb and he destroyed the temple. The Varah Temple was reconstructed in 1727 by Raja Sawai Jai Singh II of Jaipur.

The legend associated with the Varah incarnation of Lord Vishnu is quite amazing. The demon Hirnayaksha stole the Vedas from the gods and the task of retrieving the holy Vedas fell upon Lord Vishnu. The protector of the Universe, Lord Vishnu, assumed the shape of a wild boar and defeated the demon in a fierce battle. The world was saved from the Hirnayaksh and the Varah incarnation of Lord Vishnu became a revered figure among the Hindus.



Last Updated on : June 19, 2013