Information of Varaha Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

The Varaha temple is a particular holy shrine that is located in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. The temple is specifically located in the region of Khajuraho which is a small place in the Chattarpur District of the state. The temple is one of the parts of the UNESCO world heritage site i.e. the Khajuraho group of temples.

Varaha Temple Religious Significance

Like any other shrine of the Khajuraho group of temple, the Varaha temple also has its rich religious significance from the days of its inception owing to the fact that it attracts large number of people from different parts of the country and the world. The temple which is specifically dedicated for the Hindu pilgrims, primarily accommodate Lord Vishnu. It has been noted that the temple is quite popular amid the popular amid the people owing to the fact that it has witnessed the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This particular assumption or claim can also be justified from the fact that the name of the temple i.e. Varaha itself means the avatar of the Lord Vishnu. Furthermore, it can also be seen that the structure of the temple is either reflects an entire animal or it depicts a man with half body of animal and rest of the body as human. This resembles with the boar avatar of the lord i.e. Vishnu. Additionally, the art presented in within the temple depicts four arm anthropomorphic structure and sculptures with each holding a lotus, a sword and a mace. The temple has a history of more than 1000 years associated with it since it was built in the year ranging 900-950 AD. From the days of its inception, it experience the flow of devotes of Lord Vishnu.

Varaha Temple Mythology & History

The stories associated with the temples further engage the attention of the visitors. As depicted above, the place or the temple has witnessed the reincarnation of Lord Vishnu into a boar which the Lord portrayed himself as half man and half animal. It is believed and presented in the literatures of the temples that Lord Vishnu incarnated into a boar for defeating Hiranyaksha, a demon who intended to destroy the earth. As per the stories associated with the temple and the place, the demon was carrying a cosmic ocean to destroy the earth for which Lord Vishnu himself had to come into the earth to battle with the demon. The battle which lasted for than 1000 years was finally triumph by Lord Vishnu. It is also believed that while being in the avatar of boar, Lord Vishnu married Bhudevi in the place where the temple is placed today. This aspects has also enhanced the significance of the temple in a considerable manner altogether.

Varaha Temple Architectural Importance

Structurally the temple is provided with a unique architectural style which is quite unusual and could not be seen in any other temple in India. It has been learnt that the temple and its architecture is influenced from the incident of battle between lord Vishnu and the demon and likewise many of the structure and art in the interior of the temple depicts the same. Stones and marble were extensively used in the establishment of the temple. The temple has been built in quite a large area and hence large open spaces can be seen in the surrounding area. The flow of devotes in the temple can be seen throughout the year owing to the fact that it is one of the part of the Khajuraho group of temple.