Varahi Amman - the Nemesis of Evil
On April 10, 2025In Hinduism, “Varahi” is a goddess of the Tantrik and Shakta cults. She is a “Sapta Matrika.” Sapta Matrikas comprise a group of 7 mother goddesses. Having the head of a sow, Varahi represents the Shakti (feminine energy) of Lord Varaha, the boar form of Lord Vishnu. In Nepal, Varahi is called Barahi, and she is worshipped as Dandini in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Followers of both Shakta, Vaishnavite, and Shaivite cults worship Varahi. Devotees tend to worship her at night, using Vamamarga Tantrik practices which are secretive in nature. It is from Varahi that the Buddhist goddesses Vajravarahi and Marichi originate.
Legends about Varahi
The legend of the demons, Shumbha and Nishumbha, in the Devi Mahatmya from the Markandeya Purana says that the Matrikas emerge as “Shaktis (feminine powers)” from the gods’ bodies. When Shumbha challenges Goddess Durga to a fight, she absorbs all the Matrikas into herself. The scriptures describe the Matrikas dancing on the slain demons’ blood after the fight.
The scriptures claim that Varahi emerged from Varaha. She has a boar face, wields a chakra, and does battle with a sword. Varahi is the fifth among the Matrikas.
According to Devi Mahatmya, in the story that describes the killing of the demon Raktabija, Durga creates the Matrikas from herself and kills the demon army with their help.
In the Vamana Purana, the Matrikas emerge from different parts of Goddess Chandika, with Varahi arising from Chandika’s back.
In the Devi Bhagavata Purana, the Earth is the receptacle of all stationary and mobile things. After slaying the demon Hiranyaksha, Varaha rescues Prithvi (Earth) and floats her on the waters. He then has intercourse with Prithvi and impregnates her. The result of this union is Mangal, or the planet Mars. Varaha worships Prithvi as Devi Incarnate. Prithvi then says that at his command, she will take the form of “Varahi” and support the entire world of moving and non-moving objects on her back.
Iconography of Varahi
Varahi has a sow’s face and a human body. She has a black complexion that resembles the color of a storm cloud. She holds the Earth on her tusks, like Varaha.
She wears the “Karanda Mukuta,” a crown shaped like a conical basket. She has a pot belly and big breasts; both of these features represent fertility.
Some believe that Varahi is the Yoganidra of Vishnu and that she holds the universe in her womb (Bhugarbha Parameshwari Jagaddhatri).
Varahi has two, four, six, or eight arms and is depicted sitting, standing, or dancing.
In the “Vishnudharmottara Purana,” “Goddess Varahi” is described as having 6 arms, holding various objects like Danda (staff to punish), Khetaka (shield), Khadga (sword) and Paasa (noose). She displays Abhaya and Varada Mudras.
In Rupamandana, Varahi has 4 arms, and carries Ghanta (bell), Chamara (a Yak’s tail), Chakra (discus), and a Gada (mace).
In Purva-Karanagam, she holds Sharanga (Vishnu’s bow), the hala (plow), and the Musula (pestle). The fourth hand displays the Abhaya or the Varada Mudra.
The Agni Purana depicts her as wielding the Gada, Shankha (conch shell), sword, and Ankusha (goad).
The Devi Purana depicts her as carrying a sword, iron club, Paasa (noose), and Khetka (shield).
Varahi’s Mounts
Varahi has many mounts. It is usually a Mahisha/buffalo. In both Vaishnava and Shakta traditions, she is portrayed as standing or sitting on a lotus pedestal or her buffalo. Sometimes, she sits on a boar, Sheshnag, Jambini, a horse, a lion, or on Garuda (Vishnu’s mount).
Temples for Varahi
The most famous Varahi Amman temple in Tamil Nadu is the Sri Maha Varahi Amman Temple in Sholinghur. Sholinghur is in Vellore district, and the temple is a major pilgrimage site for Varahi’s devotees.
Legends about Varahi
The legend of the demons, Shumbha and Nishumbha, in the Devi Mahatmya from the Markandeya Purana says that the Matrikas emerge as “Shaktis (feminine powers)” from the gods’ bodies. When Shumbha challenges Goddess Durga to a fight, she absorbs all the Matrikas into herself. The scriptures describe the Matrikas dancing on the slain demons’ blood after the fight.
The scriptures claim that Varahi emerged from Varaha. She has a boar face, wields a chakra, and does battle with a sword. Varahi is the fifth among the Matrikas.
According to Devi Mahatmya, in the story that describes the killing of the demon Raktabija, Durga creates the Matrikas from herself and kills the demon army with their help.
In the Vamana Purana, the Matrikas emerge from different parts of Goddess Chandika, with Varahi arising from Chandika’s back.
In the Devi Bhagavata Purana, the Earth is the receptacle of all stationary and mobile things. After slaying the demon Hiranyaksha, Varaha rescues Prithvi (Earth) and floats her on the waters. He then has intercourse with Prithvi and impregnates her. The result of this union is Mangal, or the planet Mars. Varaha worships Prithvi as Devi Incarnate. Prithvi then says that at his command, she will take the form of “Varahi” and support the entire world of moving and non-moving objects on her back.
Iconography of Varahi
Varahi has a sow’s face and a human body. She has a black complexion that resembles the color of a storm cloud. She holds the Earth on her tusks, like Varaha.
She wears the “Karanda Mukuta,” a crown shaped like a conical basket. She has a pot belly and big breasts; both of these features represent fertility.
Some believe that Varahi is the Yoganidra of Vishnu and that she holds the universe in her womb (Bhugarbha Parameshwari Jagaddhatri).
Varahi has two, four, six, or eight arms and is depicted sitting, standing, or dancing.
In the “Vishnudharmottara Purana,” “Goddess Varahi” is described as having 6 arms, holding various objects like Danda (staff to punish), Khetaka (shield), Khadga (sword) and Paasa (noose). She displays Abhaya and Varada Mudras.
In Rupamandana, Varahi has 4 arms, and carries Ghanta (bell), Chamara (a Yak’s tail), Chakra (discus), and a Gada (mace).
In Purva-Karanagam, she holds Sharanga (Vishnu’s bow), the hala (plow), and the Musula (pestle). The fourth hand displays the Abhaya or the Varada Mudra.
The Agni Purana depicts her as wielding the Gada, Shankha (conch shell), sword, and Ankusha (goad).
The Devi Purana depicts her as carrying a sword, iron club, Paasa (noose), and Khetka (shield).
Varahi’s Mounts
Varahi has many mounts. It is usually a Mahisha/buffalo. In both Vaishnava and Shakta traditions, she is portrayed as standing or sitting on a lotus pedestal or her buffalo. Sometimes, she sits on a boar, Sheshnag, Jambini, a horse, a lion, or on Garuda (Vishnu’s mount).
Temples for Varahi
The most famous Varahi Amman temple in Tamil Nadu is the Sri Maha Varahi Amman Temple in Sholinghur. Sholinghur is in Vellore district, and the temple is a major pilgrimage site for Varahi’s devotees.
