Varāha

Varaha (literally "the boar") is the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the third avatar in the classical list of the ten principal incarnations (Dashavatara). His appearance is described in detail in the Third Canto of the Srimad-Bhagavatam. Varaha descended into the material world in an early cosmic age to rescue the Earth (personified as the goddess Bhumi), which had been cast into the depths of the Garbhodaka Ocean by the demon Hiranyaksha. Varaha assumed a gigantic and transcendental boar form, dove into the cosmic ocean, lifted the Earth upon His tusks, and placed her back in her natural orbit. Afterward, He engaged in a fierce battle with Hiranyaksha and defeated him to restore cosmic order. In Vaishnava theology, the pastime of Varaha highlights the infinite compassion and supreme power of Bhagavan, who adopts non-human forms to protect and sustain the creation and His devotees. For bhakti-yoga practitioners, meditation on the form and divine activities (lila) of Varaha helps dispel fear and strengthens faith in God's providential protection amidst cosmic disasters and the difficulties of material existence.