Varaha Purana
The Varaha Purana is one of the eighteen Mahapuranas. It is focused on the Varaha (boar) avatar of Vishnu and the rescue of Earth (Bhudevi) from the ocean.
- Varaha Purana narrates the story of Varaha — the boar avatar of Lord Vishnu.
- Contains approximately 24,000 verses across 217 chapters.
- Classified as a Tamas Purana despite focusing on Vishnu in Varaha form.
- The central narrative is Vishnu as Varaha lifting the earth from the cosmic ocean.
- Narrated by Lord Vishnu (as Varaha) to Goddess Bhumi (Earth).
- Contains extensive geographical descriptions of sacred India and pilgrimage sites.
- Includes Shiva Gita — teachings of Shiva on liberation.
- Rich in vratas (religious observances) and their benefits.
Structural Organization
Example: Varaha Purana, Chapter 1, Verse 1
Key Topics Covered
Important Deities
Famous Stories & Episodes
Featured Shlokas
+ Add ShlokaThe Supreme Abode of Vishnu
Varaha Purana (quoting Rig Veda 1.22.20) · Chapter 1 · Verse 1.15
तद्विष्णोः परमं पदं सदा पश्यन्ति सूरयः। दिवीव चक्षुराततम्॥
tad viṣṇoḥ paramaṁ padaṁ sadā paśyanti sūrayaḥ divīva cakṣur ātatam
The seers ever behold that supreme abode of Vishnu; their vision extends like the expanse of the sky.
Varaha Lifts the Earth from the Cosmic Ocean
Varaha Purana · Chapter 1 · Verse 3.22
वराहरूपो भगवान् धराधारणतत्परः। उत्थाप्य मेदिनीमार्तामभयं सर्वतः स्थितः॥
varāha-rūpo bhagavān dharā-dhāraṇa-tatparaḥ utthāpya medinīm ārtām abhayaṁ sarvataḥ sthitaḥ
The Lord, in the form of a boar intent on bearing the earth, uplifted the distressed earth and stood, granting protection on all sides.
Earth's Prayer to Varaha
Varaha Purana · Chapter 1 · Verse 10.34
नमस्ते मधुसूदन कैटभारे। नमस्ते गरुडध्वज पद्मनाभ। नमस्ते गोविन्द हरे मुकुन्द। नमो ब्रह्मण्यदेव वासुदेव॥
namas te madhusūdana kaiṭabhāre namas te garuḍa-dhvaja padmanābha namas te govinda hare mukunda namo brahmaṇya-deva vāsudeva
Salutations to You, O Madhusudana, slayer of Kaitabha. Salutations to You, O Garudadhvaja, Padmanabha. Salutations to You, O Govinda, Hari, Mukunda. Salutations to Brahmanya‑deva, Vasudeva.