Varaha Jayanti in 2024 falls on September 6th 2024. The Tritiya tithi begins at 12:20 PM on September 5th and ends at 3:00 PM on September 6th.
The forces of darkness threaten to flood the world, and a mighty boar emerges, carrying the weight of the Earth on its tusks. This is the wondering tale of Varaha Jayanti, a festival that celebrates the third divine incarnation of Lord Vishnu as Varaha, the saviour of the universe. This festival holds immense significance for devotees, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and the preservation of cosmic order. This festival is celebrated on the Dwadashi tithi (the twelfth day) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Magha according to the Hindu calendar.
Significance of Varaha Jayanti
Varaha avatar is one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu and holds greatest significance as Varaha Jayanti. It is also known as Varaha Dwadashi. The Varaha Jayanti Katha is found in various Hindu scriptures, including the Vishnu Purana, Bhagavata Purana, and other ancient texts.
Mythological story
The story begins with a demon named Hiranyaksha, an Asura, who was previously a gatekeeper of Lord Vishnu's abode, Vaikuntha, along with his brother. They were known as Vijaya and Jaya. The Sanat Kumaras, sons of Lord Brahma, were denied entry to see Lord Vishnu by his gatekeepers, Vijaya and Jaya, who arrogantly refused them. Angered, the Kumaras cursed the gatekeepers to be born as humans on Earth. Lord Vishnu, hearing the commotion, apologized but explained that the curse couldn't be undone. He informed Vijaya and Jaya that they would achieve Moksha only after being killed by Him in their future lives, teaching them not to misuse their powers.
Later, Vijaya was born, and Hiranyaksha, a powerful devotee of Lord Brahma, received a boon that he could not be killed by any deity, human, Asura, or animal. However, he neglected to mention Varaha, the boar.
Hiranyaksha emerged as a powerful force intent on disrupting the natural course of the universe. With his great strength, he submerged the Earth into the deep ocean, causing panic and chaos. At this crucial moment, Lord Vishnu decided to intervene and incarnated as Varaha, the boar, to rescue the Earth and restore cosmic balance. Although Hiranyaksha was immensely powerful, Lord Varaha's devotion to protecting dharma and the Earth gave Him the strength to defeat the demon. After a mighty battle, Lord Varaha ultimately triumphed over Hiranyaksha. He then used his divine tusks to lift the submerged Earth from the depths of the cosmic ocean. The cosmic order was restored, good prevailed over evil, and people were reminded of the importance of righteousness.
Where is Varaha Jayanti celebrated?
Varaha Jayanti is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. One of the most prominent places where this festival is observed is the Tirumala Temple, renowned for its grand celebrations of Varaha Jayanti. The temple attracts numerous devotees to partake in the special rituals and festivities dedicated to Lord Varaha.
Rituals
- Devotees wake up early on Varaha Jayanti to prepare for the day's rituals.
- It is advised to take a cleansing bath, preferably with holy water.
- Devotees should cleanse and purify the pooja area or temple at home.
- 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 placed on the Kalash and then donated to a Brahmin.
- Devotees observe a fast by abstaining from both food and water.
- Perform the Shodashopachar Puja, a detailed sixteen-step worship process that includes various offerings and rituals.
Varaha Jayanti is a day to honor the divine intervention of Lord Vishnu in his Varaha avatar. It reminds us of the eternal battle between good and evil and the assurance that righteousness will always prevail.