Varaha Jayanti 2025, Date, Time, Significance and Celebrations

Varaha Jayanti marks the birth of Lord Varaha, the third avatar of Vishnu. In 2025, it falls on 25th August, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.

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Context: Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane urged the State government to celebrate August 25 as ‘Varaha Jayanti’ with cultural and religious events, lectures in schools, and inclusion in textbooks.

What is Varaha Jayanti?

Incarnation: Marks the birth of Varaha, the third avatar of Lord Vishnu (boar form).
Mythological significance: Vishnu as Varaha lifted the Earth (Bhudevi) from the cosmic ocean after it was submerged by the demon Hiranyaksha.
Symbolism: Represents the victory of good over evil and the restoration of cosmic order.
Celebration: Involves pujas, bhajans, discourses, and rituals dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Date: Observed on Shukla Paksha Tritiya (third day of the bright fortnight) in the month of Bhadrapada (usually August/September).

Lord Vishnu as Varaha Avatar

The story of Lord Vishnu’s Varaha avatar is a foundation of Hindu cosmology. The story describes the conceit and power of the demon Hiranyaksha, who, filled with a boon, pushed Bhudevi into the depths, upsetting the fragile harmony of the universe. To reinstate order and save creation, Lord Vishnu took the form of a gigantic boar, a symbol of unbridled power and unshakeable resolve.

This divine boar, whose powerful tusks shone forth, plunged into the cosmic waters and fought a legendary duel with Hiranyaksha. Defeating the demon after a long and fierce battle, Lord Varaha rescued the Earth from its watery confinement. In a magnificent achievement, he raised Bhudevi on his tusks, restoring her tenderly to her proper position, thereby redeeming all of creation from possible destruction. This act of heroism represents the victory of goodness over evil and the divine resolve towards maintaining the universe

Significance and Celebrations of Varaha Jayanti

Varaha Jayanti is of profound religious significance to believers. It is a day to worship the Earth’s protector and pray for stability, prosperity, and the elimination of barriers. The festival is an opportunity to be reminded of the importance of righteousness and the firm conviction that all good would ultimately triumph over evil forces.

Devotees keep fasts and perform special rituals on this auspicious day to worship Lord Varaha. Temples where Lord Vishnu, particularly he who is worshipped as Varaha, is esteemed have special pujas, abhishekams, and prayers. The Varaha Purana and mantras are read and chanted.

Special food, flowers, and fruits are offered by devotees as an expression of devotion. In most locations, grand festivities and communal banquets are held, uniting people in a shared sense of religious belief and cultural heritage. The festival is both a devotional celebration and a philosophical call to mind about the role of the human being as a guardian of the earth.