Varaha Jayanti is observed remembering the birth anniversary of Varaha (a boar), the third incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu took the avatar of a boar and saved the world from two powerful demons by holding the earth on his two tusks from under the water. According to the Hindu Calendar, this day is celebrated on the 2nd day of Magh month in Shukla Paksha. Lord Vishnu and all his different avatars are worshipped with great devotion across the country. In 2021, Varaha Jayanti falls on 9 September, Thursday.
Legend Behind Varaha Jayanti
As per the Puranas, Diti, one of thirteen spouses of a sage named Kashyapa, gave birth to two profoundly powerful evil spirits named Hiranyakashipu and Hiranyaksha. Holika, who ended up being an evil demoness, and whose burning is celebrated across India as Holika Dahan, was likewise born from the womb of Diti. Both the male youngsters grew up to be incredible yet stepped in the way of adharma rather than dharma. Hiranyakashipu and his sibling Hiranyaksha invoked Lord Brahma whom they somehow figured out how to please with their unshakable devotion and prayers.At that point, when Lord Brahma favored them with his appearance and asked them to make a wish, they asked Lord Brahma to grant them a wish to be invincible in any realm. After Lord Brahma conceded to their desire, the two children of Diti went out of control in all of the three universes. As indicated by legend, the two brothers proceeded to conquer the three universes.
Yet, their desire to create more destruction couldn’t be satisfied. Then they went on to create a rampage in the kingdom of Lord Varuna, then called Vibhaari Nagari. King Varuna warned the two demons to stop this nuisance since Lord Vishnu, the protector and divine messenger of the universe wouldn’t like it and they can’t afford the angry Lord Vishnu. Offended by this insult, Hiranyaksha went ahead enquiring about Lord Vishnu to defeat him and prove his strength as presented to him by Lord Brahma. When he found Lord Vishnu, the defender of the world was reborn as Lord Varaha. That’s when Hiranyaksha saw Lord Varaha holding the earth on his tusks. Then Lord Varaha went on to defeat Hiranyaksha in a terrible fight, thus ensuring an end to the terror he had created. Since then, people consider Lord Varaha as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and fast on Varaha Jayanti seeking to ward off all evils from the world.
Benefits of Observing Varaha Jayanti
As per Legend, it is believed that worshipping Lord Varaha brings in immense happiness, good health and wealth to the devotees. Since Lord Vishnu took a rebirth as half boar half human to defeat the two mightiest demons, it’s believed that offering prayers to the Lord on this day will ward off all evil and negative energies from one’s life.
Varaha Jayanti Puja Rituals
The festival of Varaha Jayanti is celebrated majorly in South Indian states. First the devotees take bath early in the morning and offer prayers. They can also visit the temple of Lord Vishnu to worship. Then the day is celebrated by following the below mentioned rituals-
- The idol of Lord Varaha (Vishnu) is placed inside a metal pot (Kalash).
- The kalash is filled with water and Mango leaves are soaked in it. A coconut is tied on the top of a ceiling and then donated to a Brahmin.
- Then, the devotees read out from the Shrimad Bhagwad Gita. Those who observe a Varaha Jayanti fast should also donate clothes and money to the needy people.
- This ritual should be done after the Varaha Jayanti puja gets over. It is believed that offering things to the underprivileged and poor helps in seeking blessings of Lord Vishnu.
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