Introduction to Goddess Varahi
In Hinduism, Goddess Varahi is one of the most powerful and important goddesses in Tantric worship. She is worshipped as the divine power of the Varah avatar of Lord Vishnu. According to religious beliefs, Goddess Varahi is considered to be a Shakti incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. Her worship provides happiness, prosperity, protection and spiritual power to the devotees.
Devi Varahi is also known as “Kaivalyarupini”, which means that she is the divine power that gives liberation from the bondage of birth and death. Goddess Varahi has a special place in Shakti worship and is also known as the heroine of the army of Goddess Lalita, i.e. “Dandanayika”.
The origin story of Goddess Varahi
According to the Sri Durga Saptashati, when the demon king Shumbha and his army of demons attacked Goddess Chandika, the gods manifested various maternal powers from their divine powers. Many divine goddesses were incarnated from the radiant power of Lord Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Indra and Kartikeya.
At the same time, Lord Vishnu manifested Goddess Varahi as the power of his Varah avatar. The original power of Lord Vishnu is Goddess Lakshmi, therefore Goddess Varahi is considered a special form of Goddess Lakshmi.
Goddess Varahi helped Goddess Chandika in the war against the demons and destroyed the evil powers with her divine power. In the Tantric tradition, she is considered a very mysterious and powerful goddess.
Various Forms of Goddess Varahi
Five main forms of Goddess Varahi are described in Tantric texts. These forms include Swapna Varahi, Chanda Varahi, Mahi Varahi, Kracha Varahi and Matsya Varahi.
All these forms are believed to provide different types of power, protection and spiritual attainment to the devotees. Worship of Goddess Varahi is considered very important especially in Tantric Sadhana.
Description of Goddess Varahi
The form of Goddess Varahi is described as that of Lord Varah. She has a dark complexion and a divinely radiant form. The goddess is usually depicted riding a buffalo, which symbolizes power and control.
She is depicted in a quadrilateral form. In her two hands, she holds a danda and a plough, while in the remaining two hands, she is depicted in the Abhaya Mudra and Varada Mudra. Her form blesses the devotees with protection, courage and spiritual power.
Spiritual significance of Goddess Varahi
It is believed that the worship of Goddess Varahi brings prosperity, success and protection from negative energies in the lives of the devotees. She is especially important in secret practices and tantric worship.
It is believed that she leads the devotees to self-strength, spiritual awakening and liberation from the bondage of birth and death. That is why she is worshipped as “Kaivalya Rupini”.
Devi Varahi Mantra
Namostute Jaganmaatre Karanayai Namo Namah.
Prasid Jagatan Mata Varahyai Te Namo Namah॥
Through this mantra, devotees bow down to Goddess Varahi and pray for protection, prosperity and spiritual welfare.
Festivals related to Goddess Varahi
Devi Varahi is specially worshipped during Navratri. During this time, devotees try to attain the grace of the Goddess through fasting, chanting and sadhana.
Famous Temples of Goddess Varahi
“Mata Varahi Dham Devidhura” in Champawat district of Uttarakhand is very famous. The Varahi temples in Kashi and Gonda in Uttar Pradesh also hold special faith among devotees.
The Varahi Amman Temple in Tamil Nadu and the Mata Varahi Devi Temple in Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan are also considered important religious places for Shakti worshippers.